KotorArt 24: When Music Becomes a Bridge and Montenegro Takes the Stage!
Every year, Kotor transforms into an epicenter of art, and this year was no different! The 24th edition of the International KotorArt Festival kicked off spectacularly on Montenegro’s Statehood Day, July 13th, with a grand opening titled “Bridges of Music.”
Imagine the square in front of the Cathedral of St. Tryphon, where the cathedral bells announce the start of an event that is not just a concert but a true musical revolution! The festival orchestra of Montenegro was premiered under the baton of maestro Mladen Tarbuk, who, together with the Kotor City Band, the female vocal group Đude, the klapa Štiglići, and guslar Nikola Krivokapić, created a fusion of tradition and modernity that thrilled the audience.
What did the audience get to hear? From the classical compositions of Johann Strauss Jr., through the Ferdinand March by Mirko Petrović, to contemporary Montenegrin composers like Mladen Tarbuk and Milivoj Pićurić. The festival connected European, regional, and Montenegrin musical heritage into a unique musical experience.
But it wasn’t just about music! Composers Nina Perović and Milivoj Pićurić shared insights into the conceptual background of their works, while Dobrila Popović, a longtime festival collaborator, brought historical facts and fascinating stories about lesser-known Montenegrin regional authors closer to the audience.
The ceremony gathered a large number of art lovers, officials, diplomatic corps representatives, local government, and festival sponsors. A particularly touching moment was when the festival was officially opened by the youngest member of the Kotor City Band, eleven-year-old Karlo Kovačić.
KotorArt is not just a festival; it’s a bridge connecting past and present, tradition and innovation, Montenegro and the world. If you missed this musical feast, it’s time to ask yourself — where were you when history was being made? And if you were there, you know this is an experience to remember forever.
Honestly, who can resist commenting on such a cultural explosion? Is KotorArt the best festival in the region, or do we just love to brag? Drop a comment and let’s see who’s for the bridges of music and who’s for silence!
