From August 23 to 31, 2025, Samobor will once again host the Youngmasters Festival, one of the most dynamic music-educational events in the region, bringing together young musicians, renowned pedagogues, top performers, and a diverse audience in search of inspiration, learning, and musical experience.
The Festival builds on the 14th International Summer School of Young Musicians, which this year brings together as many as 15 lecturers across 8 instruments, as well as an exciting new music-theatre project. Among the festival’s rich concert program, we highlight the events that will undoubtedly capture the audience’s attention.
Master Concert: Deux Arts
Saturday, August 23, 8:00 PM
Church of St. Leonard, Kotari
The festival will be formally opened by the extraordinary duo Deux Arts, consisting of clarinetist Radovan Cavallin and cellist Jelena Očić – both artists with impressive international careers. Their program bridges different eras and styles – from classical forms to contemporary rhythms and tango music.
The concert takes place in the Church of St. Leonard in Kotari, one of the most beautiful churches in the Samobor area. The hall-like interior, rich baroque details, and complete inventory provide a magical atmosphere which, combined with excellent acoustics, offers the audience a powerful musical experience.
Grand Concert – Piano Marathon in the Heart of Zagreb
Wednesday, August 27, 7:00 PM
Stančić Hall, Academy of Music, Zagreb
The only Zagreb evening in the “Concerts of Excellence” series presents three piano concertos on two grand pianos – performances not to be missed and a sight worth remembering!
Mozart, Chopin, and Rachmaninoff concertos, demanding both virtuosity and musical maturity, will be performed by Mara Spitz, Nikola Garić, and Marija Topić – this year’s participants of Aljoša Jurinić’s masterclass. The audience will also enjoy shorter solo programs by three excellent young pianists from Denmark.
Musical Theatre Songs – A New Theatrical Dimension of Youngmasters
Saturday, August 30, 2025, 8:00 PM
Balagovi Dvori, Lug Center
A highlight of this year’s program is the project The Complete Interpretation of the Musical Song, led by renowned artist Renata Sabljak. Through a five-day masterclass with young singers and actors, supported by Stjepan Vuger and Sofija Cingula, a music-theatre concert emerges with exceptional performance energy and emotional depth.
Young singers will perform songs from various musicals, with a focus on Broadway classics from the 1920s.
The concert will be held at Balagovi Dvori Palace in Lug Samoborski, whose historical charm and natural surroundings provide a unique atmosphere for a music-theatre performance. The venue is part of the Lug Education and Training Center, a social care institution providing services and primary and secondary education for children and youth with developmental difficulties. By choosing this location, the Festival aims to support the Center’s important social role and contribute to greater visibility of this valuable institution.
Quisando – Music Quiz with Aljoša Jurinić
Thursday, August 28, 8:00 PM
Old Nick’s Pub
The popular music pub quiz Quisando brings together curious music enthusiasts of all ages, regardless of musical background. The quiz master is renowned pianist and Summer School lecturer Aljoša Jurinić. Witty and cleverly designed questions often leave musicians stumped while offering non-musicians the chance to shine with their general knowledge.
Concerts of Excellence
Over 90 participants of this year’s Youngmasters Summer School will be honing their skills daily under the guidance of top lecturers in both individual lessons and chamber ensembles. Their achievements will be shared with audiences through the “Concerts of Excellence.”
- Concertino Classico – Gallery Prica, Sunday, August 24, 7:30 PM
Performances by masterclass participants in cello and clarinet led by Jelena Očić and Radovan Cavallin. - Open Window Concert – Summer Stage MMA, Monday, August 25, 5:00 PM
Piano students from Professor Ivanka Kordić’s class will showcase their progress. - Moment Musical – Gallery Prica, Tuesday, August 26, 7:30 PM
A sparkling musical moment featuring young saxophonists from Lovro Merčep’s masterclass, joined by students of Ivana Črnjak’s accordion class. - Tea Time Concert – Gallery Prica, Thursday, August 28, 5:00 PM
A showcase of very young violinists who attended Professor Merle’s ten-day Summer School. - Twilight Concert – Gallery Prica, Thursday, August 28, 6:00 PM
A dusk performance for piano lovers, featuring all nine students of Aljoša Jurinić’s masterclass. - Le concert du Matin – Gallery Prica, Saturday, August 30, 11:30 AM
A morning concert marking the conclusion of the musical journey for young flutists from Marko Zupan’s class. They will be joined by guitar students from Petar Čulić’s and Lovro Peretić’s seminars, as well as the Guitar Chamber Orchestra under the direction of Petra Stojaković. - Concerto Finale – Gallery Prica, Sunday, August 31, 11:15 AM
The grand finale of the Festival: a splendid celebration of young string virtuosos, participants of Marco Graziani’s and Gal Faganel’s masterclasses.
The successful performances of young soloists, guided by outstanding lecturers, will be further enhanced by the brilliant piano accompaniment of Željka Vojvoda, Sven Brajković, and Fabijan Koščak.
Tickets
Admission to all Youngmasters Festival concerts is free. Seats can be reserved via the provided link.
