Distinguished Mister President Vujanovic,
Distinguished Mister President Topi,
Distinguished Madam President Jahjaga,
Esteemed Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen, Dear Friends,

It is a real honor and pleasure to be the patron of the festival which has been in continuity promoting the supreme European and world art in the ancient city of Ohrid, and at the same time affirming the Macedonian culture and Macedonian artists in Europe and worldwide.

The pleasure is even greater for me because this year, here in Ohrid, I am the host of the 3rd Regional Presidential Summit, which is a confirmation of our commitment to sharing, cooperation and unity on the road to our European future. I believe that in this endeavor we have a staunch ally - culture, art and music as universal language of mankind.

Distinguished Attendees,

As nature is divine art, so is art a human nature. Since ancient times until today, Macedonia is a confirmation for this. Tonight, here in the Antique Theater, we experience the unification of this triad as the citizens of the ancient Lychnidos once did. Unity between the theater and the Lake, between the music and the dance, between the man and his creativity.

Today, all roads in the theatrical, vocal and music art lead to Ohrid. During these 40 days, Ohrid will become a spiritual port which through the art shall unite peoples and nations, their heritage and their future as well. This summer will be celebrating the timeless opuses of the renowned Beethoven, Mozart and Bach. This summer, the audience will have the opportunity to experience again the Euripides’ Electra and Medea, to empathy with Shakespeare's characters, as well as with the most prominent contemporary dramas.

Therefore, Macedonia is extremely proud of the “Ohrid Summer Festival”, which through the years has become a second home for many world famous celebrities and emerging stars.

Dear Friends of Art,

At the very end, right before the start of Respighi’s “Roman Trilogy”, recalling the words of De Lamartin that “Music Commences where Speech Ends”, I declare this year’s “Ohrid Summer Festival” open!

Thank you.