Zagreb Soloists is a renowned classical music ensemble that was founded in 1953 in Zagreb, Croatia. The ensemble has gained international recognition for its exceptional performances and recordings of classical music. The founding members of Zagreb Soloists were a group of young musicians who were students at the Zagreb Academy of Music. The ensemble was initially formed as a chamber orchestra, with the aim of promoting classical music in Croatia and beyond. The founding members of the ensemble included violinists Tonko Ninić and Boris Papandopulo, violist Ladislav Šaban, cellist Martin Jordan, and double bassist Zlatko Topolski. The ensemble quickly gained popularity in Croatia and began to perform in other parts of Europe. In 1956, Zagreb Soloists made their debut performance in Vienna, Austria, which was met with critical acclaim. This performance marked the beginning of the ensemble's international career. Over the years, Zagreb Soloists has had many talented musicians as members, including violinists Ida Haendel, Ruggiero Ricci, and Gidon Kremer, cellist Mischa Maisky, and pianist Martha Argerich. The ensemble has also collaborated with many renowned conductors, including Claudio Abbado, Zubin Mehta, and Neville Marriner. One of the highlights of Zagreb Soloists' career was their performance at the 1964 Salzburg Festival, where they performed Mozart's Divertimento in D major. The performance was a huge success and helped to establish the ensemble's reputation as one of the best chamber orchestras in the world. Zagreb Soloists has also received numerous awards and accolades throughout their career. In 1979, the ensemble was awarded the Grand Prix du Disque for their recording of Vivaldi's Four Seasons. They have also been awarded the Croatian Porin Award for Best Classical Music Album multiple times. In addition to their performances and recordings, Zagreb Soloists has also been involved in music education. The ensemble has organized masterclasses and workshops for young musicians, and has also established the Zagreb Soloists Academy, which provides training for young musicians. Today, Zagreb Soloists continues to perform and record classical music, and their legacy as one of the world's best chamber orchestras lives on. Their dedication to promoting classical music and nurturing young talent has made them an important part of the classical music world.

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