NOCTES Aquae Iasae, the classical music festival that will take place for the fourth time in Varaždinske Toplice, is increasingly gaining significance as one of the cultural highlights of the region. From September 6th to 8th, the archaeological site of Aquae Iasae will be transformed into an open-air opera stage, providing visitors with a rare opportunity to enjoy performances by world-renowned artists.

Musical evenings in the spirit of romantic and local tradition
The first evening of the festival, which will be held on Friday, features a program filled with romantic compositions to be performed by our distinguished tenor Tomislav Mužek and his wife, soprano Suzana Češnjaj. Mužek, who is a frequent guest on the most prestigious world stages, along with Češnjaj, is preparing a special musical experience. In the first part of the concert, the audience will be able to enjoy performances of Italian canzoni, while the second part is reserved for Croatian love songs, including works from operettas such as "Splitski akvarel" by Ivo Tijardović and "Lehka noć" by Boris Papandopulo.

The evening will offer an excellent blend of Italian and Croatian musical tradition, through which Mužek and Češnjaj will showcase top-notch skill and emotions that opera music can convey. This performance is expected to be particularly emotional and impressive for the audience, who will be able to enjoy the authentic ambiance of the archaeological site under the open sky.

Modern approaches to classical music
Saturday will bring something entirely different, when the Harlequin Art Collective takes over the stage with an innovative program that combines seemingly incompatible elements. This group of five academic musicians is known for exploring new possibilities in interpreting classical compositions, and for this occasion, they have chosen works by Johann Sebastian Bach. Their unique approach combines traditional instruments and vocals, creating unexpected soundscapes that are sure to intrigue and challenge the audience to rethink classical music.

Special attention will be given to experimental sound that will permeate the entire performance, introducing the audience to a new dimension of musical experience. This performance is ideal for anyone who wants to experience classical music in an innovative and modern way, while maintaining respect for the original composers and their works.

Opera gala evening: The festival's crown
The final evening of the festival, titled Baritenorissimo, will be a real treat for opera lovers. On stage, ten top opera singers will gather, including Jelena Štefanić, Domagoj Dorotić, Martina Tomčić, and Sofija Cingula. Accompanied by pianist and conductor Corrado Valva, they will perform solo pieces and duets from the repertoire of Croatian and foreign composers such as Ivan pl. Zajc, Jakov Gotovac, and Leonard Bernstein.

This evening will be the highlight of the festival, as it will give the audience the opportunity to enjoy pieces that have been winning listeners' hearts for generations. In a unique setting, under the stars, the performances will evoke the magic of opera in a way that is rarely experienced.

Events for the youngest and the cultural significance of the festival
In addition to the evening concerts, the organizers have also prepared a special event for the youngest. On Saturday morning, at 10 a.m., a short concert for babies and young children will be held in the Atrium of the Old Town. This event is designed as a first encounter for the youngest with the charms of classical music, in a gentle and adapted environment.

The festival program, as well as the idea of its organizers, aims to position Varaždinske Toplice as an important cultural destination in Europe in the long term. Given the success so far and the increasing interest from the audience, this festival has the potential to become a leading cultural event in the region, attracting visitors from all over the world.

The festival's organization, with the support of the City of Varaždinske Toplice, the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Croatia, the Varaždinske Toplice Local Museum, and the Varaždin County, reflects the commitment of all involved in promoting cultural heritage and the arts. All interested parties can find more information about the program on the festival's official website: www.visit-toplice.com