Opera Gala at Peristyle: Top Artists and Arias Draw Young Audiences

The historic Peristyle in Split, Croatia, vibrated with the sounds of classical music as a sold-out Opera Gala concert unfolded on July 21, 2026. This event marked the return of conductor Ivan Repušić to the iconic open-air stage after an 18-year absence. Repušić, recognized as one of Croatia's leading conductors with a significant international career, showcased his talent to an enthusiastic audience.

The program opened with Verdi's "La forza del destino" overture, followed by Bellini's "Casta Diva" from "Norma," beautifully rendered by soprano Adele Zaharije. The crowd responded with thunderous applause and ovations for her performance, as well as for the powerful contributions of tenor Tomislav Mužek and baritone George Petean. The concert also featured the impressive talents of the Croatian National Theatre Split Opera Choir, the Croatian Radiotelevision (HRT) Choir, and the HRT Symphony Orchestra.

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In music, one simply has to surrender to it. Those lucky enough to be at the Peristyle could not have imagined a better evening.

Works from the world's operatic repertoire by composers such as Verdi, Bellini, Leoncavallo, Giordano, Puccini, Bizet, and Gounod filled the night air. The article emphasizes the joy of experiencing music, suggesting that attendees at the Peristyle enjoyed an unforgettable evening. Crucially, the event's organizers highlighted the importance of such performances in drawing young people to classical music and opera, fostering a new generation of appreciation.

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And the most important thing is that with such opera arias and top artists, young people are attracted to listen to classical music. And they learn to come to the opera.