As part of the promotion of Italian culture in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Embassy of Italy is organizing two concerts by the Smile Orchestra, a renowned Italian ensemble specializing in swing music from the 1930s and 1940s.
The first concert took place on July 14 at 7:30 p.m. at the At Mejdan venue as part of the Baščaršija Nights Festival in Sarajevo. The second performance is scheduled for July 15 at 7:30 p.m. in the Art Courtyard of Banski Dvor in Banja Luka.
The concerts will feature the program “Italian Swing: Homage to the Twentieth Century,” offering audiences a musical journey through some of the most celebrated works of Italy’s swing era. The repertoire pays tribute to iconic performers such as Natalino Otto, Ernesto Bonino, the Lescano Trio, and Alberto Rabagliati, highlighting the richness of Italy’s musical heritage and the role of music as a bridge between cultures.
Founded in 2016, the Smile Orchestra has become one of Italy’s leading ensembles dedicated to preserving and promoting historic swing music. The group has performed at prestigious institutional venues and participated in projects organized by the Italian Ministry of Culture, the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the European Parliament, the European Commission, and UNESCO. Their performances have also received coverage from international broadcasters, including RAI and the BBC.
Commenting on the concerts, Italian Ambassador Sarah Eti Castellani emphasized the importance of cultural exchange between Italy and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
“Culture represents one of the most effective ways of bringing our countries closer together and further strengthening the already strong bonds of sincere friendship between Italy and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Through music, a universal language that transcends all borders, we want to share with audiences in Bosnia and Herzegovina an important chapter of Italian artistic heritage. The Smile Orchestra concerts are an invitation to rediscover a musical tradition that continues to speak to modern audiences, promoting dialogue, mutual understanding and the values that unite our communities,” Ambassador Castellani said.
The concerts are part of Italy’s ongoing efforts to promote cultural cooperation and strengthen ties with Bosnia and Herzegovina through music and the arts.
