PHOTOS: Opening of Croatia’s second largest concert hall
- by croatiaweek
- in Entertainment
(Photo: Grad Osijek)
With a concert by the Croatian Radio and Television Symphony Orchestra and pianist Konstantin Krasnitsky, conducted by the French maestro Pascal Rophé, Osijek’s first-ever concert hall, and the second largest in Croatia was officially opened on Friday evening.
The hall is named after Franjo Krežma, a renowned violinist and composer from Osijek who made his mark in the second half of the 19th century.
Covering an area of around 1,000 square metres and with more than 400 seats, it was built according to the latest standards and requirements for concert hall construction.
The opening ceremony was attended by the Mayor of Osijek, Ivan Radić, the Minister of Culture and Media, Nina Obuljen Koržinek, Deputy Prefect of Osijek-Baranja County, Josip Miletić, Director of the Osijek Cultural Centre, Ivan Kristijan Majić, and numerous other guests.
(Photo: Grad Osijek)
Osijek’s Mayor, Ivan Radić, called this a historic moment for the city, emphasising that the new concert hall will play a key role in shaping the cultural, social, and economic life of Osijek.
(Photo: Grad Osijek)
“Through its events and support for local artists, the hall will be a driving force for economic development, social connection, education, and the promotion of our city’s identity. Music is a universal language understood by all, a language that connects people, and this hall will be the place where that language is spoken, loud and clear,” said Mayor Radić in his speech.
He expressed his gratitude to the Government of the Republic of Croatia, the Ministry of Culture and Media, and the Ministry of Regional Development and EU Funds, which supported the project and provided the necessary funding for the completion of the hall.
(Photo: Grad Osijek)
“The total cost of the work exceeded €1.7 million. I’d like to thank the architect and all the contractors who created this beautiful space. The oak and fir wood surrounding us leave no one indifferent. I hope the hall proudly carries the name of Osijek’s most famous 19th-century artist and that his legacy and talent inspire future generations,” added Mayor Radić.
Director of the Osijek Cultural Centre, Ivan Kristijan Majić, highlighted that the significance of the hall lies not just in its beauty, but in the concerts that will be held there, the festivals it will host, and the world-class musicians who will perform and leave with fond memories of Osijek.
(Photo: Osijek.hr)
Deputy Prefect Josip Miletić congratulated the Mayor and his team for realising the project, pointing out that the Government of the Republic of Croatia recognised the importance of building this concert hall.
“Osijek-Baranja County supports all cultural initiatives in our city and throughout eastern Croatia, and I’m confident this hall will be a success. Let’s continue in this direction, and may the hall serve generations of Osijek residents with pride for years to come. Let’s enjoy the evening,” said Miletić.
Minister of Culture and Media, Nina Obuljen Koržinek, expressed her happiness and pride at the event. “As soon as the Mayor proposed this investment, we decided to support the city. The Ministry of Culture and Media and the Ministry of Regional Development funded the completion of this hall, and now, alongside the Lisinski Concert Hall, we have a new venue with modern equipment and excellent acoustics. The hall was full, the concert was fantastic, and I’m truly excited,” said the Minister after the concert.
(Photo: Osijek.hr)
She also mentioned that the city of Osijek has received significant financial support to launch a music programme cycle.
“I’m delighted that the Mayor mentioned that season tickets are almost sold out, which suggests Osijek is embarking on an exciting new path in the world of music, with this hall and everything that will happen here,” she added.
The grand opening of the hall spans two days. The programme on 27 September, conducted by Pascal Rophé, featured Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2 in C Minor, Stravinsky’s “Firebird” orchestral suite, and Franjo Krežma’s “Scherzino.”
(Photo: Grad Osijek)
The following day, the vocal ensemble Brevis will perform works by Boris Papandopulo and Dalibor Bukvić, as well as premiere pieces by Croatian composers Tomislav Uhlik, Bruno Vlahek, and Davor Dedić, written on the theme of Branko Mihaljević, dedicated to the ensemble, and specially composed for the opening of the new concert hall.
