Spectacular Premiere of The Garlands by the National Theatre at the “Days of Mokranjac” Music Festival in Negotin

On 15 September as part of the 60th jubilee edition of the “Days of Mokranjac” Music Festival, the Choir and Ballet of the National Theatre in Belgrade premiered The Garlands, a choral-ballet spectacle set to the music of Stevan Stojanović Mokranjac, receiving great acclaim and standing ovations from the audience.

This remarkable artistic production, inspired by the eponymous monumental work of the renowned Serbian composer and conductor, which represents a cornerstone of Serbia’s musical heritage, was musically prepared by conductor and Head of the Choir Jelena Miljević, while the choreography and concept were created by Jovica Begojev.

Performed before a full house at the “Stevan Mokranjac” Cultural Centre in Negotin, the project brought together past and present, creating a new stage expression in which tradition is not merely reconstructed, but experienced anew through movement.

The performance featured a selection of eight of Mokranjac’s 15 Garlands (II, IV, VII, VIII, IX, X, XII and XV), creating a complete dramatic arc ranging from joy and love, through unrest and suffering, to hope and rebirth, and bringing together traditional musical heritage and contemporary ballet language on stage.

Within this magnificent stage and musical format, Mokranjac’s Garlands became a living space where voice and movement meet and where the choir embodied the power of collective memory, while the dancers explored universal themes of love, belonging, loss, suffering, hope and unity with nature.

The creative team also includes Natalija Mijailović (piano accompanist), Olga Mrđenović (costume selection), Miraš Vuksanović (set design selection), as well as Milica Jević Drndarević and Miloš Živanović (choreography for Garland II), Sanja Ninković (choreography for Garlands IV and VIII), Maja Varićak Antić (choreography for Garland VII), and Ivana Savić Jačić (choreography for Garland IX).

Following the premiere, Acting General Manager of the National Theatre Dragoljub Bajić received the Festival Plaque commemorating the 60th jubilee edition of the “Days of Mokranjac” Music Festival, awarded by the “Stevan Mokranjac” Cultural Centre in Negotin.