Maestro David Runtz is saying goodbye to the Zagreb Philharmonic, and will conduct them for the last time in June 2027.

Večernji listIndependentCenterNov 3

Polish conductor Dawid Runtz will conclude his tenure as chief conductor of the Zagreb Philharmonic Orchestra after the current season, which ends in June 2027. He has held this position since January 2021, during which he led notable performances including Stravinsky’s 'The Rite of Spring' and Schumann’s Cello Concerto. His final concert will feature Richard Strauss’s 'Ein Heldenleben' alongside Turkish pianist Fadıl Sağın performing his piano concerto 'Mother Earth'. Prior to joining the Zagreb Philharmonic, Runtz served as assistant conductor to Jacek Kaspszyk at the Warsaw Philharmonic and worked extensively with the National Opera of the Grand Theatre in Warsaw. He currently teaches at the Fryderyk Chopin Music University in Warsaw, where he recently earned a doctorate in musical arts specializing in conducting.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a straightforward cultural announcement regarding a conductor's departure using neutral language and factual biographical details without any political framing or opinionated commentary.

Jutarnji listIndependentCenterNov 3

Dawid Runtz, the principal conductor of the Zagreb Philharmonic Orchestra, has announced that his current season will be his final year leading the ensemble. He stated that he chose Richard Strauss’s 'Ein Heldenleben' as his farewell piece because it depicts an artist navigating a world where some admire him while others fail to understand him, reflecting his own experience. Runtz noted that he learned during his tenure that it is impossible to satisfy everyone, which contributed to his decision to depart. Despite leaving, he expressed appreciation for the slower pace of life in Croatia and the strong sense of community among the musicians and the general public. He highlighted the importance of social connection in Zagreb, noting how people maintained their social lives even during pandemic restrictions.

Bias read (Center): The article focuses exclusively on artistic choices and personal reflections regarding the cultural environment, containing no political arguments or partisan framing.