Summer in Zagreb begins with music – Zagreb Classic starts on June 19th! Here’s what’s waiting for us

Summer calendar just didn’t arrive, and Zagreb again turns into an outdoor stage. One of the most anticipated cultural events of the summer, Zagreb Classic, returns to King Tomislav Square and brings top concert evenings. It will be a blend of classical music, the ambience under the clear sky and spells of summer in the heart of the city. With a rich program and performances of top musicians, this festival has become an indispensable part of the Zagreb Summer atmosphere – a place where art meets citizens and tourists. It is this blend of music, architecture and open space that is Zagreb Classic one of the most attractive cultural events in the region, which has been organized since 2016 and has been enjoying the cult status since then, which is confirmed from year to year.
Of June 19 to July 2 Zagreb residents and tourists will have a unique opportunity to listen to the refined sounds of classic music.
– The Zagreb Classic event has become an indispensable part of Zagreb’s cultural offer during the summer and is a symbol of citizens’ meetings with top outdoor music. This year, Tomislavac will become a musical stage under the stars, and the space in front of the artistic pavilion will be revived again with the sounds of the most beautiful works of classical music, thanks to numerous domestic and international artists – said Zagreb Mayor Tomislav Tomasevic at the presentation of the program and invited everyone to visit the free Zagreb Classic.

Photo: Tourist Board of the City of Zagreb

Martina Bienenfeld, Director of TZGZ-And, she stated that the « Zagreb Classic Festival also brings the top open-air program this year ».
– As part of the festival, we also mark the 200th anniversary of the birth of the ‘Johann Strauss’ King ‘of the Waltz’, and I would particularly single out the performance of the oratory ‘Anno Domini 925. King Tomislav’ by Matej Meštrović, on the occasion of the 1100th anniversary of the Croatian Kingdom – said Bienenfeld.

Outstanding music experience

The opening evening Zagreb Classic June 19 reserved JFor an outstanding musical experience – performance of the celebrated Italian tenor Francesca Meli, accompanied by the Zagreb Philharmonic Orchestra under the direction of Maestro Carl Bernini.

Francesco Meli |

Photo: TZGZ

Along with him will also feature Sopranica Serena Gamberoni, Mezzo -soprano Floriana Cicio and Bariton Nicola Zambon, in a program that promises a true open -air opera magic. On Monday, June 30, another musical treat awaits the audience – a concert of a recognized violinist and conductor Julian Rachlin, with the Zagreb Philharmonic Orchestra.
The program stands out in particular Wednesday, July 2, when the performance of the work « Anno Domini 925 – King Tomislav », dedicated to the symbolic and historical figure, was scheduled for the host of the festival.

Matej Meštrović on the piano and conductor Jonathan Griffith |

Photo: TZGZ

The work is performed by the Orchestra and the Opera of the Croatian National Theater in Zagreb, with the guest appearance of the Jonathan Griffith Singers ensemble. The piano will feature composer and pianist Matej Meštrović, and will be conducted by Maestro Jonathan Griffith.

No little ones have been forgotten

The organizers also thought of the youngest. Through interactive concerts and film screenings, the little ones will have the opportunity to get to know the world of classic music in a affordable, fun and educational way. On Wednesday, June 25, the program is on the music story « Growing up with music – Peter and Wolf », performed by the Zagreb Philharmonic Orchestra under the direction of conductor Audrey Saint-Gil. In the role of the narrator, Filip Vidovic performs, who will bring the fairy tale closer to the youngest. It is the work of Sergei Prokofiev on the boy Peter and his adventures with animals and wolf. With the help of this work, children can learn to recognize the orchestra instruments and enter into the wonderful world of classical music.

Screening of an animated classic Walt Disney: « Fantasy », within the Vienna Music Festival, is on the program on June 29.

Photo: David Bohmann

This legendary film, which combines animation and symphonic music, is an ideal opportunity for children to step into the world of music art through the visual magic.

Entering all programs is freeand the atmosphere relaxed and approachable – perfect for families, romantic evenings, cultural curious and lovers of the music of all ages. On the lawn in front of the artistic pavilion under the clear sky, with the ambient lighting and the noise of the city in the background, Zagreb Classic creates a special experience that goes beyond the concert hall.