Croatian composer Bruno Vlahek won a silver medal at the 2026 Global Music Awards for his Concerto for Brač and String Orchestra. The jury honored the piece in the composer category.
Vlahek, a pianist and composer based in Madrid, wrote the concerto around the sound of the brač. The traditional Croatian instrument belongs to the tambura family and produces sound when the player plucks its strings.
A Traditional Croatian Instrument Takes the Lead
Vlahek gave the brač the solo part, with a classical string orchestra accompanying it. His concerto is among the first works to give the instrument that role in a classical orchestra.
The piece premiered in Zadar in late 2024. Martin Marijanović played the solo part with the Zadar Chamber Orchestra, and Edo Mičić conducted the performance.
From a Zadar Premiere to an International Award
The Global Music Awards began in Los Angeles and recognize independent musicians and composers from around the world. The jury awarded Vlahek a Silver Medal for Outstanding Achievement.
The award brings international attention to a piece that first reached audiences in Zadar. It also introduces the brač to classical music listeners who may be hearing the instrument for the first time.
