Nikola Fabijanić

Saxophonist Nikola Fabijanić has successfully pursued his artistic career as a soloist, chamber and orchestral musician, as well as an educator. He earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degree at the Music Academy in Zagreb under the tutelage of Dragan Sremec, and he continued his studies under the guidance of prominent international saxophonists. He is a professor at the Pavle Markovac School of Music, serves as a permanent solo saxophonist in the Zagreb Philharmonic and the HRT Symphony Orchestra. He also takes on the role of a guest professor in Novi Sad and Banja Luka. Notably, since 2021, he has assumed the directorship of the Jastrebarsko Cultural Center.

As a soloist, he has performed with the Zagreb Soloists, the Zagreb Philharmonic, the HRT Symphony Orchestra, the Dubrovnik Symphony Orchestra, the Varaždin Chamber Orchestra, the Zadar Chamber Orchestra, the HV Symphony Wind Orchestra, the HRM Symphony Wind Orchestra, the Gaudeamus Orchestra, the Zagreb Chamber Orchestra, Windstrings, and the Art Ensemble NRW. He premiered several saxophone and orchestra concerts initiated by him. He has appeared at almost all major music festivals in Croatia, including the Dubrovnik Summer Festival, Split Summer, Osor Musical Evenings, Music Biennale Zagreb, Rijeka Summer Nights, Music Evenings in St. Donat, Pag Art Festival, among others.

As a chamber musician, he is a member of the Papandopulo Quartet, one of the most influential chamber ensembles in Croatia, with numerous awards, including the Milka Trnina, Porin, Jastrebarsko City Award, and the first prize at the Berliner International Music Competition. The quartet has been instrumental in premiering over 30 compositions commissioned for their performances. Furthermore, Fabijanić contributes to the acclaimed Acoustic Project. He regularly performs in the Mravunac Fabijanić duo and has collaborated with various chamber ensembles, such as the Zagreb Wind Ensemble, Sebastijan String Quartet, Podium Brass Quintet, and the Porin String Quartet.

Fabijanić’s extensive orchestral experience extends over two decades, serving as the permanent solo saxophonist in both the Zagreb Philharmonic and the HRT Symphony Orchestra.

He actively participates as a judge in saxophone, chamber music, and woodwind competitions at regional, national, and international levels. For his artistic and pedagogical work, he has garnered numerous professional awards and recognitions. Notably, he has built an impressive discography, having recorded approximately ten studio albums to date.