Ivan pl. Zajc was a prominent Croatian composer and conductor, born in 1832 and passing away in 1914. He is best known for his operas, particularly "Mislav," which contributed to the development of Croatian music. Zajc played a significant role in the cultural life of Croatia during the 19th century. In addition to his work as a composer, Zajc was also a conductor at the Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb. His efforts helped promote Croatian operatic works and fostered a national identity through music. Zajc's legacy continues to influence Croatian classical music today.