Minister mourns passing of Neven Frangeš, hailing him as exceptional figure in Croatian music

Croatian Minister of Culture and Media Nina Obuljen Koržinek has conveyed her condolences following the death of acclaimed jazz musician Neven Frangeš. She described him as a brilliant instrumentalist, composer, promoter of Croatian music, and a skilled producer and organizer, whose passing was met with great sadness.

Obuljen Koržinek highlighted Frangeš's extensive knowledge and broad interests. Initially trained as a classical pianist, he developed an early passion for jazz and improvisation. Over his decades-long career, he became a pivotal figure in Croatian jazz history, celebrated as both an interpreter and an active educator and producer. His formative and mature years saw him perform alongside renowned Croatian and international jazz luminaries, including Boško Petrović, Miljenko Prohaska, Niels Pedersen, Lou Donaldson, and Chet Baker.

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Neven Frangeš was a person of exceptionally broad knowledge, education, and interests. Raised and educated as a classical pianist, he early developed an interest in jazz music and improvisation, and after decades of participation in Croatian musical life, he will certainly remain one of the key figures in the history of Croatian jazz, both as an interpreter and as an extremely active pedagogue and producer.

Frangeš's musical legacy is preserved on numerous acclaimed recordings, encompassing live and studio sessions, original compositions, and interpretations of jazz standards. A particularly noteworthy part of his work involved reinterpreting Croatian traditional music. Beyond his jazz performances, Frangeš also composed music for theater, contributing to several anthological productions at repertory theaters and notably for performances at the Dubrovnik Summer Festival, where he also served as the long-time producer of the music program.

His connection to Grožnjan was also significant, where he led the summer jazz school and festival for many years. The minister emphasized that Frangeš will be remembered not only for his exceptional artistic output but also as a dedicated cultural worker. He actively participated in various councils for the Ministry of Culture and the City of Zagreb, was involved in national music associations, frequently served on juries for major national music awards, and consistently advocated for the improvement of the status of music and musicians in Croatia. "We all owe him gratitude for his public engagement, for which he selflessly dedicated his time, knowledge, and energy," Obuljen Koržinek stated, adding that Frangeš's work has left a valuable mark on Croatian musical culture.

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Neven Frangeš will remain in our thoughts and memory as an exceptional person whose work has left a valuable mark on Croatian musical culture, and anthologies of Croatian music will certainly further valorize his valuable artistic contribution in the years to come.