Music is far more than an art form – it is a space for learning, creativity and connection. It nurtures talent, shapes values and creates experiences that last a lifetime. For almost two centuries, these principles have guided the Varaždin School of Music in educating generations of young musicians, while fostering artistic excellence, openness to the world and a strong sense of responsibility towards the community.
The 2025/2026 school year brought an impressive range of achievements, reaffirming the Varaždin School of Music’s position among Croatia’s leading institutions for music education. It was a year defined by dedication, artistic accomplishment and an increasingly strong international presence, with projects that offered students and teachers new opportunities to learn, grow and gain valuable experience beyond national borders.
Every achievement reflects the talent, commitment and collective effort of our students, teachers and staff. Throughout the year, our students achieved outstanding results at national and international competitions, gained admission to prestigious music academies in Croatia and abroad, performed in numerous concerts and represented the School, the City of Varaždin, Varaždin County and the Republic of Croatia on the international stage.
We are particularly proud to have continued expanding our international projects, Erasmus+ activities, cultural collaborations and institutional partnerships. These initiatives have enabled our students and teachers to encounter different approaches to music education, develop artistically and establish meaningful connections with musicians and institutions throughout Europe and beyond. At the same time, the School continued to invest in new educational programmes, enhance the quality of teaching and create an inspiring environment in which every student is encouraged to reach their full potential.
The 2025/2026 school year will therefore be remembered as one of the most successful in the recent history of the Varaždin School of Music. Exceptional achievements by students and teachers, ambitious projects and an expanding international network have further strengthened the School’s reputation both at home and abroad. Through concerts, competitions, Erasmus+ mobilities, cultural initiatives and partnerships, the School once again demonstrated its important role within Croatian music education.
The School’s strong international engagement was one of the defining features of 2025/2026, confirming its position as one of Croatia’s most internationally active music education institutions. During the year, the Varaždin School of Music implemented a wide range of international projects, artistic collaborations and Erasmus+ mobilities, participated in prestigious international conferences and presented Croatian musical culture to audiences across three continents.
Students and teachers took part in concerts, professional development activities and collaborative projects in Hungary, Switzerland, Portugal, Indonesia and the Philippines, while Varaždin welcomed students and teachers from Latvia and Spain. These encounters offered much more than professional experience: they provided opportunities to discover different educational traditions and artistic approaches, establish new collaborations and create lasting connections between young musicians from different countries.
An important part of these activities was dedicated to projects promoting the cultural diplomacy of the Republic of Croatia, Erasmus+ initiatives and partnerships with prominent European music institutions. Participation in the annual Alink-Argerich Foundation Conference in Porto, the international presentation of the International Piano Competition Memorijal Jurica Murai & Murai Grand Prix, and the establishment of new partnerships further enhanced the School’s visibility and reputation within the international music community.
For the Varaždin School of Music, international engagement means far more than the mobility of students and teachers. It creates a space for learning, artistic discovery, intercultural dialogue and new possibilities for future generations of musicians. Every project, concert and encounter demonstrates the unique ability of music to transcend linguistic and national boundaries and become a universal language connecting people, cultures and ideas.
This openness to the world is central to the School’s vision. By bringing international experience into everyday education, the Varaždin School of Music continues to strengthen its place among recognized European music schools and to create an environment in which artistic excellence, creativity and international exchange are an integral part of a young musician’s education.
While the 2025/2026 school year brought remarkable achievements, it also marked the beginning of an important new chapter. The Varaždin School of Music continues to build its future upon artistic excellence, international engagement and the continuous advancement of its educational programmes, with a clear ambition to further strengthen its role within Croatian and European music education.
One of the most significant projects shaping this future is the reconstruction and extension of the Varaždin School of Music. During the past school year, the project and technical documentation was successfully completed, fulfilling a crucial prerequisite for a major investment that will provide new teaching facilities and a modern concert hall. The next phase will focus on preparing the project for applications to appropriate funding programmes, paving the way for a new stage in the School’s development and significantly improved conditions for both educational and artistic work.
The School will simultaneously continue to expand its European and international activities through Erasmus+ and partnerships with leading music schools, conservatories and cultural institutions. New mobility projects for students and teachers, joint concerts, professional development programs and international collaborations are already being prepared, creating further opportunities for young musicians to gain international experience, broaden their perspectives and develop their artistic competencies.
A major event in the upcoming calendar will be the 8th Varaždin Woodwind & Brass International Competition and Woodwind & Brass Grand Prix, taking place from 15 to 24 March 2027.
The competition will once again bring together talented young musicians, distinguished educators and internationally renowned jury members from countries around the world. By creating a meeting point for young performers and established music professionals, the competition contributes not only to the artistic development of its participants but also to Varaždin’s growing recognition as an important European centre for music education and international artistic exchange.
Ahead lies one of the most important milestones in the history of the Varaždin School of Music – the celebration of its 200th anniversary.
Preparations for this landmark jubilee are already underway. A broad programme of artistic and educational projects will celebrate the School’s rich heritage, highlight its contribution to the development of Croatian music education and, equally importantly, present its vision for the future.
The anniversary will be much more than a commemoration of almost two centuries of tradition. It will provide an opportunity to reflect on generations of students, teachers and musicians who have shaped the School, while presenting today’s Varaždin School of Music as a modern, ambitious and internationally connected institution.
Rooted in almost two centuries of tradition yet firmly focused on the future, the Varaždin School of Music enters the next chapter of its history with a clear purpose: to continue nurturing talent, pursuing artistic excellence, building bridges across borders and creating opportunities for new generations of musicians.
As it approaches its third century of music education, the School remains committed to the principle that has shaped its history from the very beginning – that education and music have the power not only to develop exceptional musicians, but also to connect people, enrich communities and shape the future.
These are just a small part of the projects prepared by the students and teachers of the Varaždin School of Music and we invite you to support these young and talented artists with your presence.
We are looking forward to your arrival!
