As part of the celebration marking the 100th anniversary of the birth of Miljenko Prohaska, one of the greatest figures in Croatian music, the Music Information Centre of the Vatroslav Lisinski Concert Hall proudly presented four new sheet music editions of his works. The presentation took place on 26 March 2025 in the Small Hall of Lisinski, just before the commemorative concert “Prohaska 100”, forming an integral part of the evening’s tribute to the legendary composer, arranger, conductor and double bassist.

In her address to the audience, Jelena Vuković, Head of the Music Information Centre, emphasised that Miljenko Prohaska was “a true musical giant – a bassist, composer, arranger and conductor who left a profound mark on both Croatian and international music history”, highlighting that his Intima is “the only Croatian jazz composition included among global jazz standards – a symbol of what music can become when it emerges from deep personal expression and true musical mastery.”

The Music Information Centre proudly presented the following four editions: Zagrebačke meditacije (Zagreb Meditations) for violin and symphony orchestra, Opus 900 for big band, Concerto No. 2 for big band, Quartet for solo group and big band.

Vuković noted that with more than five decades of activity and a catalogue of over 400 published editions, MIC has become one of Croatia’s most important music publishers. Its mission is “to translate high-quality music into contemporary sheet music and offer it to the global music scene.” She also announced a new edition from Prohaska’s oeuvre planned for 2025.

A particularly emotional moment of the evening was the symbolic handover of the editions to Miljenko Prohaska’s granddaughter, Darka Kragović, as a token of lasting respect for his legacy.

The publication of these editions was made possible through the efforts of many contributors: editors Jelena Vuković and Davor Merkaš, editorial board members Miron Hauser and Bruno Bišćan, music engraver Bruno Bišćan, proofreader Domagoj Kresnik, graphic designer Daniel Ille, text authors Davor Hrvoj and Bruno Bišćan, language editor Rosanda Tometić, and English translator Graham McMaster. The project was supported by the Ministry of Culture and Media of the Republic of Croatia and the City of Zagreb.

The MIC presentation preceded the concert performed by the newly established Prohaska Big Band, under the artistic direction and baton of Lana Janjanin. The programme featured some of Prohaska’s most iconic works and arrangements, including Opus 900, Hand Rummy Bop, Intima, Darka, Nina, Always Running, and more.

The evening also included a screening of a shortened version of the documentary “And the Porin Goes to… Miljenko Prohaska”, directed by Toni Volarić. Before the concert, guests had the opportunity to view an exhibition from the private archive of the Prohaska family.

Croatian MIC

Photo Gallery © Matej Grgić / JazzHR / HDS