In Zadar, the city of his youth, near St. Donatus Church—where Maestro Pavle Dešpalj first conducted the Zadar Chamber Orchestra and founded the Music Evenings at St. Donatus festival—Maestro Ivan Repušić led the celebratory anniversary concert on 4 July 2025, honoring 65 years of these Zadar cultural institutions. Maestro Repušić has continued this rich legacy for 20 years at the helm of the Zadar Chamber Orchestra, with strong support from Roman Simović, marking his 10th anniversary as concertmaster. Joining in the celebration was the HRT Symphony Orchestra, performing a festive programme that, just as 65 years ago, opened with Moba by Šime Dešpalj. The programme also featured Scheherazade by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov and Boléro by Maurice Ravel.
