OREANDA-NEWS. Opening ceremony of 59th Split Summer Festival was held last night in Split under the auspices of INA, accompanied by Franz von Suppe’s "Return of the sailors" of the Croatian National Theatre in Split, under the baton of maestro Loris Voltolini and directed by Leo Katunaric.

 Through its donations and sponsorships program, INA allocates substantial funds for cultural projects and has achieved successful cooperation with all major institutions, associations and cultural events. Bearing in mind that Split Summer Festival, with its long tradition, has achieved cult status and became great promoter of Split and its cultural offerings, INA wasglad to acceptthe role of sponsor this year as well and thus continue a long-standing successful cooperation with this Festival.

 Visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy opera "The Flying Dutchman" by Richard Wagner on 14 August, two performances of Verdi's opera "Nabucco", while the rich concert program this year attracted numerous artists such as Croatian Symphony Orchestra, the Orchestra of the Croatian National Theatre in Split with the champion of Opera ValentinaFijacko and Damir Imamovic’sSevdahTakht. Two premieres are provided in the drama program; "Timon of Athens" by William Shakespeare and "This child" by JoлlPommerat, while the rich ballet program would be marked by Ballet Split’s performances in the period of 7 to 11 August.

 Split Summer Festival was founded in 1954 and is one of the most important and prominent Croatian festivals. Summer festival of opera, drama, dance and music, in addition to its own production HNK Split, hosts a number of music, theater, dance performances from home and abroad, and the best music and theater pieces are presented with“Judita” award.