An Overview of 18 Years of the Epidaurus Cavtat Festival
From Initial Enthusiasm and Passion to Cavtat's Cultural Institution
We have reached an impressive milestone, and I am immensely happy and joyful – when a dream and desire to bring the best of the best to Cavtat, which started as a child’s wish, truly comes to life. The festival runs until September 21st and this year of ers a diverse array of arts – from top- level classical music to theater, poetry, exhibitions, and masterclasses – we are entering the educational segment of the Festival – emphasized pianist Ivana Marija Vidović, the artistic director of the Epidaurus Cavtat Festival, which celebrates its grand 18th anniversary this summer.
Cavtat is a center of universality, Vidović said at the press conference held in the Foyer lobby bar of the Albatros hotel, adding that this universality is reflected in all the collaborations and beautiful friendships of the Festival.
– This edition has a special feature – it is entirely dedicated to our great academician Luko Paljetak, whom we can rightly call a part of ‘us.’Besides the great Ibrica Jusić performing a recital on the terrace of Villa Banac, we will have an entire day dedicated to Luko Paljetak. Along with these programmes, this year’s Festival also of ers solo concerts by outstanding musicians
from around the world – emphasized the artistic director of the Festival, pianist Ivana Marija Vidović. She especially thanked the sponsors of the Festival’s coming of age, whose full programme can be followed here.
Coming of age brings seriousness, as noted during the opening ceremony by the Mayor of Konavle Municipality, Božo Lasić, who congratulated Vidović at the press conference on her “perseverance, courage, passion, knowledge, and everything she has invested in these 18 years of the Festival.”
– I enjoyed the Opening gala concert of the 18th Epidaurus Cavtat festival and was amazed by Sorkočević’s work performed by a foreign orchestra, it was phenomenal! What more can I say? The Festival means a lot to Konavle, it has certainly contributed to its visibility, and we can only promise that we will continue to put in even more ef ort and support such great endeavors –
emphasized Mayor Lasić.
Frano Herendija, Director of the Tourist Board of Konavle Municipality, reflected on the beginnings of the Festival.
– Enthusiasm and energy were enough to launch the Epidaurus Cavtat Festival. Of course, we started modestly, but today, after 18 years, we can say that the Epidaurus Cavtat Festival has become a cultural institution, a legacy we are proud of, a culture we continue to nurture, and a symbol of Cavtat’s recognition. In this sense, all praise and congratulations to Ivana and everyone who has been a part of these 18 years, and who will continue to be, as the passion remains strong – stated Herendija.
After the press conference, the Puglia Philharmonic Orchestra and their soloists performed at the Foyer Lobby of the Albatros hotel at 9 p.m. in a shorter version of the opening ceremony concert.
This attractive and fascinating event, at the very start of the 18th edition of the Festival, attracted numerous visitors, primarily guests of the Albatros hotel but also local lovers of classical art.
To conclude the Festival’s first weekend, tonight, September 1st, a masterclass led by pianist Daniel Rivera will be held at the Cavtat Cultural Center, open to the public. This is an excellent opportunity for music lovers to educate themselves and enjoy artistic creation first-hand.
Following that, the Colors of Music exhibition by the Dubrovnik Association of Fine Artists (DuLU) will be officially opened. The masterclass begins at 6 p.m., and the exhibition opens at 9 p.m.
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The Epidaurus Cavtat Festival sincerely thanks all sponsors, donors, performers, and the audience. Information about the Epidaurus Cavtat Festival can also be found on the of icial website and social media platforms.
