Lidija Horvat

Lidija Horvat-Dunjko (born July 17, 1967, in Varaždin, Croatia) is a renowned Croatian soprano and esteemed music educator. She graduated in 1989 and earned her master’s degree in 1995 in solo singing (Lied, oratorio, and opera) from the Academy of Music in Zagreb, under the mentorship of Professor Zdenka Žabčić-Hesky. Further honing her craft, she pursued advanced studies in Vienna with Olivera Miljaković and in Zagreb with Dunja Vejzović.

Horvat-Dunjko’s illustrious career encompasses over thirty major opera roles performed both domestically and internationally. Notable portrayals include the Queen of the Night in Mozart’s The Magic Flute, Gilda in Verdi’s Rigoletto, Rosina in Rossini’s The Barber of Seville, Marie in Donizetti’s La fille du régiment, and Blonde in Mozart’s Die Entführung aus dem Serail. Her exceptional vocal range and dramatic presence have captivated audiences worldwide.

In 1995, she represented Croatia at the Eurovision Song Contest alongside the group Magazin, performing the song “Nostalgija”. Their performance secured a commendable sixth-place finish, marking a significant milestone in her career.

Beyond the opera stage, Horvat-Dunjko is a celebrated concert artist. She has graced prestigious venues such as the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées in Paris, Musikverein and Konzerthaus in Vienna, Massey Hall in Toronto, Teatro Colón in Buenos Aires, and the Tchaikovsky Concert Hall in Moscow. Her repertoire spans from early Renaissance compositions to contemporary avant-garde works, showcasing her versatility and deep musicality.

A dedicated advocate for contemporary music, she has premiered works by composers like Luigi Donorà, Alexander Blechinger, Brina Jež, Bruno Bjelinski, Mladen Tarbuk, and Marko Ruždjak. Her commitment to modern compositions has enriched the Croatian and international music scenes.

In 2003, Horvat-Dunjko founded the International Opera School “Mirula” in Pučišća on the island of Brač, Croatia. As the school’s leader, she has directed and produced several operas, providing invaluable training and performance opportunities for emerging artists. Her passion for education extends to her role as a Fellow Professor at the Academy of Music in Zagreb and the University of Juraj Dobrila in Pula, where she mentors the next generation of vocalists.

Her contributions to culture and education have been recognized with numerous accolades. In 1996, she was honored with the Order of Danica Hrvatska with the image of Marko Marulić, Croatia’s highest national decoration for cultural achievement. Additionally, she received the Milka Trnina Award in 2000 for exceptional artistic accomplishments and the annual award from the Croatian Association of Music and Dance Pedagogues in 2004 for her outstanding pedagogical work.

Horvat-Dunjko’s discography includes 17 albums, featuring a diverse range of works from Croatian solo songs to avant-garde pieces. Notably, she edited the collection “Ljuven sanak”, comprising seventy solo songs by Croatian composers from the 16th century to contemporary times, serving as a valuable resource for students and professionals alike.