Zagreb Classic 2025: World-class music under the stars returns to the capital

Zagreb Classic (Photo credit: M. Gašparović)

ZAGREB – One of the capital’s most cherished summer events, Zagreb Classic, will once again transform King Tomislav Square into an open-air concert venue.

Organised by the Zagreb Tourist Board (TZGZ), the City of Zagreb, and partners, the festival promises eight unforgettable nights of free classical music under the stars from 19 June to 2 July 2025.

Since its inception in 2016, Zagreb Classic has become a beloved staple in the city’s cultural calendar, drawing both local and international audiences.

The event combines high-quality classical performances with the unique ambience of Zagreb’s historic open spaces.

“This event has become an essential part of Zagreb’s cultural offering during the summer,” said Mayor Tomislav Tomašević. “Tomislavac will once again become a stage under the stars, filled with the sounds of some of the world’s most beautiful classical works. I invite everyone to come and enjoy this free festival, which is open to all generations.”

This year’s festival will open on 19 June with a grand performance by acclaimed opera stars Francesco Meli and Serena Gamberoni, accompanied by the Zagreb Philharmonic Orchestra.

The diverse programme will also feature:

• The Croatian Radiotelevision Symphony and Jazz Orchestras

• The ensemble of Zagreb’s Komedija Theatre

• A musical fairy tale performance of Peter and the Wolf by Sergei Prokofiev

• Celebrated violinist and conductor Julian Rachlin performing as both soloist and maestro

In celebration of the 200th anniversary of Johann Strauss II, the “Waltz King”, a cinematic rendition of his operetta Cervantes—produced by Theater an der Wien—will be screened on 27 June in collaboration with the Austrian Cultural Forum.

(Photo: Julien Duval/Zagreb Tourist Board)

A festival highlight will be the world premiere of Anno Domini 925. King Tomislav, an oratorio composed by Matej Meštrović to mark the 1,100th anniversary of the Croatian Kingdom.

This closing performance on 2 July will feature the orchestra and choir of the Croatian National Theatre (HNK) in Zagreb, joined by a choir from the United States under the baton of American conductor Jonathan Griffith.

A total of 233 musicians from Croatia and the US will take part in this symbolic finale celebrating both national heritage and international cooperation.

All concerts are scheduled to begin at 21:00, except the Vienna Music Film Festival screening, which starts at 20:30. In addition to local talent, performers from Italy, Lithuania, and the United States will take part.

Full details and the complete programme are available on www.infozagreb.hr/zagreb-classic and in printed brochures at Zagreb Visitor Centres. In case of adverse weather, performances may be rescheduled or cancelled, depending on the conditions.