Premiere of symphonic poem 'My Escape to Freedom' tonight

(Patria) - Final preparations are underway for the commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the birth of Alija Izetbegović at the National Theatre in Sarajevo, starting at 8 p.m.
The "Alija Izetbegović" Foundation and the "Alija Izetbegović" Museum will host a ceremonial concert featuring the premiere of the symphonic poem "My Escape to Freedom" by composer Emir Mejremić.

Special attention has been devoted to orchestra rehearsals since the morning hours, with members bringing their artistry to this specially composed musical work.
As we learn from participants and orchestra members, this work encompasses the entire spiritual and intellectual arc of Alija Izetbegović's life, using the power of music to guide the listener through vast reflections on their own relationship with his legacy. And the legacy of Alija Izetbegović is a creatively inexhaustible treasure, towards which composer Emir Mejremić had to carefully and dignifiedly position himself in the creative process.

Premiere of symphonic poem 'My Escape to Freedom' tonight
"Creating music about a man who has become a fact in the collective memory of the Bosnian people is an exceptionally demanding and responsible undertaking," he said ahead of tonight's premiere.

The composition itself is shaped as a symphonic poem, an unusual musical expression that combines beauty and pain, sorrow and – freedom.
This freedom is spoken of in years of peace, and tonight through music, in an effort to depict the essence of an extraordinary personality through tones. Before us is a great work, which will surely occupy a special place among the most significant achievements of Bosnian-Herzegovinian musical creation. For history, it is a confirmation of facts; for emotions, a force of expression; for art, the opening of new horizons and frameworks of the knowledgeable capabilities of BiH composers.

On the occasion of this great jubilee, their memories of the personality and work of Alija Izetbegović were also shared by Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, President of the Republic of Turkey, and Bill Clinton, former President of the United States of America.

Their letters, written in words of respect, will be read during tonight's ceremony, which will be broadcast live on Hayat TV and Television of Sarajevo Canton.