The closing concert of the ninth edition of the Jaska Art Festival will take place on Saturday, October 31, at 7:30 PM at the Jastrebarsko City Museum. The Cantus Ensemble will perform under the direction of its permanent conductor, Ivan Josip Skender, featuring saxophonist Lovro Kopač. Admission to the concert is free.

This year’s ninth Jaska Art Festival is dedicated to the 120th anniversary of the birth of Boris Papandopulo (1906–2026) and features five classical music concerts. The festival program concludes with a performance by the Cantus Ensemble, joined by conductor and composer Ivan Josip Skender and saxophonist Lovro Kopač.

Ivan Josip Skender – Conductor and Composer
Ivan Josip Skender has served as the permanent conductor of the Cantus Ensemble since 2012; alongside his conducting work, he also pursues a career as a composer. His body of work includes pieces for soloists, chamber ensembles, orchestras, and choirs, as well as music for theater productions, musicals, and opera. He has collaborated with numerous domestic and international ensembles and has received several awards for his artistic contributions.
He is also active in the field of music education, serving as an associate professor in the Conducting and Singing departments. As of 2024, he holds the position of Vice-President of the Croatian Composers’ Society and is an associate member of the Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts.

Lovro Kopač – Saxophone
Lovro Kopač began his musical education at the Jastrebarsko Music School, continued it at the Pavao Markovac Music School in the class of Professor Nikola Fabijanić, and subsequently studied at the Music Academy in Zagreb.
Throughout his education, he furthered his skills by attending seminars led by renowned saxophonists and participated in both national and international competitions. Notable achievements include a first prize in the solo saxophone category and a second prize in the chamber ensemble category.
His performance with the Cantus Ensemble, under the direction of Ivan Josip Skender, will bring this year’s festival program to a close.

Conclusion of the Ninth Festival Edition
Throughout October, the Jaska Art Festival presents five classical music concerts at various locations in Jastrebarsko, featuring musicians and ensembles from Croatia. The final concert will take place on October 31st at the Jastrebarsko City Museum, beginning at 7:30 PM.

The festival is organized by the “Jaska Art” Artistic Organization and the Jastrebarsko Cultural Center, under the patronage of the Ministry of Culture, Zagreb County, and the City of Jastrebarsko.

Admission to the concert is free.