Festival Kvarner 2026
📅 May 15 – November 20, 2026
📍 Opatija (St. James's Church, American Gardens, Gervais Centre)
Top-tier early music, chocolate symphonies, and European excellence in Opatija
Festival Kvarner proudly presents its rich program for 2026! Opatija once again becomes a center of excellence for early music through the EU project s-EEEmerging, hosting top young ensembles for residencies and concerts at the city's most beautiful locations.
🎻 SEASON OPENING: Ensemble Gli Schiavoni
📅 Friday, May 15, 2026 | 8:30 pm
📍 St. James's Church, Opatija
Meet the ensemble conquering the European early music scene! The first Croatian ensemble in the prestigious EEEMERGING project will present a fresh and compelling repertoire of our own and European heritage in the heart of Opatija.
🎟️ Admission: Free
🌿 SUMMER RESIDENCY: Ensemble Sibil.la (Greece)
📅 July 30, 2026 | American Gardens
Four 10-minute concerts celebrating different times of the day – from sunrise notes to night-time music.
📅 August 1, 2026 | 8:30 pm | American Gardens
An evening concert in the unique setting of the American Gardens, followed by the traditional glass of local sparkling wine hosted by the Brotherhood of Croatian Wine Knights.
🎟️ Admission: Free
🎼 TRAVERSO CONCERT: Dimitris Kountouras
📅 July 29, 2026 | 8:30 pm
📍 St. James's Church, Opatija
The Greek musicologist and musician will present the specific sound of the baroque flute (traverso), providing insight into historical ways of making music.
🎟️ Admission: Free
🍫 PURE CHOCOLATE & CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL
📅 Friday, November 6, 2026
📍 Gervais Centre, Opatija
The return of a favorite format! Enjoy a performance by the ensemble Gli Schiavoni alongside carefully selected pralines from the renowned Austrian producer Zotter, whose aromas accompany and enhance the musical passages.
🍂 AUTUMN RESIDENCY: Ensemble Il Parrasio
📅 Friday, November 20, 2026 | 8:30 pm
📍 Gervais Centre, Opatija
This international ensemble (Italy, Slovenia, Japan, USA) brings an Italian repertoire from the late 17th century with a specific conversational approach to music and special surprises.
🎟️ Admission: Free
📌 Note: All programs are subject to change. For the latest information, please visit:
www.festivalkvarner.com
Photo: Frank Heuer