New Music Academy Officially Opened in Zagreb

The President of Croatia and the Mayor of Zagreb have officially opened the brand new Music Academy building in Croatia’s capital on Tuesday…

Located opposite the iconic Croatian National Theatre (HNK), the opening of the Music Academy signifies a historic day for the country, Mayor Milan Bandić said.

“This is a historic day. this was dreamed about long before us, this is a civilised step forward for the Croatian capital,” Zagreb’s Mayor said at Tuesday’s official opening ceremony.

Music Academy Deccan Dalibor Cikojević compared the opening to that of the Croatian National Theatre 120 years ago.

“This building was the dream of all those who were in my position before me, and today I can say that ‘we have our building’ and I thank all of Croatia for that,” said Cikojević.

Croatia’s President Ivo Josipović, who both graduated and lectured at the Zagreb Music Academy, said he is “proud and happy” because “Croatian music today is entering a new era.”

“I’m sure that music life in Zagreb and Croatia will gain new momentum, that many young people at the beginning of their career, will find a good base and a real solid foundation in that building,” said the President.

The new building is designed by architect Milan Šosterič, and covers 12,000 square metres of space on 8 floors and 2 underground levels. The Music Academy currently has over 150 full-time employees and more than 550 students.