The Varaždin Baroque Evenings represent the pinnacle of cultural life in northern Croatia every autumn, and this year, for the 54th time, the city of Varaždin becomes the center of baroque music in Europe. The festival, which takes place from September 20th to October 2nd, 2024, features Portugal as the partner country, further emphasizing the international dimension of this significant event. This year, the audience will enjoy a rich program that includes 15 concerts in Varaždin and an additional ten performances in the surrounding towns.

The partnership with Portugal brings numerous exciting musical projects, including a performance by the renowned Portuguese orchestra Orquestra Barroca Casa da Musica under the direction of celebrated conductor Laurence Cummings. At the festival's opening ceremony, this ensemble, along with the Croatian Radio Television Choir, will perform Bach's Magnificat, and as a special soloist, soprano Sara Braga Simões will make her Croatian debut.

It is particularly interesting that, in addition to the musical program, the festival will offer various cultural activities under the name Total Baroque. Visitors will be able to enjoy Portuguese cultural heritage, including performances by fado musicians, as well as tastings of authentic Portuguese wines and delicacies. This rich accompanying program will be hosted in the courtyard of the Sermage Palace, where the Portuguese corner will be transformed into a small part of Lisbon, offering a unique experience of Portuguese culture in the heart of Varaždin.

This year, the festival also places a special emphasis on visual arts, with a series of exhibitions featuring Portuguese themes taking place during the Varaždin Baroque Evenings. The city of Varaždin and the city of Guimarães, which is hosting this year's Portuguese musicians, have been collaborating for some time, and this partnership further strengthens the cultural ties between the two cities. The director of the Varaždin Concert Office, Raymond Rojnik, emphasized that this will be an opportunity to showcase Portuguese baroque music, as well as to deepen the friendship between Croatia and Portugal.

The Varaždin Baroque Evenings festival is not just a musical event; it becomes a cultural bridge between different nations, and the collaboration with Portugal opens doors not only for musical but also for broader cultural exchange. The audience will have the chance to see performances by more than 25 Portuguese musicians and ensembles performing authentic works from the rich Portuguese baroque repertoire. Various workshops and lectures on baroque music have also been announced, which will further enrich the visitor experience.

With the support of the Ministry of Culture, the City of Varaždin, and numerous sponsors, the Varaždin Baroque Evenings continue to strengthen their status as one of the most prestigious early music festivals in Europe year after year. Thanks to the exceptional quality of the program and long-standing continuity, the festival has become an essential event for baroque music lovers, not only from Croatia but from all over the world.

This special blend of music, art, and culture makes the Varaždin Baroque Evenings a unique event that attracts more and more visitors each year. For those who wish to experience authentic baroque music and enjoy Portuguese culture, this is an opportunity not to be missed. Over the course of the festival's ten days, Varaždin will become a true cultural oasis celebrating the beauty of baroque and cultural diversity.

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