DCINY invites singers to join the "Jonathan Griffith Singers" (JG Singers) to embark on a performance tour to Zagreb, Croatia from June 25 to July 5, 2025, with a World Premiere work by Matej Meštrović for Choir and Orchestra, conducted by Dr. Jonathan Griffith. 

We have LIMITED space available for singers and non-performers with government and tourist board subsidized participation.  CURRENT DEADLINES require your online registration and initial deposit of 300 EUR (approx $315 USD currently) ASAP and by no later than TUES, MARCH 18, 2025. Our Croatian governmental contacts have shared with us a final subsidized cost of 1790 EUR per singer (double) and 1850 EUR per accompanying non-performer (double) for the 10 day performance tour, inclusive of double lodging in a 5 star hotel with breakfast and dinner daily.     

On this tour, the JG Singers will be premiering a brand new work by Matej Meštrović, a prolific Croatian pianist and composer known as the "Croatian John Williams." The work will tell the story of Tomislav, the first Croatian king, as he united the people of Croatia to defend against outside invaders. The premiere will take place in King Tomislav Square opening the Zagreb Classic Festival, making this premiere extra special. The libretto will include both Latin and Croatian text. To learn more about Matej or listen to his music, check out his Instagram page. To learn more about the story of King Tomislav, check out this video.

With thanks to the Croatian Tourist Board, the subsidized cost of this tour includes hotel lodging, rehearsals at Lajinsky Hall, and one performance including all related costs of orchestra, production, and supporting concert operations. In Croatia, our registered participants will additionally benefit from a provided daily hot buffet breakfast AND dinner at the 5 star hotel, as well as access to a swimming pool, sauna, and gym.

Accompanying family and friends are welcome to register as Non-Performers and will receive lodging and an invitation to all rehearsals and activities. 

Singers will be part of the Jonathan Griffith Singers (JG Singers), a flexible ensemble of amateur and professional singers from around the world. Members of the JG Singers have performed in some of the world’s finest concert halls, including Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center in New York, the Rudolfinum in Prague, the Palau de la Musica in Barcelona, Santa Maria Sopra Minerva in Rome, and the Cathedral Duomo of Pisa in Italy. Recognized for their appealing and accessible programming, the Singers perform a wide range of repertoire. In recent years, the JG singers have embarked on performance tours in both Turkey and New Zealand.

The JG Singers are led by Dr. Jonathan Griffith, an acclaimed conductor who has led performances across North America, Europe, Australia and Asia. Maestro Griffith is co-founder and artistic director of Distinguished Concerts International New York (DCINY), which has brought together thousands of musicians and choral singers in concert at prestigious venues across the United States, including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and Disney Hall. Here is a message from Maestro Griffith about this exciting performance opportunity:

I’m writing this to offer you a truly once-in-a-lifetime performance experience in Croatia: The World Premiere of King Tomislav, celebrating the 1100 year anniversary of the first King of Croatia, written for chorus and full orchestra by the famous Croatian Composer Matej Mestrovic.  I look forward to conducting this event and invite you to sing in the choir of voices from around the world including the professional Opera Choir and Orchestra of the Croatian National Theatre (CNT).

The Premiere will take place on Tuesday, July 2, 2025, (July 3 rain date) in the closing ceremony of the Zagreb Classic (2024 link: https://www.infozagreb.hr/en/zagreb-classic-en), a very famous annual music festival held in the center of Zagreb.  The dates of the rehearsals and performance are June 25 to July 5.  We have been offered a limited number of government-sponsored accommodations, including breakfast and dinner for 11 days/10 nights in a 5-star hotel within walking distance of the rehearsal space and performing venue.  

With only a few spaces now remaining, we are giving priority to Tenors and Basses; Sopranos/altos may register who have a bass or tenor to register with them at the same time.  We truly have limited spots and because of the government underwriting, this is an extremely generous package in a 5 star hotel.  I encourage you to check it out, share with your singer friends, and make a memorable holiday out of it.

Please join us,

Jonathan

  If you have any questions, please contact Diane Marshall at diane@mission-systems-inc.com.

Will I be charged in euros or US dollars?

All pricing and payments will be shown in euros, but when you process payment via your credit card or ACH through your bank account you will see that amount in US dollars (if you live in the US).  Note that as of 1/27/25 the current exchange rate is 1 euro to 1.05 USD.  You are welcome to make your payment in full to save on transaction fees for a multiple payment plan.

How much for a single room?

Single rooms supplement is an additional 525 euros on top of the per person double cost of the trip (1790 EUR performer double + 525 EUR single supplement=2,315 EUR total cost)

How will I receive music?

Performers will be sent an electronic PDF copy of the music via email, which can be printed out. Please note that all performers will be required to bring a black folder for their music to be used in the performance.

Depart hometown (air on own). To arrive in Zagreb, Croatia on June 25 for hotel check in.

Arrive in Zagreb, Croatia  - Free day to rest, relax and enjoy Zagreb

Lunch (own cost) 

Hotel Check in

PM: Hotel Welcome and Orientation Dinner (inc)   

Morning               Breakfast provided in hotel

                               Time at leisure

Afternoon           Lunch independent

1:00-5:00pm     Choir rehearsal (location tbc)

7:00-9:00pm     Dinner provided in hotel 

Morning               Breakfast provided in hotel

9:30-12:30         choir rehearsal (location tbc)

Afternoon           Lunch independent                       

2:00-5:00pm     Choir rehearsal (location tbc)

7:00-9:00pm     Dinner provided in hotel

· AM: Hotel breakfast (inc)

· Lunch (own cost)

· 2:00PM-5:00PM: PM Choir and Orchestra Rehearsal (3 hours at Lajinsky Hall)

· PM: Hotel dinner (inc)

FREE DAY

· AM: Hotel breakfast (inc)

· Lunch (own cost)

· PM: Hotel dinner (inc)

· AM: Hotel breakfast (inc)

· 10:30AM-1:00PM: Choir and Orchestra Rehearsal (2.5 hours at Lajinsky Hall)

· Lunch (own cost)

· 2:30PM-5:30PM: PM Choir and Orchestra Rehearsal (3 hours at Lajinsky Hall)

· PM: Hotel dinner (inc)

· AM: Hotel breakfast (inc)

· TIME General Rehearsal – Open to Public (TBA hours at Lajinsky Hall)

· Lunch (own cost)

· PM: Hotel dinner (inc)

· AM: Hotel breakfast (inc)

· Lunch (own cost)

· PM: Hotel dinner (inc)

· Walk to King Tomislav Square (concert venue)

· TIME Sound check at King Tomislav Square

· TIME Concert #1 – Zagreb Classic Festival, King Tomislav Square

· AM: Hotel breakfast (inc)

· Lunch (own cost)

· PM: Hotel dinner (inc)

· TIME Concert #1 (Rain Date) – Zagreb Classic Festival, King Tomislav Square

· AM: Hotel breakfast (inc)

· Lunch (own cost) 

· Closing Farewell Dinner for Choir!!

· AM: Hotel breakfast (inc), check out of hotel