55th Varaždin Baroque Evenings
From 19 September to 30 September Croatia / Varaždin
The 55th Varaždin Baroque Evenings (55. Varaždinske barokne večeri) is a landmark celebration of early music, taking place from September 19 to 30, 2025. This year’s jubilee edition is uniquely dedicated to the festival’s previous partner countries, spotlighting the extensive international collaborations that have shaped its storied legacy.
Founded in 1971, the Varaždin Baroque Evenings has grown from a modest three-day music festival into one of the world’s premier events specializing in Baroque and early music. It remains the most significant musical and stage festival in central Croatia, rooted deeply in the region’s cultural identity.
Under the permanent patronage of the President of Croatia and designated as a national festival by the Ministry of Culture over two decades ago, it underscores both national pride and artistic excellence.
During the 2025 edition, audiences can look forward to:
During the 2025 edition, audiences can look forward to:
- Thirty concerts, including 20 in Varaždin and 9 in surrounding towns across northwestern Croatia—emphasizing the festival's regional reach.
- Performances by musicians from 17 different countries, reflecting the extraordinary international scope and prestige of this year’s lineup.
- A rich and varied program, showcasing both international early music ensembles and dedicated performances of Croatian baroque works—performed in authentic venues such as cathedrals, castles, and historical palaces.
- A complementary Total Baroque program, offering related cultural experiences like exhibitions, conferences, recitals, and more—bridging the realms of music, scholarship, and heritage.
- A stellar opening: Il Giardino Armonico, led by celebrated conductor Giovanni Antonini with the world-renowned mandolinist Avi Avital, will perform works by A. Ivančić, G. Paisiello, A. Vivaldi, and J.S. Bach.
The 55th Varaždin Baroque Evenings marks not just an anniversary, but a bold affirmation of the festival’s longstanding commitment to artistic integrity, international exchange, and the vibrant preservation of Croatian and European Baroque heritage.
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