The Zagreb Philharmonic Orchestra (in Croatian Zagrebačka filharmonija) -- whose foundation marked the beginning of large-scale orchestral music-making in what is now Croatia -- is one of the oldest symphonic ensembles in the Balkans. It continues to attract top-notch international stars as guest conductors. The modern Zagreb Philharmonic emerged from the orchestra of the Croatian National Theater in the middle of the 19th century. At the time, concerts of independent orchestral music were rare and were mostly amateur affairs, but greater professionalization began when the Zag...