Ivan Šimatović graduated from Music Academy in Zagreb in the class of professor Krešimir Bedek. He has received the Dean’s Award for outstanding achievements in the academic year 2017/2018 as well as the scholarship of the City of Zagreb for excellence in studies. He graduated from “Pavao Markovac” High Music School where he studied with Branko Pralica and the Second Grammar School, both with excellent grades. During his studies, he received prizes in national and international competitions.

In national competitions, he received one second prize (2015) and one third prize (2011). Furthermore, Ivan won first prizes in the following international guitar competitions: Peja Guitar Festival, Porečki tirando, as well as third prizes in the “Valle-Balle Guitar Competition and “Zagreb Guitar Festival”

His first solo concert was held in 2015 at “Sea and Guitars Festival” in Vrsar. He performed in cities throughout Croatia and abroad, and he was also a guest on television and radio shows such as Dobro jutro, Hrvatska. Last summer he held two solo concerts in Italy (cycles Carniarmonie and Nei Suoni dei Luoghi) Ivan also performs in various art manifestations such as poet evenings with Enes Kišević.

Beside numerous performances, Ivan plays often and takes part in the organization of charity concerts.

Moreover, Ivan attended numerous guitar workshops and studied with Xhevdet Sahatxhija, Lukasz Kuropaczewski, Dejan Ivanović and more.

He is a member of Trio Evocación and plays in guitar duo with his sister, Divna Šimatović.

With Trio Evocación he published his first CD in March 2020.