The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, met today maestro Krzysztof Penderecki, Polish composer and conductor.

President Ivanov welcomed the Polish conductor and wished him successful performance at the author's concert that Maestro Penderecki is to deliver on the Polish evening at the 53rd edition of the Ohrid Summer Festival on August, 3rd, Saturday, in the courtyard of the "St. Sophia" Church.

The Macedonian President welcomed the participation of the Polish composer in one of our most important cultural events and expressed expectation that his performance would give a special highlight to this edition of the Ohrid Summer Festival. President Ivanov, sterssing that the Ohrid Summer Festival celebrates, for more than half a century, the creative spiritual art through music and theater, expressed satisfaction that the Macedonian audience will have the opportunity to attend the performance of a world renowned artist. An event which at the same time is very important for promotion of the Republic of Macedonia on the global cultural map, as Maestro Penderecki's concert in Ohrid is held in the year when concerts are held worldwide, on the occasion of the jubilee marking 80 years since his birth.

Maestro Penderecki expressed his gratitude for the hospitality and expressed satisfaction with the opportunity to meet the Macedonian President who is traditionally the patron of the Ohrid Summer Festival. The Polish composer and conductor appraised the support given in continuity by President Ivanov to cultural events and said that he is distinctly pleased and honored to perform before the Macedonian audience in Ohrid.