Gala dinner with Sibelius
In collaboration with Embassy of Finland
To celebrate the 150th anniversary of the birth of the great Finnish composer Jean Sibelius, as part of the ‘Fall for Sibelius’ program, the Embassy of Finland in cooperation with the Esplanade Zagreb Hotel is delighted to announce the ‘Week of Finnish Gastronomy’ from October 12 – 18 within the charming Le Bistro and an exclusive ‘Gala dinner with Sibelius’ in Zinfandel’s Restaurant along with tasty Finnish specialties and a special musical treat – a performance by the world-renowned Dominante choir.
The Embassy of Finland in Zagreb and Esplanade Hotel invite all connoisseurs of music, culture and fine food to a marvelous musical-gourmet delight – ‘Gala dinner with Sibelius’ in honour of the 150th anniversary of the birth of the great Finnish composer and gourmet Jean Sibelius. This exclusive gala dinner is to be held on Wednesday, 14th October at the refined Zinfandel’s Restaurant, as the organizers provide guests with a unique opportunity to experience the musical legacy of Jean Sibelius and enjoy delicious delicacies of picturesque Finland, crafted by Ana Grgic and her creative culinary team.
The ‘Gala dinner with Sibelius’ is part of the ‘Fall for Sibelius‘ program, running from 9th October – 8th December held across several Croatian cities in order to promote exceptional compositional contributions to music and culture, including performances of mixed choirs and concerts of symphonic orchestras. To mark this special occasion, the Dominante choir, one of the most prominent mixed choirs in Finland, will perform for the first time in Croatia, celebrating the wide repertoire of Sibelius works.
“We look forward to this wonderful collaboration with the Embassy of Finland, the gala dinner and the unique musical performance of the Dominante choir, with the classy Zinfandel’s restaurant serving as the perfect musical backdrop. We believe guests will truly enjoy the delightful combination of the selected repertoire of Sibelius melodies and the carefully crafted menu inspired by the book ‘Dining with Sibelius’ and Finland’s traditional recipes, for this occasion created by Chef de cuisine, Ana Grgic”, commented the hotel general manager, Ivica Max Krizmanic.
The gala evening begins at 7 pm along with a Finnish welcome drink – special liqueur made of Arctic raspberries, at the Esplanade Bar with a musical performance by the Dominante choir followed by a gala dinner as musical performances of a choral quartet and octet sequences continue among dishes. The rich menu features deer fillet stuffed with porcini mushrooms in cranberry sauce, a traditional Finnish salmon soup, and delicious sea bass with saffron cream, aromatic mouse from smoked salmon and crème brûlée with berries.
The price of the four-course meal including a welcome drink is 385 kn (52 €*). Reservations should be made by phone +385 (0)1 4566 644 or by email: [email protected]. Please note seating is limited.
For those who are unable to attend the gala dinner, superb Finnish specialties, featured within a specially designed menu will be offered at Le Bistro, between 12th – 18th October during the “Week of Finnish Gastronomy” for all to enjoy.
“It is my great pleasure to work with the Esplanade Hotel and allow guests to enjoy a unique dinner and musical experience in the style of the most prominent Finnish composer Jean Sibelius,” shared Ambassador of Finland to Croatia, Timo Rajakangas.
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More about Jean Sibelius
The famous Finnish composer whose musical works are carried with meanings of freedom, creativity, innovation and triumph over oppression, composed seven symphonies, violin concerto, compositions including Finlandia and Valse triste, an abundance of chamber music, songs and music for various types of choirs. His long life was a true adventure, as he loved traveling and enjoyed the delights of world-class restaurants around the world, with his experiences written in the book, ‘Dining with Sibelius’.
More about the Dominante choir
Dominante is a mixed choir founded in 1975 as a student choir, and still to this day, the majority of its members are mostly students. Thanks to a versatile repertoire ranging from traditional, contemporary choral music, music from musicals to orchestral works, Dominante has become one of the most popular well-known choirs in Finland, and also in the world. Choir director Seppo Murto is one of the foremost Finnish organists and choirmasters, and organist at the Helsinki Cathedral, holding numerous seminars and workshops related to choir conducting across the world.
More about Zinfandel’s Restaurant
The unique atmosphere of Zinfandel’s restaurant and superb cuisine that combines local ingredients and worldly flavours guarantee gastronomic delight in Zagreb’s city centre. Continuing the Esplanade’s tradition of top gastronomy, the selection and combination of flavours hand-picked by Chef de cuisine, Ana Grgic, brings freshness and creativity, connecting Zagreb with the Mediterranean and continental Europe. The restaurant’s features a list of carefully selected wines of the first Croatian sommelier, Ivan Sneler and superb imaginative desserts conjured up by Croatia’s best pastry chefs.
Media contact, Esplanade Zagreb Hotel
Sanda Sokol, PR & Marketing Manager
T. +385 1 4566 036
M. +385 91 47 666 47
E. [email protected]
