The Best Classical Music Venues in Zagreb, Croatia
Starting with the Zagreb Music School – now the Academy of Music – formed in 1829, the Croatian capital has been passionately involved in classical music for a long time. Richard Strauss was one of many renowned conductors to appear at the Croatian National Theatre after it opened in 1895. Today’s main venue for major orchestras is the Lisinski, named after the creator of Croatia’s first opera. Here are some of the best classical music venues in Zagreb.
1. Croatian National Theatre
Obviously a major showcase for drama, as its name suggests, the Croatian National Theatre has always been a regular host of much-loved opera. A look at the agenda for December 2017 reveals several performances of Puccini’s ‘La Bohème’ directed by renowned Frenchman Arnaud Bernard. The setting couldn’t be better – an architectural confectionery from the Habsburg era, unveiled in the presence of Emperor Franz Josef himself in 1895. Richard Strauss is one of several legendary names to have performed here.
Croatian National Theatre, Trg Republike Hrvatske 15, Zagreb, Croatia, +385 1 4888 488
2. Lisinski
Croatia’s most illustrious showcase for (mainly) musical performances, the Lisinski is named after the short-lived composer who created Croatia’s first opera in 1846. Just over a century later, work began on this modern arena. It opened in 1973 and has been used for classical music, opera, and ballet. For 2017, a wide range of entertainment were and will still be staged here – from authentic Portuguese fado to the Budapest Festival Orchestra, and from an organ recital to a play about authoress Marija Jurić Zagorka. The main hall holds nearly 2,000 seats, the smaller one is at 300.
Vatroslav Lisinski, Trg Stjepana Radića 4, Zagreb, Croatia, +385 1 6121 111
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bb1YCJlnorS/?tagged=lisinskizagreb
3. Mimara Museum
Museum, School
The Mimara is an ornate Habsburg-era gallery containing Croatia’s finest collection of Dutch and Spanish Masters, among many others. It’s also an atmospheric setting for the annual Musica Maxima festival held in September. Four evenings of virtuoso violin performances and piano recitals feature top international talent, and bring to fore up-and-coming Croatian artists and composers.
Mimara Museum, Rooseveltov trg 5, Zagreb, Croatia, +385 1 4828 100
5. University of Zagreb Academy of Music
Music Venue, University, School
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.