Dubrovnik Summer Festival: Medea and Equinox Return
The festival's August lineup features sold-out theatrical hits, a concert by the Dubrovnik Symphony Orchestra, and a celebratory performance by Philharmonix.
The festival's August lineup features sold-out theatrical hits, a concert by the Dubrovnik Symphony Orchestra, and a celebratory performance by Philharmonix.
The Dubrovnik Summer Festival enters an exciting August phase with the return of two iconic productions that marked recent seasons, along with a series of top-tier musical events. The program, set in unique historical locations, blends dramatic excellence with concert virtuosity, reaffirming the festival's status as Croatia's central cultural event.
After winning over both audiences and critics, the play Medea returns to the Lovrjenac Fortress, running from August 7 to 9, 2026. All performances are already sold out. This powerful production was created in a major co-production between the Dubrovnik Summer Festival, Croatian National Theatre Varaždin, and Slovenian National Theatre Maribor.
Directed by one of Europe's most prominent directors, Martin Kušej, it is performed by the Festival Drama Ensemble. The title role is played by Helena Minić, who received the Orlando Award for the most successful dramatic production and the "Golden Studio" award from Jutarnji list for her portrayal of Medea.
From August 11, 2026, the legendary play Equinox arrives at the Posat stage, having already won prestigious awards at the 75th and 76th Festivals. Ivo Vojnović's story about human destinies at the crossroads of departure and return will come to life through a stellar cast.
The stage will shine with Goran Višnjić, Zrinka Cvitešić, Goran Grgić, Joško Ševo, and Mara Martinović, along with a host of other exceptional artists.
Classical music lovers will be in for a treat on Monday, August 10, 2026, at 9:30 PM. The Dubrovnik Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of conductor Christian Vasquez, will perform in the Rector's Palace Atrium. They will be joined by soloists: cellist Branimir Pustički and violinists Dunja Bontek, Mirabai Weismehl Rosenfeld, and Eva Šulić Brajčić. The program features masterpieces by Johannes Brahms and Arvo Pärt.
Just three days later, on August 13, 2026, the brilliant virtuoso ensemble Philharmonix, The Vienna Berlin Music Club arrives at the same venue. Musicians from the Berlin and Vienna Philharmonics celebrate their 10th anniversary with this performance, presenting a special program inspired by Nordic themes, bringing original and previously unheard aspects to all compositions.
Violinist Eva Šulić Brajčić, who performs as a soloist with the DSO, shared her impressions of the festival. "The orchestra is full of different people and personalities, but precisely because of that, it has a warmth and soul that I greatly appreciate," she said for Svijet kulture.
On her connection to the city and audience, she says: "It's impressive how culturally rich this small city is and how many top artists it has hosted." She particularly highlighted the intimate atmosphere of the performances: "The closeness between the audience and performers is what I love most. After the concert, or even during intermission, we often chat together in front of the Rector's Palace, and I think that's something rare."
She says the Rector's Palace has become her second home, and she also revealed a small ritual before stepping on stage: "On concert day, I go through the most difficult passages in the piece, try to find peace and positive energy. And of course, a banana before the performance is a must."
