The Boka Symphony Orchestra held its New Year’s concert before a large audience on the main square in front of Budva’s Old Town, marking the first day of 2026 with the finest notes of classical music. The ceremonial concert was organised under the patronage of the Budva Tourist Organisation.
“As previously announced, we welcomed 1 January 2026 in high style with a classical music concert performed by the Boka Symphony Orchestra. The audience enjoyed a remarkable evening featuring operatic arias and passionate duets. With this concert, classical music reached a wider public and our efforts to promote it have truly borne fruit. We were delighted to witness such a large audience enjoying the works of renowned composers such as Mozart, Puccini, Verdi and many others,” said Ljubica Pribilović, representative of the Budva Tourist Organisation.
Gratitude to TO Budva
The violinist and PR representative of the Boka Symphony Orchestra, Milena Rajković, expressed sincere appreciation for the support:
“We are immensely grateful to the Budva Tourist Organisation for the invitation and we hope this becomes a tradition to our mutual satisfaction. We performed some of the most celebrated works of the operatic repertoire. The atmosphere was truly wonderful and I hope we conveyed a beautiful emotion to the Budva audience,” said Rajković.
Conducted by Maestro Robert Homen
The concert was led by maestro Robert Homen, a distinguished operatic and symphonic conductor, who created a powerful synergy between the soloists and the orchestra.
“A conductor’s role is to connect all elements of a musical narrative such as this. I am extremely pleased because I believe we achieved a strong synergy between the soloists and the orchestra. As the sun began to rise, the energy between us and the audience grew stronger. I am glad we were so warmly received and that the story of the Boka Symphony Orchestra continues to gain momentum,” noted Homen.
Celebrated Soloists and Guest Artists
The audience was introduced to an impressive line-up of accomplished soloists: Milica Zdravković (soprano), Ileš Bečei (tenor) and Amanda Stojović (mezzo-soprano).
Soprano Milica Zdravković emphasised the importance of concerts that bring classical music closer to wider audiences:
“It is very important to organise more concerts like this in order to promote classical music. I am very pleased that the attendance was excellent—it brought a special energy and contributed to the success of the evening,” said Zdravković.
Tenor Ileš Bečei expressed his satisfaction with the new collaboration:
“I was genuinely positively surprised by the quality of the orchestra. Whenever a concert ends so successfully, that is when collaboration truly begins. I hope to perform with them again in Budva, which is a wonderful city, and I am grateful to TO Budva for the invitation,” stated Bečei.
As special guests of the evening, Petra Lekić (flute) and Lana-Asija Dabović (soprano) also joined the ensemble.
“This collaboration was wonderful. I am grateful to all my colleagues and I believe the concert unfolded beautifully. Events like this should occur more often in Montenegro, especially in Budva in such a setting,” said flautist Petra Lekić.
The concert held particular significance for Lana-Asija Dabović, who had the opportunity to perform for her hometown audience:
“I love returning to my city and performing here each year, offering what I consider the best selection of music to my neighbours and friends. I am glad we once again attracted an audience that filled the entire square,” said Dabović.
Part of Budva’s Seven-Day New Year’s Celebration
The concert of the Boka Symphony Orchestra formed part of Budva’s rich seven-day New Year’s programme, organised by the Budva Tourist Organisation and the Municipality of Budva, which attracts a large number of visitors to Montenegro’s tourism capital.
