Fanny Martin appointed as Executive Director of Music Biennale Zagreb

The Music Biennale Zagreb (MBZ), in preparation for its 33rd edition in 2025, has appointed a new executive director through an international search for fresh talent to join the organization and oversee production.

 

After careful consideration, representatives from the Croatian Composers' Society and the MBZ artistic direction team have unanimously selected Fanny Martin, an international project director and interdisciplinary producer, to spearhead MBZ's future initiatives.

 

“We were immediately impressed by Ms. Martin’s ease in communication, how well she was aware of issues of organising international music festivals in smaller countries, as well as the persuasive responses she provided regarding our concerns of managing a team in a foreign culture whose language she does not speak,“ shared the search committee members.. 

 

“Today, as it was when Music Biennale Zagreb was created in 1961, music creation and artistic expression are deeply intertwined with geopolitics, ethics and interpersonal relationships,” says MBZ Executive Director Fanny Martin. “I’m thrilled to be leading a young and dynamic team to produce this 33rd edition of the festival in the vibrant city of Zagreb. I’m also looking forward to building ambitious, long-term collaborations with many local, regional and international partners.”

 

Fanny Martin (France) brings a wealth of experience as an arts manager, boasting a 20-year history of successfully steering complex projects, events, performances, and educational programs.

 

She has organized festivals and conferences aimed at promoting new music, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and establishing international connections. As a consultant, she conducts international research and pilot programmes on talent development, touring and commissioning models. 

 

Fanny Martin has worked extensively with music partners in the UK (Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, National Opera Studio, Guildhall School of Drama and Music, Manchester Jazz Festival, Lancaster Jazz Festival, Conductive Music, Jazz North, OperaUpClose and Club Inégales) and Canada (Suzuki Association Ontario, Orchestras Canada). She is an active member of IETM (International Network for Contemporary Performing Arts) and an alumni of the Festival Academy. Her expertise spans various disciplines, including theatre, music, dance, literature, opera, education, technology, accessibility, policy development, community engagement, and placemaking.