Wednesday, 30 April 2025
Mark Thomas

Mark Thomas

Mark Thomas - The editor and big chief of The Dubrovnik Times. Born in the UK he has been living and working in Dubrovnik since 1998, yes he is one of the rare “old hands.” A unique insight into both British and Croatian life and culture, Mark is often known as just “Englez” or Englishman. He is a traveller, a current affairs freak and a huge AFC Wimbledon fan.

Email: mark.thomas@dubrovnik-times.com

Starting April 1, 2025, Dubrovnik Museums will operate on summer hours until October 31, 2025, adjusting opening times across their locations.

  • Cultural-Historical Museum (Rector’s Palace): Open daily, 9 AM – 6 PM

  • Maritime Museum (Fort St. John): Open 9 AM – 6 PM, closed on Wednesdays

  • Ethnographic Museum (Rupe Granary): Open 9 AM – 6 PM, closed on Tuesdays

  • Archaeological Museum Exhibitions (Fort Revelin): Open 9 AM – 4 PM, closed on Wednesdays

Visitors are encouraged to plan accordingly and enjoy Dubrovnik’s rich history throughout the extended summer schedule.

For the first time, Croatian audiences will experience the latest gossip firsthand, witness reputations hanging by a thread, and see sharp wit used as the deadliest weapon! The School for Scandal by Richard Brinsley Sheridan will premiere on the historic stage of Dubrovnik’s Fort Lovrjenac as part of the 11th Midsummer Scene Festival, running from June 22 to July 6, with 13 performances of this exciting new production.

Scandal is on the program! Before Les Liaisons Dangereuses shocked the world with its dark games of seduction and betrayal, The School for Scandal had already captivated audiences with its sparkling satire on high society’s obsession with reputation and intrigue. But while Les Liaisons Dangereuses explores manipulation with tragic consequences, Sheridan’s comedy turns scandal into entertainment—exposing hypocrisy with wit, charm, and irresistible humor.

The School for Scandal

“Midsummer Scene Festival is proud to bring this timeless classic to Croatia for the first time! Since its premiere in 1777, The School for Scandal has remained one of the most celebrated comedies of manners—a testament to the fact that gossip and scheming have always been a dangerous game!” say festival producers Darija Mikulandra Žanetić and Jelena Maržić.

Directed by rising West End star Freddie Grey, the play features a cast of eight acclaimed British actors and musicians, delivering a lavish staging. The costumes and set are designed by Roberto Surace, a Drama Desk Award nominee on Broadway, while award-winning Croatian lighting designer Aleksandar Mondecar shapes the visual atmosphere.

Midsummer Scene is a project of the Dubrovnik Tourist Board and the City of Dubrovnik, produced by Brilliant Events Dubrovnik and Honey-Tongued Theatre Productions Ltd. London, in collaboration with Dubrovnik’s cultural institutions and with support from sponsors and local tourism partners.

Around 30 world leaders, including Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, will meet in Paris on today at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron to discuss potential security guarantees for Ukraine in the event of a peace deal with Russia.

This marks the third summit of the so-called "coalition of the willing," a group of countries ready to provide security guarantees if a ceasefire is reached.

Macron stated that any European forces would secure key cities and bases, not engage in frontline combat, but could respond if attacked. The primary guarantee would be military aid and equipment for Ukraine, with troop deployment considered only after a peace deal, serving as a strategic deterrent.

Croatian Defense Minister Ivan Anušić said Croatia is in no rush to join the coalition and has no plans to send troops. President Zoran Milanović dismissed the idea as “fiction,” arguing that the necessary conditions will never be met and that such a mission will never happen.

To mark the 340th anniversary of the birth of composer George Handel and the 25th anniversary of the Croatian Baroque Ensemble, a magnificent performance of Handel's oratorio Messiah will take place on March 29, 2025, at the Vatroslav Lisinski Concert Hall. The concert will feature the Croatian Baroque Ensemble, the Ivan Goran Kovačić Academic Choir, and vocal soloists.

For this special occasion, British conductor and harpsichordist Laurence Cummings has arrived in Zagreb. Cummings, long praised by critics as “the most Handelian of all conductors”, is the director of two major Handel festivals—one in Göttingen and the other in London.

Performers:
Alongside the Croatian Baroque Ensemble and the Ivan Goran Kovačić Academic Choir, the concert will feature:

  • LAURENCE CUMMINGS, conductor & harpsichord
  • NIKOLINA HRKAĆ, soprano
  • DINA JULARIĆ IVANČIĆ, alto
  • MISLAV LUCIĆ, tenor
  • MARIN ČARGO, bass

The Ivan Goran Kovačić Academic Choir was founded in 1948. Over its 75-year history, it has performed some of the greatest musical works, including those by Beethoven, Mozart, and Bach. The choir has also shared the stage with global stars such as Andrea Bocelli and José Carreras, as well as many renowned Croatian musicians. It has performed under the baton of leading conductors both in Croatia and abroad at prestigious international music festivals. The choir’s artistic director is maestro Ivan Šćepanović.

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Ivan Goran Kovačić Choir - Photo - https://igk.hr/az/

The Croatian Baroque Ensemble is Croatia’s most significant ensemble specializing in the interpretation of Baroque and early music on period instruments and their replicas. Founded in 1999, it brings together young musicians who are passionate about historically informed performance in line with the spirit and aesthetics of the Baroque era. The ensemble’s director is the esteemed violinist Laura Vadjon.

