Skopje, 10 May 2026 (MIA) - With the traditional lighting of the festival flame, this year ignited by soprano Ana Durlovski, the 54th edition of the May Opera Evenings officially began on Saturday evening.

The festival was opened with premieres of two operas by Giacomo Puccini – “Suor Angelica” and “Gianni Schicchi” – marking the first time that two productions have been staged at the very beginning of the festival.

“This festival, for more than five decades, has been a symbol of supreme artistry, cultural tradition, and love for opera. This year, the festival flame was lit by our distinguished soprano with an international career, Ana Durlovski. May music, art, and the magic of the stage once again be the bridge that unites and inspires us,” wrote Minister of Culture and Tourism Zoran Ljutkov in a post on his official Facebook page. 

The 54th edition of the May Opera Evenings is dedicated to works by Giacomo Puccini and Giuseppe Verdi. The program includes two more Puccini operas: “Tosca” (May 16) and “Madama Butterfly” (May 20). Verdi’s operas featured this year are “Rigoletto” (May 13), “La Traviata” (May 27), and “Nabucco” - with which the festival will close on May 31. Also on the program is the ballet “Swan Lake” by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, scheduled for May 22. 

“This year we have prepared a repertoire that carefully blends tradition with new energy. Each of the performances on the program carries a different emotion, and together they create a complete experience that we hope the audience will remember. The May Opera Evenings are also a mirror of the institution, showing how ready we are to work with dedication, to set standards, and to create productions that can stand with dignity alongside European stages,” the head of the Macedonian Opera and Ballet, Oliver Arsovski, stressed.

Photo: Zoran Ljutkov’s official Facebook page