José Carreras brought one of the biggest classical music events of Dubrovnik’s summer to the heart of the Old Town, performing in front of Dubrovnik Cathedral on 27 August 2026. Joined by the Dubrovnik Symphony Orchestra and soprano Dušica Bijelić, the legendary Spanish tenor performed a programme of opera, Spanish favourites and some of his best-known songs.
1. José Carreras performed in front of Dubrovnik Cathedral
The concert took place on the plateau outside Dubrovnik Cathedral, giving the audience the remarkable combination of a world-famous tenor and one of Croatia’s most historic settings.
The cathedral and surrounding architecture of Dubrovnik’s Old Town formed the backdrop to the open-air performance.
2. He performed with the Dubrovnik Symphony Orchestra
Carreras was accompanied by the Dubrovnik Symphony Orchestra under conductor David Giménez.
Acclaimed soprano Dušica Bijelić also appeared as a special guest, adding a Croatian connection to an evening built around internationally renowned classical music.
3. The programme included Granada, O sole mio and My Way
The concert moved beyond traditional opera, with Carreras performing a mixture of Italian and Spanish music, Neapolitan songs and familiar international favourites.
Highlights included Dicitencello vuie, Passione and Granada, while the later part of the evening featured O sole mio and My Way.
4. It was José Carreras’ first visit to Dubrovnik
Despite a career stretching across more than five decades, the concert marked Carreras’ first visit to Dubrovnik.
He said before the performance that Dubrovnik was one of those special places where the history, architecture and surroundings inevitably become part of the musical experience.
Carreras remains best known internationally as one of the Three Tenors alongside Luciano Pavarotti and Plácido Domingo.
5. The concert became one of Dubrovnik’s major summer cultural events
Dubrovnik Mayor Mato Franković described the performance as an example of the importance of culture to the identity of the city.
With Carreras performing beneath atmospheric lighting against the architecture of Dubrovnik Cathedral and the historic centre, the concert became far more than a conventional classical performance.
For anyone planning a future trip to Dubrovnik, evenings such as this show why it is worth checking the city’s summer concert and cultural programme alongside its famous beaches, city walls and historic attractions.
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