The world-renowned Lithuanian violinist Julian Rachlin and the Macedonian Philharmonic Orchestra gave an unforgettable performance at the Ancient Theatre last night for the audience of “Ohrid Summer,” marking the opening of the 64th festival edition.
The President of the country, Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, who is also the patron of the festival, declared it open, stating that the city of Ohrid, in addition to being a natural monument, gained a cultural monument over sixty years ago with the birth of the festival.
“We are witnesses to a rich program history, a multitude of top artists, numerous well-deserved plaques for understanding and cooperation, and gatherings with dedicated cultural missionaries. How many national artistic evenings have been held, how many musical and theatrical careers have been crowned? How many listeners and viewers have been delighted? How many hearts have been broken? How many frenetic applauses have echoed?” reminded President Siljanovska-Davkova.
Art, President Siljanovska-Davkova added, is the twin of spiritual freedom.
“In music and dance are embedded personal and collective sorrow and joy, aspiration and hope. These are whar underlie the source and reason for our passion for singing and dancing. Art is a treasury of individual, but also collective memory, an investment in the present, but also in the future,” said Siljanovska-Davkova.
The Minister of Culture and Tourism, Zoran Ljutkov, emphasized that one of the main characteristics of modern society is its identification through culture. That is why, as he explained, the enduring values and dedicated care for them represent a top priority for the new government and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
“This festival represents a temporal chain of high artistic values that are created here and only here, in ancient Ohrid. It, like no other place in the world, knows how to gather the celestial ambrosia of human thought, reviving the centuries and leading us along paths that uniquely reveal the essence of existence and the future of eternal art. I am convinced that this year, too, we will jointly witness events that will bring the most valuable gifts in front of Macedonian audience: from the skill of words to forge immortality, from the musical expression to capture timelessness, and to play the eternal game of life on stage. The city of Ohrid and the ‘Ohrid Summer’ festival have been and remain the epicenter of Macedonian culture, where for decades thousands of cultural events and happenings have intertwined. They are the best confirmation of our step with current European and world trends, which imply a continuity of quality production and an intensive creative energy that artists exchange with the audience,” emphasized the Minister of Culture and Tourism, Zoran Ljutkov.
The artistic message this year from the stage of the Ancient Theatre was delivered by Vladimir Kostov, one of the most renowned and best Macedonian violinists. He emphasized that the “Ohrid Summer” festival, for more than six decades, has reflected the eternal struggle to promote true values through a delicate selection of the best artists who, on the ancient stages in Ohrid, reincarnate the spirit of art in its most exalted form every year.
“Creativity does not mean being different, nor complex. Creativity means being simple like Bach, admirably simple in the labyrinth of complex sound polyphony. In dealing with the complexity of the modern world, let us not forget the importance of art in our lives. Let us support and celebrate artists, invest in artistic education, and ensure that art remains deeply integrated into our society. This is why it is important to recognize its power and encourage it through a firmly built system of values to spread its essence, to educate, to create a healthy sound environment that defies kitsch and trash,” violinist Kostov conveyed.
The sixty-fourth “Ohrid Summer” was traditionally opened with the intonation of the festival anthem composed by Tomislav Zografski and the lighting of the festival fire.
Until August 20, culture lovers will enjoy 36 artistic events, including 25 classical music performances, six exceptional theatrical plays, one stand-up show, and an exhibition and a book promotion. This year’s birthday concert will feature the salsa ensemble “Mercadonegro,” and in the additional program, the world-renowned Macedonian guitar virtuoso Vlatko Stefanovski will perform.
