Gala Concert by the Sarajevo Philharmonic and the University of Sarajevo Music Academy Held
In celebration of the 200th anniversary of Steiermärkische Sparkasse and as part of the 18th edition of the May Music Festival, the Sarajevo Philharmonic Orchestra and the University of Sarajevo Music Academy, under the patronage of Sparkasse Bank BiH, organized another concert on 13 June 2025, at the National Theatre Sarajevo. The event continues to promote the potential, talent, and creativity of young generations of musicians in their professional development.
For this occasion, young soprano Jovana Pavlović, a student of the Solo Singing Department at the Music Academy of the University of Sarajevo under the mentorship of Prof. Vedrana Šimić, performed as a soloist. The orchestra was conducted by students from the second cycle of studies at the Conducting Department of the Music Academy of the University of Sarajevo, Elle Piknjač (class: Prof. Dario Vučić) and Damir Bunoza (class: Assistant Prof. Emir Mejremić).
In the first part of the concert, conducted by Elle Piknjač, the piece “Festive Sketch” by Miroslav Špiler was performed, followed by the arias “Batti, batti, o bel Masetto” (Zerline's aria from the opera “Don Giovanni”) and “Ach, ich fühl’s” (Pamina's aria from the opera “The Magic Flute”) by W. A. Mozart, interpreted by Jovana Pavlović.
In the second part of the concert, conducted by Damir Bunoza, the young soprano performed the arias “Vilja Lied” (Hanna Glawari's aria from the operetta “The Merry Widow”) and “Meine Lippen, sie küssen so heiß” (Judith's aria from the operetta “Judith”) by F. Lehár. The program concluded with Symphony No. 8 in B minor by F. Schubert, also known as the “Unfinished Symphony.”
In honor of its significant anniversary and as a token of gratitude for long-standing trust, Sparkasse Bank BiH organized this concert free of charge as a gift to the Sarajevo audience. Due to the limited capacity of the National Theatre Sarajevo, a live broadcast of the concert was also organized at Susan Sontag Square.
More information about the concert and the festival program is available on the official website of the University of Sarajevo Music Academy.
Photo: Vanja Čerimagić
