Skopje, 12 July 2026 (MIA) - The 66th edition of the Ohrid Summer Festival will open Sunday evening at the Ancient Theatre with the gala concert “Love,” featuring world-renowned Albanian soprano Ermonela Jaho and American tenor Charles Castronovo. The concert will be conducted by Italian maestro Marco Boemi, accompanied by the National Opera and Ballet.

Gjorgji Cuckovski, the festival's director, said that for 66 years the festival has been successfully building its international reputation, serving as a bridge between cultures, nations and generations.

“As director of the festival, I feel a special responsibility, but also a privilege, to be part of a story that has been shaping the cultural and spiritual landscape of our country and beyond for decades. Ohrid Summer is more than a festival – it is a tradition, a value and a bridge that unites cultures, nations and generations,” Cuckovski said.

The 40-day programme will present nearly 50 musical and theatrical events, showcasing classical music, jazz, ballet and theatre with the participation of over 700 artists from 24 countries.

The festival will mark two major anniversaries this year – 100 years since the birth of opera diva Ana Lipsha-Tofovikj and 60 years of the Faculty of Music in Skopje.

The festival, in cooperation with diplomatic missions, will host evenings dedicated to Austria, Spain, the United Kingdom, Italy, France, the Netherlands, Greece, Slovakia, Hungary and Poland, as well as European Union Evening.

Ahead of the official opening, the traditional “Youth Podium” was held at the Church of St. Sophia in cooperation with the Musical Youth of Macedonia, dedicated to the new generation of musical artists.

A new feature in this year’s programme will be the jazz concerts, which will take place from August 13 to 16 at the Dolni Saraj and St. Sophia venues, featuring top musicians from the US, Ghana, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Germany and North Macedonia.

According to Cuckovski, last year’s edition of the festival was the most attended in the past decade, attracting more than 10,000 visitors and audiences from over 30 countries. He said this represented a significant contribution to the promotion of Ohrid as a cultural and tourist destination.

The festival is held under President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova’s patronage, with government support through the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. A1 Macedonia is the general sponsor, with support from the Municipality of Ohrid, the diplomatic corps and other sponsors.

Photo: Ohrid Summer Festival