The festival is fully dedicated to the new music of all genres. It includes concerts of symphony orchestras and chamber ensembles, projects of experimental music theatre, contemporary dance, jazz, electronic and alternative music. The MBZ will feature veterans such as Vinko Globokar, Milko Kelemen and Taylora Dupree as well as younger creators of new music. The program and thematic focus of the 30th Music Biennale Zagreb is “City and Music“.

The festival’s visitors, as well as the citizens of Zagreb, between concerts, lectures and performances, will probably enjoy the charms of the city and may want to take home an original souvenir, artwork or gift. Zagreb craftsmen, as well as other local artists and musicians all have their own original expression which is reflected in the decorative items they make.

One craftsman, whose studio is worth seeing is Olivera Cavrić, an academic painter and graphic designer. Cavrić is proud of the collection of souvenirs Happy Zagreb, Happy Croatia and New Media. Her souvenirs of Zagreb and Croatia, along with a positive message they carry, are a combination of artistic images and graphic design.
“The intention was to create a souvenir that follows the modern practices and aesthetics of production. Colourful droplets, intuitively applied through recognizable motives of Zagreb and Croatia, represent joy, fellowship and love. This kind of emotion is what people recognize and what connects them to the place. My wish is that they take with them a positive memory of a united and happy Croatia“, says Cavrić.

Photo: Goran Stanzl/PIXSELL

If you prefer the idea of buying jewellery from Zagreb, then the great choice is brand Nott.ordinaryJewelz from the artist Silvija Talan who has studied techniques about knitting and binding rope, resulting in original earrings and collars. “I liked jewellery made of rope, and I started to knit some of my own knots just out of hobby. It’s fascinating how many perfect shapes can be obtained just by using knots,” says Talan. Her jewellery has a personal stamp and distinctive character, and whoever buys it wears it in a unique way. On each piece of jewellery there is one wing that has become the trademark of the Nott.OrdinaryJewelz brand with the two of Silvija’s favourite quotes that symbolize the freedom and experience that she shares with others.

Wonderful memories of Zagreb can be found in craft Mikuš. The Mikuš family is engaged in the production of wooden toys and souvenirs and can boast the centuries-old tradition of making children’s toys for several generations. Their handicrafts have become a Croatian traditional cultural product that even UNESCO has protected as an intangible heritage meaning that a visit to see the items is a must.

Photo: Luka Stanzl/PIXSELL