Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb named International Opera Awards finalist

The Croatian National Theatre (HNK) in Zagreb has been named one of six finalists for the 2026 International Opera Awards in the Opera Company category. The institution joins other prominent nominees, including the Atlanta Opera, English National Opera, Hamburgische Staatsoper, Opéra de Lyon, and Teatro Real in Madrid.

International Opera Awards founder Harry Hyman established the awards in 2012 to recognize exceptional artistic and institutional achievements in opera. The finalists were selected by an international jury of critics and professionals led by John Allison, editor of Opera Magazine with Opera News. The winners will be announced on November 21 at the MusikTheater an der Wien in Vienna.

Iva Hraste-Sočo, the director of HNK Zagreb, stated that the nomination is a significant recognition of the entire institution, its artists, and employees. She noted that being alongside leading opera houses from London, Madrid, Hamburg, Lyon, and Atlanta confirms the theatre's artistic direction and its commitment to international cooperation and co-productions.