A traditional concert with orchestra members performing as soloists was organized in the Sarajevo National Theatre on 20 January.
The Sarajevo audience had the opportunity to enjoy the works of A. Vivaldi, G. Briccialdi, J. Sibelius, A. Khačaturjan and P. Gacio interpreted by Arvid Kullolli-Vračo-violin; Lejla Kezo-violin; Jovana Jevtić-English horn; Lidija Paulin-cello; Adi Shehu-flute; Admir Vračo and Ivan Ščitinski – trumpet. The orchestra was led by a renowned maestro Slaven Kulenović.
“The soloist concert of the Sarajevo Philharmonic is the first concert in the New Year that we perform with our own strength, the soloists from our orchestra. This concert is a tradition and a great chance for our colleagues, soloists and members of the Sarajevo Philharmonic to present themselves to the Sarajevo audience. This year we have as many as seven soloists who have been diligently preparing their solo performance for several months. The concert is additionally very important for us because we start the New Year with two new double basses and a new construction of stage elements, which were given to us by the European Union. On this occasion, I would like to express my special thanks to Ambassador Sattler for recognizing the importance and mission of the Sarajevo Philharmonic as the only symphony orchestra in Bosnia and Herzegovina,” said Vedran Tuce, Director of the Sarajevo Philharmonic.
The Office of the European Union in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as in the past, continued its support of the Sarajevo Philharmonic this year as well. In addition to two top-quality double basses, the Milano and Corleone models, traditionally made in the renowned Björn Stoll workshop in Germany, the new donated foldable stage will give the orchestra greater flexibility for stage settings.
The concert was also attended by the Ambassador Johann Sattler, Head of the EU Delegation and EU Special Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina. “I am pleased that we managed to provide support that will help the Sarajevo Philharmonic continue to delight audiences. The EU is not just a project of political and economic integration, it is also a project that builds connections between people in all spheres. Music and culture have a power to bring people together and have a particular significance. Bosnia and Herzegovina is always in the heart of Europe geographically and culturally, and we will continue to provide support for culture in this country”, said Ambassador Sattler.
The night was especially emotional for the performers, who conveyed the most beautiful and unique feelings to the audience with their interpretations of well-known parts.
“When you play in an orchestra for many years and share the same challenges, goals and special emotions with your colleagues in the orchestra, you stop being acquaintances and collaborators, you become one big family, one player who lives and breathes together. And then you go out in front of those people, you feel their excitement and support to present yourself in the best light. Sometimes it’s hard to control all those emotions and adrenaline when you go on stage, but that gives concerts like this a special charm. I am glad that the Concert of Soloists of the Sarajevo Philharmonic takes place every year and grows into a beautiful tradition, because the Sarajevo Philharmonic with its staff has a great wealth that should be presented with pride“, emphasized Adi Šehu, soloist of the orchestra – flute.
The European Union supported the work of the Sarajevo Philharmonic as part of the “EU for Local Communities” project, which is funded by the European Union with the aim of improving living standards and strengthening the capacity of local communities in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The project is implemented by the Center for the Promotion of Civil Society (CPCD) with the partner organization Help.
