Skopje, 3 July 2025 (MIA) -- Some 250 musicians from the Philharmonic, the Thessaloniki State Symphony Orchestra and the Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra performed Carl Orff's 'Carmina Burana' in Thessaloniki, "sending a message of togetherness and trust," Macedonian soprano Ana Durlovski told MIA after the performance Monday.

"To find ourselves on the same stage with colleagues of different countries and speak the same language, the language of music, reminds us that belonging does not have to mean Balkan divisions but an abundance of diversity," Durlovski said.

This is the second performance of Orff's "Carmina Burana" after the premiere in Sofia on Feb. 17. Durlovski was joined on stage by baritone Ivo Yordanov of Bulgaria and countertenor Nicholas Spanos of Greece.

The Sofia concert was conducted by Nayden Todorov of Bulgaria. The Thessaloniki concert was conducted by Michalis Economou of Greece.

According to Durlovski, the choice of Orff's cantata for the three orchestras' joint project was not accidental.

"This work touches on universal themes of fate, love, passion, joy and pain, all that connects us as people regardless of our languages or nationalities.

"His music is intense, direct and powerful, a perfect platform for us to unite around as artists of different countries and cultures. At a time when the world keeps dividing itself, through this work we sent a message of togetherness and trust," the opera singer said.

The idea was to perform "Carmina Burana" in all three countries, but Durlovski said the Macedonian concert was yet to be scheduled.

The concerts were part of the "Thessaloniki-Sofia: Balkan Cultural Bridge'" program funded by the Ministries of Culture of Greece and Bulgaria. mr/