Croatian Pianist Matej Meštrović Joins Grammy-Awarding Recording Academy

Pianist Matej Meštrović has joined The Recording Academy as a Voting Member, an international community of music professionals involved in the Grammy Awards process. This distinction is not for a single album or concert, but a recognition of a lifelong journey encompassing compositions, albums, collaborations, and performances.

Meštrović views this as a confirmation of his extensive professional path, noting that a significant part of his work originated in Croatia and has now gained international recognition. His international career was built over decades through numerous recordings released in Croatia and abroad. Notable among these are "Four Seasons for 3 Pianos" for PARMA Recordings and "3 Rhapsodies for Piano and Orchestra" with the Zagreb Philharmonic.

His performance at New York's Carnegie Hall, where he premiered his "Danube Rhapsody," marked him as the first Croatian composer to debut his own concert work there. His international discography continued to grow with new original works, collaborations with foreign publishers, and concert projects across Europe and the United States.

The application process for The Recording Academy requires recommendations from existing members and a thorough evaluation of professional work and discography. Meštrović received an official invitation to join the Class of 2026. As a member, he will contribute to an organization that unites composers, performers, producers, and other music professionals worldwide.

"This is not recognition for one album or one concert; I see it as a confirmation of an entire journey – of all the compositions, albums, concerts, and collaborations that have led me to this moment over the years," Meštrović stated. "I am especially pleased that part of this journey was created in Croatia, and today it is recognized internationally."

Želimir Babogredac, the long-time director of Croatia Records, was also accepted into The Recording Academy.

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This is not recognition for one album or one concert; I see it as a confirmation of an entire journey – of all the compositions, albums, concerts, and collaborations that have led me to this moment over the years. I am especially pleased that part of this journey was created in Croatia, and today it is recognized internationally.