Lovers of classical music, ballet, theatre and opera will be in seventh heaven at this year’s Croatian cultural extravaganza – the Dubrovnik Summer Festival.
Laying claim to being the oldest cultural festival in Croatia – it started in 1950 – this year’s event will take place between 10 July and 25 August, with a host of programmes, presentations and events to suit all styles. Dubrovnik – located on Croatia’s southern tip – will decorate its winding streets with ribbons and throw open its famous churches and outdoor venues to allow visitors to make the most of the beauty of the Baroque city.
The cultural events of the festival will see music, theatre, dance and folklore event taking place at a range of arts venues, such as the Dubrovnik Art School, and temporary venues, such as stages in Bošković Square, set up throughout the city. International performers and local Croatians will take to the stages to wow visitors – whose numbers are increasing year on year.
The spectacular opening ceremony takes place in the square located in front of Sponza Palace, where actors dressed up in the traditional clothing of Dubrovnik aristocrats of yesteryear perform skits telling of the city’s history. There will also be a convert to mark the festival’s opening, with music from the Zagreb Philharmonic.
Other performances including classic concerts from the renowned violinist Vadim Repin and the guitarist Pepe Romero, who will be delighting listeners at the base of the circular Minčeta Fort, as well as in front of the baroque Church of St Blaise.
The Munich Philharmonic Soloists and the chamber ensemble La Scala Archi Scaligeri will also be hitting the high notes at this year’s event. Outdoor film nights being held at the open air cinema Jadran, along with photography exhibitions showcasing the work of professional and amateur snappers.
Away from the festival’s vibrant offerings, Dubrovnik has much else to offer the holidaymaker. TNT magazine recently extolled the city’s virtues, from its architecture to its buzzing nightlife and dining scene. The magazine ranked Dubrovnik’s Old Town area as an absolute must-see on any Croatian holiday, for its iconic walls and picture-perfect harbour.
It seems Hollywood has got in on the Dubrovnik dream too – actress Ashley Judd started filming her new TV series Missing in the ancient city earlier this month. Judd plays a concerned mother desperately seeking her missing son in the series, which will continue filming on the Croatian island of Hvar over the next few weeks.
Visit www.dubrovnik-festival.hr to read more about this year’s festival and to pick up your tickets. See the website for the latest ticket prices – which are cheaper if you book online.
