The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, received today in "Villa Biljana" in Ohrid the organizers of the "Ohrid Summer Festival", as well as the world famous soprano, the Italian opera star, Barbara Frittoli, the Italian baritone, Leo Nucci and the Argentinean conductor, Luis Gorelik, who will open this year's 54 edition of the festival.

Ahead of the opening of the "Ohrid Summer", the Macedonian President expressed satisfaction with this year's program, stressing that the festival gives exceptional contribution to the promotion of the Macedonian culture in the world, as well as the world's most significant cultural achievements to the Macedonian audience.

President Ivanov wished welcome to the world known opera star from Italy, Barbara Frittoli and to the other artists and wished them a successful performance at the opening of the festival. President Ivanov, extending his appreciation for the participation of the artists at one of our most important cultural events, said that he expected that their performance would leave a special mark on this edition of the "Ohrid Summer Festival".

Barbara Frittoli extended gratitude for the hospitality and expressed satisfaction with the opportunity for a meeting with the Macedonian President, adding that the initial impressions of the festival and the organizers are extremely positive and that she feels wonderful in Ohrid and in Macedonia.

At the meeting, the organizers of the festival informed President Ivanov on the ongoing preparations, hoping that this year's "Ohrid Summer Festival" will be a successful cultural event, with the participation of a large number of foreign artists, some of whom perform for the first time in Ohrid.

The 54 edition of the cultural manifestations "Ohrid Summer Festival" will be opened tomorrow, with a gala concert dedicated to Giuseppe Verdi, performed by Barbara Frittoli - soprano from Italy, Leo Nucia - baritone from Italy and the Macedonian Philharmonic orchestra, under the conductorship of Luis Gorelik from Argentina.