One of the world’s preeminent conductors, Italian maestro Riccardo Muti, held a gala concert at the Sarajevo National Theater on the occasion of celebrating 100 years of the Sarajevo Philharmonic Orchestra.

Conducted by Maestro Muti, the repertoire of the Gala concert included Symphony No. 7 in A major, Op. 92 by Ludwig van Beethoven and Symphony No. 9 in C major, D 944, known as ‘The Great’ by Franz Schubert.

“It is not important to make a gesture of friendship, it is important to know how to repeat it. I am happy to be back, and I met ten musicians in the orchestra who played with me in 1997. At a time when the world is in crisis, we must know that culture is an important instrument that will raise new generations,“ said Muti at the press conference yesterday.

He characterized the return to Sarajevo as an expression of pure love, affection, and friendship towards Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Maestro Muti visited Sarajevo in 1997 with the Milan Scale and held a concert, then again in 2014, and this is his third visit.

The Sarajevo Philharmonic Orchestra has been operating since 1923, which makes it one of the oldest cultural institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The success of the orchestra is evidenced by numerous domestic and international awards, as well as guest appearances by famous names from the world of music.