The fourth edition of the International Zagreb Opera Festival, taking place from 11 to 20 September 2026, confirms the Festival’s position as one of the fastest-growing new festivals in the European operatic landscape. In a relatively short period of time, the Festival has evolved into a recognised international meeting point for opera houses, artists and audiences, positioning Zagreb as a relevant point of reference for contemporary European operatic exchange.
The Festival is organised by the Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb, a theatre with a long-standing operatic tradition and a strong international reputation, whose artists and productions have made notable appearances on leading European and international opera stages. It is precisely this artistic and institutional strength that provides the foundation for the development of a festival of such international reach.
In 2026, the Festival will be presented across three venues for the first time: the main stage in the historic building of the Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb, the theatre foyer, and the new HNK 2 stage. This expansion further broadens the Festival’s programme and creates space for diverse performance formats, as well as an even more direct dialogue with audiences.
The Festival will open with a spectacular production of Aida, a co-production of the Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb, Teatro Massimo in Palermo, and the Csokonai National Theatre in Debrecen, powerfully underscoring international collaboration as one of the Festival’s central programme pillars.
Throughout the Festival, Zagreb audiences will have the opportunity to experience major opera productions from Croatia, alongside guest performances by renowned opera houses from Poland, Spain, France and other European countries, as well as a range of accompanying programmes: artist talks, meetings with creative teams, and educational content that further deepens the audience’s engagement with opera.
The Festival will conclude with a grand gala concert featuring international opera stars on 20 September 2026, bringing the festival programme to a symbolic close. The concert will take place on the stage of the Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb, with a live broadcast on the square in front of the Theatre, opening opera to a wider audience and forging a strong connection with the urban fabric of the city.
FESTIVAL TICKET INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING PERFOMANCES:
11 September 2026 at 7.30 p.m.
Festival Opening Ceremony
Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb
Giuseppe Verdi: Aida
Conductor: Pier Giorgio Morandi
Stage Director: Mario Pontiggia
14 September 2026 at 7.30 p.m.
Polish Royal Opera (Polska Opera Królewska)
Gioachino Rossini: L’Italiana in Algeri
Conductor: Dawid Runtz
Stage Director: Jitka Stokalska
15 September 2026 at 7.30 p.m.
Croatian Baroque Ensemble, Vocal Ensemble Cantoría (Spain) and Chamber Choir
John Blow: Venus and Adonis
Conductor: Jorge Losana
Performers: Inés Alonso (Venus), Lluís Arratia (Adonis), Lucija Varšić (Cupid)
17 September 2026 at 6 p.m.
Slovene National Theatre Maribor
Léo Delibes: Lakmé
Conductor: Mojca Lavrenčič
Stage Director: Pier Francesco Maestrini
