Ivan Zajc was a prominent Croatian composer and conductor, born on July 3, 1832, in Rijeka, Croatia. He is best known for his operas, particularly Mislav, which premiered in 1870 and is considered one of the first Croatian operas. Zajc played a significant role in the development of Croatian music during the 19th century. In addition to his work in opera, Zajc composed symphonic music, choral works, and songs. He was also a key figure in the establishment of the Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb, where he served as a conductor. Zajc's contributions to music have left a lasting impact on Croatian cultural heritage.