Croatian HRT Jazz Orchestra Captivated Budapest with Multicultural Sounds
Edited by DPA – Anna Popper
The Embassies of the Republic of Croatia and the Italian Republic joined forces to present Scenes from Four Countries, a spectacular jazz concert held at the Italian Cultural Institute in Budapest as part of the 2025 Jazz Fest Budapest.
Featuring the renowned Croatian Radio and Television (HRT) Jazz Orchestra and the acclaimed Argentine – Italian saxophonist Javier Girotto, the evening celebrated musical collaboration, cultural exchange, and the unifying power of jazz.
In the Giuseppe Verdi Hall – an architectural gem that once housed Hungary’s first Parliament – this annual concert blended history and harmony in an unforgettable evening. Designed by Miklós Ybl, the architect of Budapest’s Opera House and St. Stephen’s Basilica, the venue served as the seat of the Hungarian Parliament from 1865 to 1902. Today, it is home to the Italian Cultural Institute. The background of the stage has been adorned with a large reproduction of a painting by Hungarian artist Károly Markó, depicting an Italian landscape near Tivoli, providing a majestic backdrop to a program rich in both spirit and sound.
The concert was honoured by the presence of H.E. Manuel Jacoangeli, Ambassador of Italy, and H.E. Dr. Mladen Andrlić, Ambassador of Croatia to Hungary, alongside numerous other ambassadors, members of the diplomatic corps, cultural figures, and jazz enthusiasts from across Budapest.
The evening opened with a warm welcome from Dr. Gabriele La Posta, Director of the Italian Cultural Institute. He emphasized the strong cultural ties between Italy and Croatia, highlighting this concert as an exemplary model of cross-cultural cooperation.
H.E. Dr. Mladen Andrlić praised the fruitful collaboration with the Italian Embassy in cultural matters, noting:
“When brilliant musicians and great ideas come together, the result is more than a concert – it is a celebration of friendship, identity, and harmony.”
Under the baton of conductor Miron Hauser, the HRT Jazz Orchestra delivered a dynamic repertoire blending Croatian compositions with Cuban rhythms, original works by Hauser, Argentine folklore, Mediterranean influences, and jazz pieces by Javier Girotto. This intercultural musical journey deeply resonated with the international audience.
Miron Hauser, artistic director of the jazz orchestra since the 2019/2020 season, reflected on the natural synergy of the collaboration: “Javier brings a special energy to our orchestra. His Argentine roots, Mediterranean spirit, and openness to musical fusion create something deeply moving and vibrant.” A permanent member of the orchestra since 2011, Hauser has performed with many eminent world jazz musicians. As a founding member of the Jazzistra Orchestra and a three-time recipient of the Croatian Music Union’s Status award for Best Jazz Trombonist, his influence is considerable.
Ivana Kocelj, Head of the HRT Music Department, accompanying the orchestra, remarked: “Performing in Budapest with such a wonderful ensemble and guest soloist is a highlight for our orchestra. It is an honour for the Croatian Radio Television Jazz Orchestra, its brilliant musicians, and chief conductor Miron Hauser, to be here in Budapest alongside the Italian-Argentine saxophonist, composer, arranger, and versatile Javier Girotto, especially during Jazz Fest Budapest. Although still young at just four years old, this festival has already earned a strong reputation.”
For Javier Girotto, the concert marked his first visit to Budapest and his third collaboration with the HRT Jazz Orchestra. “It’s more than just performing,” he said. “It is an exchange of cultures. I even discovered Croatian jazz compositions with Cuban elements that were new to me. This orchestra feels like family.” Girotto, a versatile multi-instrumentalist, composer, arranger, and pedagogue, is known for his unique blend of jazz and Argentine music.
“I am happy to be here because this is my first time in Budapest. The city is beautiful. This is my third concert with this orchestra, and we had our first concert together 10 years ago. We’ve become very close – they are like family to me. Performing with them means a lot; we exchange ideas about different cultures. I got to know compositions of Croatian composers who created music with Cuban influences that I didn’t know existed before,” Girotto shared.
The audience responded with warm applause throughout the performance, which concluded with a joyful encore. The atmosphere was electric, filled with connection, admiration, and a shared love of music.
With a tradition spanning over 75 years, the HRT Jazz Orchestra is Croatia’s only professional big band and remains a cornerstone of the national music scene. Its participation in Jazz Fest Budapest reaffirmed its role as a cultural ambassador, building bridges through music.
Following a beautiful Advent performance organised by the Croatian Embassy, this concert further strengthened the cultural ties between Croatia, Italy, and Hungary through the universal language of jazz. As Ambassador Andrlić aptly concluded: “This is a story of excellence, passion, and cultural diplomacy at its best.”
Source: Ms. Neda Maretic, Croatian Embassy
Photos by Ms. Neda Maretic, Croatian Embassy and DPA
