The Croatian Music Information Centre received with great sadness the news of the passing of Mr. Miroslav Poljanec (1930–2025), esteemed music producer, cultural organiser, and honorary member of the Vatroslav Lisinski Concert Hall, who died on Saturday, 12 July 2025. We take this opportunity to remember his exceptional contribution to Croatian musical culture and to express our sincere gratitude for everything he did for the Croatian Music Information Centre.

As Director of the Zagreb Concert Management (Koncertna direkcija Zagreb) from 1972 to 1989, Miroslav Poljanec played a key role in the development and preservation of the Croatian Music Information Centre. At a time when the Centre was on the verge of closure, he recognised its potential and secured the conditions for a new beginning within the structure of the Concert Management. This move created space for the systematic presentation and recording of Croatian composers and performers.

Reflecting on that time, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Zagreb Concert Management and the 30th anniversary of the Croatian Music Information Centre, Poljanec wrote:

“New ideas and the need to realise them emerged along the way, and so we began to expand into other production roles in the field of music. From composer Branko Sakač, who founded the Music Information Centre but was unable to provide the material conditions for its operation, we took it over at a moment when it was on its last breath. What MIC represents in our musical culture today is for someone else to say. I will only remind you that, in its very first year as part of Zagreb Concert Management, MIC released the first-ever LP series of Croatian composers and Croatian performing artists. The much-missed music information monthly OD – DO was also ‘the work of our hands.’”

The vision, enthusiasm and dedication of Miroslav Poljanec have left a deep and lasting imprint on the work of the Croatian Music Information Centre. Thanks to his initiative and support, the Centre was able to grow in the direction it follows to this day — as a place where musical ideas, creativity, and heritage meet. With sincere respect and lasting gratitude, we honour the memory of his invaluable contribution to Croatian music.

Croatian Music Information Centre