Varaždin – The city of baroque
Varaždin has been famous throughout its history for being one of the central points of cultural life in Croatia. However, the 18th century was the turning point for the city's cultural life. In this period the city intensly progressed and from 1755-76. it was the capital city of Croatia, under the influence of all the richness of baroque and the aristocrat elite that were fascinated by it, it became the centre of unbridled balls and the luxury aristocrat life. To honor baroque and its richness, that has greatly marked this city and earned it the name «little Vienna», in Varaždin, every year there is a traditional festival of baroque music.
Varaždin baroque nights, every September and October turn back time to a period when in the rich city palaces you could hear indescribable musical creativity and witness the gracefull dances and cultural events.
The festival was founded in 1970., and through the years it has become a recognizable cultural manifestation, well known in Croatia and Europe. It has become an irreplacable part of the Varaždin tourist offer, promoting the city's history, not only through music but also through the unique architecture. The baroque churches and palaces and the Old Town are a part of Varaždin that give it its identity.
This festival of music brings every year many world famous artists, soloists, orchestra's and ansambles. It is an experience that cannot be described but has to be experienced first hand. The concerts take the audience a few centuries back in time, to a period when music was a highly aesthetic art. Many concerts of Croatian and foreign ansambles create a romantic atmosphere of a baroque town, but are also very important from a music point because in their program they sometimes preform just discovered or never before played pieces. Also, with the introduction of modern interpretations of already famous pieces , the Baroque festival achieves remarkable results in the professional approach to baroque music.
Source: Croatia.hr
