The 53rd May Opera Evenings kicked off on May 9, 2025, at 20:00 with the premiere of Giuseppe Verdi's opera "Rigoletto" at the National Opera and Ballet. This year’s program promises a rich artistic experience, blending tradition with innovation, as stated by Oliver Arsovski, the director of the National Opera and Ballet (NOB). He expressed confidence that the lineup would meet the highest artistic standards.
Under the baton of conductor Gianluca Martinenghi from Italy and directed by Pier Francesco Maestrini, also from Italy, "Rigoletto" showcases powerful themes of love, power, and revenge through its dramatic musical and stage interpretation. The set design was crafted by Gilermo Nova from Spain, while Kristina Acheti, another Italian, contributed to the costume design. Choreography was handled by local talent Sasha Evtimova, ensuring a unique blend of international and domestic artistry.
The choir masters for the evening were Jasmina Gjorgjeska and Gjurgjica Dashic, leading a talented ensemble that accompanied the soloists. The cast featured Leon Kim from South Korea as Rigoletto, Ana Durlovski as Gilda, and Mario Bag, also from South Korea, as the Duke of Mantua. Other notable performers included Igor Durlovski as Sparafucile, Nikolina Janevska, Vladimir Sazdovski, Dragan Ampov, Jane Dunimagloski, Alexandra Lazarovska-Vasilevska, Dime Petrov, Marika Popovic, and Desanka Gligorijevic. Together, they brought life to the tragic story of "Rigoletto," which unfolds in three acts.
The opera revolves around the licentious Duke of Mantua, his hunchbacked jester Rigoletto, and Rigoletto's daughter, Gilda. The original title of the opera, "La maledizione" (The Curse), alludes to the curse cast upon the Duke and Rigoletto by a nobleman whose daughter was seduced by the Duke, with Rigoletto's aid. This curse becomes a central theme as the story progresses, ultimately realized when Gilda sacrifices her life to save the Duke from an assassin hired by her father.
As the festival audience gathered, the atmosphere was electric with anticipation for one of the most dramatic operatic works. The premiere marked not just the opening of the May Opera Evenings but also a celebration of the rich cultural tapestry that opera represents. The audience was treated to a blend of powerful performances and stunning visuals, making for an unforgettable evening.
Looking ahead, the May Opera Evenings will continue with other significant productions. On May 15, 2025, the ballet "Swan Lake" by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky will grace the stage, celebrated for its elegance and masterful music. Conducted by Eduard Ambartsumyan from Armenia and choreographed by Viktor Yaremenko from Ukraine, this performance promises to enchant audiences with its graceful storytelling.
Following that, on May 19, Verdi's "Nabucco," known for its iconic chorus "Va, pensiero," will take center stage. This opera is a powerful anthem of freedom and resilience, with conductor Miron Michailidis from Greece and director Renato Bonajuto from Italy at the helm. Notably, Luis Cansino from Spain will star in the titular role of Nabucco, adding to the international flair of the festival.
Finally, Puccini's poignant "Madame Butterfly" will be performed on May 23, showcasing the tragic fate of a young geisha through unforgettable melodies and profound emotions. This production will feature conductor Marco Boemi from Italy, director Aleksandar Tekeliev from Bulgaria, and a stellar cast including Marija Jelic from Serbia, Gjorgji Cuckovski, and Luis Cansino.
The May Opera Evenings not only highlight the talent of local artists but also foster international collaboration, bringing a diverse array of performances to the stage. As the festival unfolds, it stands as a testament to the enduring power of opera to connect audiences through shared stories of love, loss, and redemption.
