Skopje, 7 February 2025 (MIA) - The National Opera and Ballet will stage Cesare Pugni's "La Esmeralda" on Friday at 8pm. 

Conducted by Armenia's Eduard Ambartsumyan with choreography by Russia's Mikhail Krapivin, the ballet tells the story of the beautiful Esmeralda, inspired by Victor Hugo's novel "The Hunchback of Notre-Dame". 

The set and the costumes were designed by Zhivojin Trajanovikj and Ljupka Ristovska, and the concert master is Jane Bakevski. 

The cast includes Hristina Nakjevska Mitrashinovikj as Esmeralda, Francisco Jimenez Ruiz of Spain as Phoebus and Natasha Trendafilova Gicev as Fleur-de-Lys, joined by the ballet soloists, ballet ensemble and the orchestra of the National Opera and Ballet.

"Known for its technical difficulty, the ballet "La Esmeralda" explores the depths of human emotions while offering spectacular dance performances that hold the audience's attention," the National Opera and Ballet said in a press release.

Photo: National Opera and Ballet