It was founded 50 years ago by Danijel Marusic, and now it's taken care of by his grandchildren, and tourists plan their annual vacations there.

Fifty years after its founding by Danijel Marušić, the Osorske glazbene večeri, known internationally as the Osor Music Evenings, is set to celebrate its milestone with a lineup of world-class performers and new compositions. The festival, held annually in the small town of Osor on the island of Cres, continues to be curated by Marušić’s grandchildren, who have taken over the responsibility from their late grandfather. This year's edition promises to bring together some of the finest talents in classical music, including Grammy nominees, renowned soloists, and emerging artists from Croatia and beyond. The festival will open on July 20 with a performance by the string ensemble featuring violinist Stefan Milenković and cellist Monika Leskovar. Their repertoire includes Mendelssohn’s Violin and Cello Octet in E Major, a premiere of Zoran Juranić’s composition Mjesec nad Osorom (Moon Over Osor), and Papandopulos’ Sinfonietta for string orchestra. These pieces highlight the festival’s commitment to both historical works and contemporary Croatian composers. Following this opening, the British vocal ensemble VOCES8 will perform, showcasing a diverse range of repertoire from sacred choral music to modern interpretations of popular songs such as The Sound of Silence. The group was previously nominated for a Grammy award, underscoring the high artistic standards of the festival. In addition, two distinguished pianists will take center stage: Alexander Gadjiev, the cultural ambassador of Gorica and Nova Gorica, and Ivo Pogorelić, one of Croatia’s most celebrated pianists. Both will present works by Bach, Ravel, Brahms, and Beethoven, offering audiences a rare opportunity to experience these masterpieces performed by local musicians. The festival will also feature the guitar trio Elogio, composed of Petrit Çeku, Pedro Ribeiro Rodrigues, and Tomislav Vukšić, alongside the Croatian percussionist Filip Merčep. An operatic gala will see soprano Jelena Kordić and bass Ante Jerkunica performing arias and duets from the works of Ponchielli, Massenet, Gounod, and Verdi. The event will also include the Mediterranean opera Amore Siciliano, which blends cantatas by great composers with traditional Mediterranean music and works by Sicilian authors. This production will debut in Croatia for the first time, marking a unique fusion of styles. A special highlight will be the debut of the Berliner Nonett, an ensemble comprising nine musicians from some of Europe’s most prestigious orchestras, including the Berlin Philharmonic and the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra. The group will perform in Osor for the first time, bringing international attention to the festival’s intimate setting. Also appearing will be the duo Hojsak & Novosel, joined by Bulgarian kaval player Theodosii Spassov, who has won a Grammy for his collaboration with the Women’s Radio Choir in Sofia. Spassov is recognized by Newsweek as one of the most talented musicians in Eastern Europe, having created a completely new genre of music. This year’s festival is dedicated to contemporary Croatian creativity, with more than 320 new compositions already produced under the festival’s auspices. Among the highlights will be six premieres of works by Croatian composers, including Zoran Juranić, Antun Tomislav Šaban, Veronika Reutz Drobnić, Tomislav Oliver, Helena Skljarov, and Šimun-Čarlija Botič. The festival will also commemorate the 120th anniversary of the birth of Boris Papandopulos, whose music has been woven into the festival’s programming throughout the years. Marušić, the founder of the festival, envisioned a space free from spectacle and mass appeal, prioritizing depth and experience. His legacy lives on through the continued dedication of his grandchildren, who ensure the festival remains true to its roots while embracing innovation. As the festival prepares to welcome thousands of visitors, it stands as a testament to the enduring power of music in even the smallest of communities.