FIRE 30 YEARS AGO IN THE CITY HALL August 26 concert by No Borders Orchestra

(Patria) - Under the auspices of the Government of Sarajevo Canton, on Friday, August 26, 2022, starting at 8:00 PM in the City Hall, the No Borders Orchestra (NBO) symphony orchestra will hold a concert for all lovers of contemporary and classical music.

The City Hall, as the venue for the concert, was chosen as a contribution by the Government of Sarajevo Canton in marking the 30th anniversary when the City Hall was set on fire by aggressor shelling, and over two million books, magazines, and manuscripts of priceless value were destroyed in the fire.

The orchestra has prepared a rich program featuring works by classical and contemporary composers such as Johann Sebastian Bach, Isidora Zebeljan, Steve Reich, Arvo Pärt, Franz Schubert, Edward Elgar, and Gustav Mahler with his unforgettable Adagietto. Especially for this occasion, Croatian composer Davor Branimir Vincze wrote the composition The Wound is the Place where the Light enters You, as a commission from NBO for this project. The ensemble is performing in Podgorica, Sarajevo, Rijeka, and Zagreb this year as part of the Embracing Vulnerability tour.

"The No Borders Orchestra brings together top musicians from the Western Balkan countries, and will be available free of charge to everyone in the City Hall. The citizens of Sarajevo have had the opportunity to enjoy concerts by Helem Nejse, Frenki with the philharmonic, the Vienna Boys Choir, and the Superar Children's Choir in the past period. The theaters are packed, citizens are eager for art and quality content, and we are pleased that this is the case and that we have responded adequately," stated Prime Minister Forto.

Minister of Culture and Sports of Sarajevo Canton Samir Avdić emphasized that Sarajevo has always been and remains a city of meeting cultures, religions, traditions, and a city that has proven to be an exceptional host to all well-intentioned visitors.

"I am especially pleased that we will gather regional artists as part of the commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the burning of the City Hall, a symbol of Sarajevo, which preserves the memory of both the good and the bad from our past. It is of immense importance that by nurturing a culture of remembrance, we simultaneously build bridges of cooperation and trust, which are a prerequisite for a brighter future not only for Sarajevo but for the entire region," stated Minister Avdić.

"After last year's No Return to Normality tour, in which we called for reflection on life after the pandemic, this year we are creating a tour that will explore the theme of vulnerability. Just as the world seemed to be recovering and emerging from the crisis, another devastating event occurred – the war in Ukraine. Therefore, it is very important that we find the courage to face all our current social, physical, and ecological insecurities and vulnerabilities. Embracing our vulnerabilities means using them as an opportunity to grow as a society and unite in the fight for peace and understanding," stated Premil Petrović, conductor and artistic director of the orchestra.

In addition to the Government of Sarajevo Canton, the project was supported by the City of Sarajevo, the Sigrid Rausing Trust, the European Fund for the Balkans, and the Regional Cooperation Council.

Free tickets will be available for pickup from Tuesday, August 23, 2022, at the box office of the National Theatre Sarajevo.