When and where does the Croatian Opera Academy take place?

The Academy takes place during August 2026 at the Ivan Rabuzin Cultural Center in Novi Marof.

Which operas will be performed this year?

There are two premieres on the program: 'Hansel and Gretel' by Engelbert Humperdinck and 'The Magic Flute' by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

Where do the young artists come from?

More than 80 participants come from over 27 countries worldwide, including the USA, Canada, Argentina, Mexico, Japan, and South Korea.

Is there a performance outside Novi Marof?

Yes, part of the 'The Magic Flute' ensemble will hold a gala performance on August 16 at the Croatian National Theatre in Varaždin.

Culture

Novi Marof Becomes a Global Opera Stage: Talents from 27 Countries Arrive

K.U. · Prije 20h | 3 min

The fifth edition of the Croatian Opera Academy brings two lavish premieres, Humperdinck's 'Hansel and Gretel' and Mozart's 'The Magic Flute', performed by over 80 young artists from four continents.

Summary

Novi Marof hosts the fifth edition of the Croatian Opera Academy in August with over 80 young artists from 27+ countries.
Audiences can expect two premieres: 'Hansel and Gretel' (August 11-13) and 'The Magic Flute' (August 18-20).
All performances start at 7 PM, and part of the 'The Magic Flute' ensemble will also perform at the Croatian National Theatre in Varaždin on August 16.
This year, the Academy introduces its own orchestra for the first time.

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During August, the Ivan Rabuzin Cultural Center in Novi Marof becomes a nurturing ground for global operatic talent. The fifth edition of the Croatian Opera Academy (COA) will gather more than 80 young singers, instrumentalists, and conductors from over 27 countries, including the USA, Canada, Argentina, Mexico, Japan, and South Korea.

After intensive work with international mentors, participants will present two major operatic works in full stage splendor, with rich costumes and, for the first time this year, the Academy's own orchestra. All performances begin at 7 PM.

A Fairy Tale for All Ages Opens the Program

First on the repertoire is the beloved operatic fairy tale 'Hansel and Gretel' by Engelbert Humperdinck. The premiere is scheduled for August 11, with subsequent performances on August 12 and 13. The conducting baton will be shared by Ivan Šćepanović and Etienne Lemieux-Depres, with direction by Marta Tutiš.

Thanks to its fairy-tale story and lavish stage production, this performance targets audiences of all ages, promising a theatrical experience that transcends conventional operatic boundaries.

Mozart's 'The Magic Flute' as the Academy's Highlight

The second highlight of this year's program is Mozart's 'The Magic Flute,' one of the most performed works in operatic literature. It will premiere on August 18, with encores on August 19 and 20. The conductor is Raimondo Mazzon, with direction once again by Marta Tutiš.

Opera lovers in Varaždin will also have the opportunity to savor a taste of this production. Part of the 'The Magic Flute' ensemble will present a gala performance on August 16 at the Croatian National Theatre in Varaždin, extending cultural collaboration beyond Novi Marof's borders.

Mayor: 'Confirmation That Top-Tier Culture Can Be Created in Smaller Communities'

The Mayor of Novi Marof, Siniša Jenkač, does not hide his pride that his town has been hosting this international project for the fifth consecutive year. "We are proud that Novi Marof once again has the opportunity to host such a significant international cultural project and that our town becomes a meeting place for young artists from nearly the entire world during August," Jenkač stated.

"This is a great value for our town, our citizens, and the entire Varaždin County, but also a confirmation that top-tier culture can be created and presented right in smaller communities. I believe the audience will recognize the quality and effort of the young artists and enjoy the performances that await us."

The Croatian Opera Academy has established itself as one of the leading cultural and educational projects of its kind in this part of Europe, enabling young artists to work on complete operatic roles, individual vocal training, and audition simulations. This year's step forward is particularly significant as the Academy introduces its own orchestra.