Boundaries are irrelevant, rules don't exist, the only thing that matters is pure emotion translated into music. HAUSER is an artist who doesn’t follow trends but creates them. A world-renowned cello virtuoso, recognized for his passionate performances and unique charisma, he has launched his biggest and boldest project to date, "Music Unites the World." This project is not just a musical journey; it’s a global manifesto of unity, proof that music knows no barriers or divisions. For the first time in history, one artist will perform a signature song from every country in the world, confirming what music lovers have known all along: music is a universal language that everyone understands, regardless of origin, culture, or language.

"I want to prove, once and for all, that music connects and unites every nation, every culture, and every person on this planet. That’s why I decided to play one song from every country. The project will not stop until I have performed a song from every corner of the world," HAUSER added.

As part of this historic project, HAUSER performed "Cesarica", the timeless hit by Oliver Dragojević, to represent Croatia. "Oliver was and remains a special artist who inspired me from a young age. His songs are dear to my heart, and working with him will always be special to me," HAUSER said, explaining how he has always been inspired by Oliver Dragojević’s musical legacy. HAUSER did not hide his emotions as he brought the spirit of the Mediterranean, the sea, and the eternal love carried by this song to life through his cello. "Cesarica" performed on the cello takes on a completely new dimension—intimate, nostalgic, and incredibly powerful.

HAUSER 01

Fans have already had the chance to enjoy performances of songs from various parts of the world as HAUSER has posted all of his past performances, including this one dedicated to "Cesarica", on his Instagram profile. He will continue to share his musical mission with the world through his profile, bringing every tone and every emotion firsthand. Each country will have its moment under the spotlight through the music that defines it, and HAUSER’s interpretation will bring these songs new shine and depth. Every new post brings something special, and those who want to feel the power of his music in real-time know where to find it.

A Musical Invasion the World Has Never Seen Before

This is not a polished global music catalog, but a raw, authentic, and unpredictable adventure through the notes and rhythms of all continents. From ancient folk melodies to global pop anthems, everything passes through the prism of HAUSER’s cello and the explosive energy that has made him one of the most-watched musicians in the world. His question to the world is clear: which country will be the loudest, the wildest, the proudest?

Fans will be able to follow this epic journey live through HAUSER's social media, where he will regularly post new performances, behind-the-scenes moments, and stories from different corners of the world.

In a time when the world has never been more divided, HAUSER brings a different message. Music has the power to unite all people, regardless of nationality, religion, or language. Through "Music Unites the World", he proves that music is more than art; it is emotion, communication, and a bridge that connects the hearts of people across the planet. Millions of fans worldwide are already eagerly following this musical mission. With over 4 billion views and more than a billion streams, HAUSER is an unstoppable force, and now the entire world’s stage awaits him.

HAUSER is not just a virtuoso; he is a movement. His performances break the boundaries of classical music, bringing raw emotion, unpredictability, and energy rarely seen by audiences. His talent, charisma, and passion for music make him one of the most influential musicians of today. Through "Music Unites the World", HAUSER brings not only music but also a message of unity, love, and connection. Every note, every tone, and every performance is part of a bigger story—one that shows how music unites the world.

Torrential rain has caused multiple landslides in Dubrovnik, leading to significant traffic disruptions. One major landslide occurred on Frana Supila Street, while another affected the main coastal road above the city.

Emergency crews were quickly dispatched to clear the debris, but heavy congestion had already formed, particularly on the route leading into Dubrovnik. Drivers coming from Župa and Konavle faced long delays and were urged to remain patient.

Landslides Disrupt Traffic in Dubrovnik Amid Heavy Rainfall 1

The Croatian Automobile Club (HAK) also issued a traffic advisory, warning motorists to exercise caution due to hazardous road conditions. With rain continuing in the forecast, authorities are monitoring the situation closely to prevent further disruptions.

The wider Dubrovnik region has been battered by torrential rain over the past few days, causing flash floods, road disruptions, and dramatic changes to the normally pristine coastline. The relentless downpour has washed vast amounts of soil and debris into the Adriatic Sea, turning its usual crystal-clear turquoise waters into a murky shade of light brown.

While heavy rain is not uncommon during transitional seasons, the intensity of this storm has taken many by surprise. Forecasts suggest that wet conditions will continue in the coming days, prolonging the clean-up efforts and keeping the Adriatic’s unexpected new hue in place a little longer.

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Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković presented the eighth package of aid measures for citizens and the economy to employers, trade unions, and other partners. The government announced on its website that it will adopt the package at this week’s session.

"In the context of the energy crisis, the government will continue to stand firmly by citizens and businesses, ensuring the stable functioning of counties, cities, and municipalities while keeping energy prices affordable," the statement reads, without providing specific details about the package.

It is noted that the previous seven aid packages amounted to a total of eight billion euros, helping to protect citizens, maintain social cohesion, and ensure the normal operation of the economy amid multiple crises.

"Through constructive social dialogue, we remain focused on further improving the living standards of Croatian citizens and enhancing the competitiveness of our economy," the government added.

Government Introduces New Measures: Electricity and Gas Prices to Rise

At the meeting with Prime Minister Plenković, representatives of key economic and labor organizations were present, including the Croatian Chamber of Commerce, the Croatian Chamber of Trades and Crafts, the Croatian Agricultural Chamber, the Croatian Employers' Association, as well as major trade unions and associations for pensioners and people with disabilities.

Earlier, Plenković also met with representatives of Croatian counties, city associations, and municipal organizations.

He shared updates from these meetings on the platform X (formerly Twitter).

The Voice of Dubrovnik

THE VOICE OF DUBROVNIK


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