Bersa (1873-1934), of one of Croatian most important composers of the 20th century, spent a great part of his life in Zadar and was an artist significantly influenced by Zadar. The Bersiad was conceived of as a musical-educational project, but also as a musical celebration of  Bersa and the aim is to showcase his life and work.

The Zagreb Guitar Quartet has adapted several piano works by Bersa and has devised a programme named Bersa and his contemporaries for four guitars, which they will perform on the evening.

The quartet – Tomislav Vasilj, Krunoslav Pehar, Melita Ivković and Frane Verbanac – has performed in 30 countries including the USA, Canada, Russia, China, India, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates, and all throughout Europe.The Quartet was founded in 1990, when renowned guitar teacher and artistic director, Prof. Ante Čagalj, assembled his best students together and has been described by Classical Guitar Magazine as “one of the most extraordinary and vivid guitar experiences”.