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Opera singer Jovanović to perform in Novi Sad after Matica Srpska cancellation
🇷🇸 Serbia /Culture & Society

Opera singer Jovanović to perform in Novi Sad after Matica Srpska cancellation

From N1 Serbia · (8m ago) Serbian Critical tone

Translated from Serbian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Opera singer Katarina Jovanović will perform in Novi Sad a month after her concert was canceled due to her political views.
  • Jovanović stated that the Matica Srpska, which canceled her performance, acted more like a part of the ruling regime than a Serbian cultural institution.
  • She emphasized her commitment to her principles, stating she will always sing the same way regardless of venue and that quality is often overlooked in favor of political conformity.

Novi Sad welcomes back its acclaimed opera singer, Katarina Jovanović, for a solo concert this evening. This return comes a month after a planned performance at the Matica Srpska was abruptly canceled, a move Jovanović attributes to her political stances.

Ponovo sam pred novosadskom publikom, nije me dugo bilo, radovala sam se koncertu u Matici srpskoj, međutim, Matica se pokazala malo manje srpska, a više kao da je deo vladajućeg režima

— Katarina JovanovićCommenting on the cancellation of her concert at Matica Srpska and her return to Novi Sad.

Speaking to N1 reporters, Jovanović expressed her disappointment with the Matica Srpska, noting, "Matica proved itself a little less Serbian and more like a part of the ruling regime." She highlighted that the "Informerization" of her life continues, referring to a pervasive media campaign. Despite the setback, Jovanović remains resolute in her artistic integrity. "If I cannot sing at Matica, SNP, or Kolarac, I can sing where people invite me, because I will always sing the same way. I will strive not to betray my principles; that is what is important to me," she declared.

Ako ne mogu pevati u Matici, SNP, Kolarcu, mogu pevati tamo gde me ljudi pozovu, jer ću uvek pevati isto, trudiću se da ne izneverim svoje principe, to je ono što je meni važno

— Katarina JovanovićStating her commitment to her principles and artistic integrity despite the cancellation.

Jovanović also touched upon a broader issue within the cultural sphere, observing that "suitable individuals for the stage are sought anywhere except based on quality." This sentiment resonates deeply within Serbia, where artistic merit is often perceived to be secondary to political loyalty. Her experience underscores a struggle for artistic freedom and a demand for genuine appreciation of talent over adherence to the prevailing political narrative. The fact that she is performing in Novi Sad, albeit at a different venue, demonstrates the public's enduring support for her and her unwavering commitment to her art.

Ako ne mogu pevati u Matici, SNP, Kolarcu, mogu pevati tamo gde me ljudi pozovu, jer ću uvek pevati isto, trudiću se da ne izneverim svoje principe, to je ono što je meni važno

— Katarina JovanovićEmphasizing her dedication to her principles.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by N1 Serbia in Serbian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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