Zagreb's cultural scene will soon be enriched by another edition of the esteemed music event that celebrates the freedom of improvisation and the richness of jazz expression. Fans of sophisticated harmonies and rhythmic bravuras eagerly await the spring part of the JazzHR festival, an event that has been shaping and promoting jazz music in Croatia for decades, bringing together top domestic and international artists. This musical gathering, organized by the Croatian Composers' Society, has become an unmissable point on the cultural map of the city of Zagreb and the entire region.

Musical Oasis in the Heart of Zagreb: Tvornica Kulture

The epicenter of the upcoming jazz vibrations will be Tvornica Kulture, a well-known Zagreb gathering place for lovers of urban culture and quality music. Located in the wider city center, Tvornica has long outgrown its function as an ordinary concert venue. It has become a symbol of the alternative and independent scene, a place where different artistic forms and generations meet. Its industrial aesthetics and excellent acoustics provide the ideal ambiance for the intimate yet energetic jazz performances expected at the JazzHR festival. From May 14th to 16th, the stage of the Veliki Pogon (Big Hall) at Tvornica Kulture will host a diverse array of jazz musicians, offering the audience three evenings filled with top-notch music.

A Tradition Spanning More Than Three Decades

The JazzHR festival proudly holds the title of one of the longest-running jazz festivals in Croatia. Launched way back in 1991, it has gone through various phases and several name changes, but its fundamental mission has remained unchanged: strengthening and promoting the Croatian jazz scene through encounters between domestic musicians and colleagues from abroad. Through its spring and autumn editions, the festival has hosted an impressive number of over two thousand performers over the years. This platform serves not only to present musical achievements but also to foster collaboration, exchange ideas, and create a sense of community within the jazz collective, as emphasized by the organizers from the Croatian Composers' Society. The festival has thus become a key player in the development and visibility of jazz in Croatia.

Spring Program: A Meeting of Different Jazz Worlds

This year's spring edition of the festival brings the audience a carefully curated program that connects different generations and styles within contemporary jazz.

First Evening (May 14th): From Berlin to the Balkans

The festival will be opened by the Mirna Bogdanović Group. Mirna Bogdanović, a singer and composer of Slovenian origin based in Berlin, is recognized for her unique blend of jazz, film music, and elements of Slavic musical tradition. Her group brings together top musicians from the European scene, and their performance promises an emotional and sophisticated musical journey. The same evening, the stage will be taken over by the dynamic Obradović & Tixier Duo. This French-Serbian project brings together drummer Srđan Obradović and pianist David Tixier, creating an energetic fusion of modern jazz, electronica, and Balkan rhythms. Their interaction on stage is known for its virtuosity and unpredictability. The evening will be rounded off by Tilie, a young Croatian musician who stands out as a new hope on the domestic scene, bringing freshness and an authentic approach to music.

Second Evening (May 15th): Domestic Forces and Czech Winds

The central day of the festival is reserved for two exceptional ensembles. From Croatia comes the Maja Rivić Quintet. Singer and composer Maja Rivić, together with her quintet composed of prominent Croatian jazz musicians, will present her original material that explores different nuances of contemporary jazz, often interwoven with lyrical and introspective themes. After them, the audience can expect a performance by the Štěpánka Balcarová Quartet from the Czech Republic. Trumpeter and composer Štěpánka Balcarová is one of the leading figures of the Czech jazz scene, known for her melodic compositions and the refined sound of the quartet that blends tradition and modern influences.

Third Evening (May 16th): Vocal Bravuras and Austrian Groove

The final evening of the festival brings real vocal and instrumental fireworks. Slovenian singer Nina Strnad will perform with her Jazz Band. Nina Strnad is considered one of the most talented jazz vocalists of the younger generation in the region, and her performance is characterized by technical perfection and emotional interpretation of jazz standards and original songs. A real treat of the evening will be the performance by Thane Alexa. This Grammy-nominated American singer of Croatian descent is known for her innovative approach to jazz, which includes elements of pop, electronica, and world music, along with impressive use of loopers and vocal effects. Her performance will surely be one of the highlights of the festival. To conclude, the Austrian band Niklouds will present their energetic blend of jazz, funk, and soul, ensuring the audience a dynamic and danceable end to this year's spring JazzHR festival.

The Jazz Pulse of Croatia

The JazzHR festival is just one, albeit extremely important, part of the broader picture of the Croatian jazz scene. In recent years, we have witnessed an increasing number of quality musicians, clubs, and festivals dedicated to this genre. From established names to young hopes like Tilie, Croatian jazz shows vitality and diversity. Cities like Zagreb, Rijeka, Split, and Osijek have their own jazz communities that, despite challenges, continuously work on promoting and developing this music. Events like JazzHR are crucial for connecting this scene, providing a platform for performances, and encouraging international collaboration, which in the long run contributes to the quality and visibility of Croatian jazz in Europe and the world.

Planning a Visit to Zagreb for the Festival?

Coming to the JazzHR festival can be a great opportunity to explore Zagreb. The city offers a wide range of accommodation options for all tastes and budgets. Near Tvornica Kulture, located in the wider city center (Šubićeva Street), numerous apartments and several hotels are available. Visitors who prefer to stay in the very heart of the city, around Ban Jelačić Square or the Upper Town, will also have no problem getting to Tvornica, given the good public transport connections, especially by tram. Besides apartments and hotels, Zagreb also offers hostels for those on a smaller budget. It is recommended to book accommodation in advance, especially during the spring months when the city is bustling with events. Staying in Zagreb during the festival provides an opportunity not only to enjoy top-notch music but also to discover the rich cultural offerings, gastronomy, and charm of the Croatian metropolis.