Under the theme ‘Opera for Freedom’, the Rame Lahaj International Opera Festival , RLIOF, aims to inspire visitors to work towards an equal world, using operatic art as an empowering tool.

The upcoming edition, which will be held from July 21 to July 31 in Prishtina, will also address issues such as existing conflicts, gender inequality, refugee rights, and environmental rights.

According to the festival’s announcement, the concerts of this edition will be held in the “Skenderbeu” square and the amphitheater of the University of Prishtina Library, where, in addition to the festival days, there will also be various activities.

The evening gala “Rame Lahaj & Friends” is set to be held on Sunday, July 23, in Skenderbeu Square in Prishtina, starting at 8:30 p.m. under the direction of Pier Giorgio Morandi, accompanied by the Kosovo Philharmonic.

This gala marks the beginning of five musical nights of the festival: “Ensemble Evening” on July 25, “Opera Night” on July 27, “New Generation” on July 29, and “Nexhmije Pagarusha” on July 31.

In addition to the special theme of this edition, RLIOF will be joined by stars of the opera scene such as the well-known soprano Yulia Suleimanova, tenor Alessandro Safina, baritone Massimo Cavalleti, and maestro Francisco Araiza, a voice teacher, who will hold a masterclass with young Kosovar talents.

In a statement from the Media Office of the Festival for Prishtina Insight, it is said that in this year’s edition, everything will be exclusive.

“Besides the performances, an exhibition will be opened under the umbrella of the festival that explores the theme of nature, human connection with the environment, and the moral and ethical implications of environmental degradation. The exhibition titled ‘Rrnofsh sa Malet’ will stay open from July 22 to 31 in the Gallery of the Faculty of Arts,” the statement said.

The price of tickets for the festival varies from 5 to 20 euros.

The “Rame Lahaj International Opera Festival” is a 10-day event that aims to enrich the cultural life of Kosovo and promote the country on the international stage.

Named after Rame Lahaj, a famous Kosovar tenor who performed in the most prestigious opera houses in the world, this festival was first launched in 2021, with the aim of introducing classical music and making it more accessible among Kosovars, to highlight the power and beauty of opera.