Violinist Tonko Ninić has Died, Aged 90

An influential violinist in the Croatian landscape, Ninić led the Zagreb Soloists for decades

The Croatian violinist Tonko Ninić, who was concertmaster of the Zagreb Soloists for many years, has passed away at the age of 90.

Born in Belgrade in 1934, Ninić studied at the Zagreb Academy of Music, where his teachers were Václav Huml and Ivan Pinkava. In 1957, he joined the Zagreb Soloists, a chamber orchestra founded by Croatian Radiotelevision.

From 1975 until 1997, he served as the ensemble's concertmaster and leader and returned as guest concertmaster for the 50th anniversary season. Alongside leading this group he was also a respected pedagogue and taught at his alma mater, the Zagreb Academy.

Ninić also served as a permanent jury member at the Vaclav Huml International Violin Competition from its first edition onward.

In 1996 he was made a member of Croatia's prestigious Order of Danica Hrvatska — and in 2003, he received the Vladimir Nazor Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his service to music.

Our condolences to Ninić's family, friends, and colleagues.

"His commitment to art, incredible technical virtuosity and inspiring leadership have shaped the ensemble and contributed to the international reputation of Croatian classical music," the Zagreb Soloists wrote on social media.

"He was more than an artist – he was a symbol of excellence and human warmth. Zagreb Soloists will never forget his contribution, and his legacy will live on through every note we perform."

"We are grateful that he was a teacher and mentor to generations of young violinists, leaving an indelible mark with his advice and especially his interpretations," added the Vaclav Huml International Violin Competition.