Magdalena Bacanek

Soprano · Music Educator

I am a classically trained soprano and pianist with a passion for both performing and teaching. Originally from Zagreb, Croatia, I now live in Ojai, California with my husband—composer and conductor Filip Šljivac—and our young son, Jan.

My formal training began at the Music School in Varaždin, where I specialized in both Piano and Classical Singing. I went on to earn my degree in Opera Singing from the Music Academy in Zagreb under the mentorship of Professor Martina Zadro, graduating as one of the top students in my class.

Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to receive recognition in various national and international competitions, including first prize at the “Lav Mirski” International Singing Competition and finalist honors at the “Ferdo Livadić” International Competition for Young Musicians. My musical development has also been shaped by masterclasses with world-renowned artists and pedagogues, including Paul Esswood, Claudia Visca, Katarina Livljanić, and Julia Gooding, among others.

As a performer, I’ve appeared as a soloist with several Croatian orchestras and chamber ensembles, including the Varaždin Chamber Orchestra and the Festivalski Orkestar, and have performed at festivals such as the Heferer Organ Festival. My stage experience also includes Baroque opera productions through the Aestas Musica International Summer School, where I performed both solo and ensemble roles.

Equally committed to education, I’ve taught piano, voice, and music theory at various institutions, and I take pride in nurturing the musical growth of younger generations. Among my most rewarding experiences has been preparing the Little Stars Choir for their performance in The Magic Flute, coaching the young singers in the role of the Three Boys.