Osor Music Festival Celebrates 51st Edition with International Artists

The Osor Music Festival in the historic town of Osor on the island of Cres opened its 51st edition on 20 July. The opening concert was led by violinist Stefan Milenković and violoncellist Monika Leskovar, featuring Mendelssohn’s String Octet in E‑flat, Boris Papandopol’s Sinfonietta for string orchestra and a pre‑premiere of Zoran Juranić’s piece “Mjesec nad Osorom”. Croatian Minister of Culture Nina Obuljen Koržinek praised the festival’s origins, founded by Danijel Marušić five decades ago, and highlighted its role in promoting Croatian musical heritage.

The program includes performances by Grammy‑nominated British vocal ensemble VOCES8, pianist Alexander Gadjiev, and the celebrated pianist Ivo Pogorelić, who will appear on 20 August. New additions this year feature the Berliner Nonett, a nine‑musician ensemble from leading European orchestras, and the guitar trio Elogio. The festival continues to attract tourists who plan annual visits to the island, while the founders’ grandchildren look to the future of the event.

Overall, the festival offers a mix of classical works, contemporary compositions, and Mediterranean opera, underscoring Osor’s reputation as a vibrant cultural hub.