“Cherry with the golden pit” is the title of a chamber opera by Banja Luka composer David Mastikosa, set to premiere tonight in the concert hall of Banski Dvor. The opera is inspired by the interactive work of the same name by Milorad Pavić, a digital chapter from the novel “Kutija za pisanje” (“The Writing Box”).
Creating an opera is a serious undertaking that requires significant preparation, incredible dedication, and continuous work. Composer David Mastikosa, speaking to “Glas Srpske” about the genesis of this opera directed by Ognjen Spahić, emphasized the importance of finding a text that sufficiently inspires him and is suitable for use in the form of a libretto.
He mentioned that the search for the text took a long time, and the digital chapter “Cherry with the Golden Pit” from Pavić’s novel left the strongest impression on him.
“Pavić’s magical realism, intertwined with intertextuality, makes reading a literary work different, much more exciting, which led me to want to bring it to life through theater and translate it into music,” said Mastikosa.
According to him, working on the opera convinced him that there are young and talented individuals in our country capable of working alongside renowned names.
“They are a true representation of the potential we have and must use in the right way. We easily found a common language, considering that everyone does their job professionally. We are fortunate to have the opportunity to work on art and learn about opera from Ozren Prohić, a renowned Croatian opera director,” he explained.
The opera’s performance serves as a public presentation of his doctoral artistic project, which he will defend at the Academy of Arts in Novi Sad under the guidance of Prof. Dr. Aleksandra Vrebalov.
“Learning about opera and art from a world-renowned composer is a great honor, and I am pleased that we will crown this process with this event,” he said.
Sonja Đurić, the opera’s producer, mentioned that, given that this is her first opera production, working on the production was a significant professional challenge.
“Musical theater has always attracted me, and for a long time, I’ve been hoping for an opportunity to work on a project like this. I enthusiastically accepted David’s invitation for collaboration. I am pleased that this is the first opera he composed and the first opera I produce. The process of creating the opera was exciting, challenging, complex, but inspirational and interesting—a magical journey and a precious experience that enriched all of our lives,” she explained.
The project brings together more than 40 professionals from the fields of music and dramatic arts. According to Đurić, working with such a team is a blessing.
“What is particularly interesting is that we are a ‘guerrilla’ production that, with a lot of enthusiasm, love, and dedication, managed to overcome obstacles and realize such a significant project, even in circumstances that did not always favor us,” she emphasized.
Creating an opera is complex, and that is its charm. Working on this project, she realized that everything is still possible with the right people who are dedicated to what they do. In Banja Luka, there are many such individuals, she added.
“We are also positively surprised by the fact that all tickets for this chamber opera were sold out within an hour and twenty minutes, which is an indicator that there are many people in our city interested in such content,” she concluded.
The Team:
The main role is played by baritone Aleksandar Dragojević, while other roles are performed by sopranos Ivana Milinčić and Albina Smajlović Tomić, tenor Mladen Prodan, actor Darko Stojić, and students of acting at the Academy of Arts in Banja Luka, Ilija Ivanović and Aleksa Stojiljković. Renata Agostini is responsible for stage movement, Dušan Urošević is the conductor, Igor Đurić is the author of animations, Zorana Klječanin is the assistant for set design and costumes, Katarina Lazić and Ivona Bijelić are production assistants, Nina Ninković Gašić designed the poster, and Milan Gajić collaborated on the libretto. The opera ensemble includes Sonja Bobrek Savić (piano), who was also the répétiteur, Marija Pilić (piccolo), Maša Brujić (oboe), Danilo Malešević (clarinet), Dejan Trkulja (bass clarinet), Boris Dukić (alto saxophone), Alan Husain (trumpet), Milica Čavić (trumpet), Ivana Šobot (viola), Ozren Četković (cello), and Đorđe Babić (double bass).
Source: Glas Srpske
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