With great joy, we announce that the first part of Musicville Green Opera has come to life at the enchanting Cmurek Castle in Trate, Slovenia. A vibrant ensemble of international artists from Slovenia, Croatia, and Austria breathed life into the ancient, forgotten tales of this historical place. Under the vision of artistic director Vasko Atanasovski, alongside co-mentors, the performance was met with resounding applause and a standing ovation.

Through an evocative blend of art installation and a visual-musical performance, stories that are often relegated to the shadows of society were given a radiant new form, right at the heart of the Renaissance courtyard. These young artists drew inspiration from the raw, real-life confessions of former patients of the Institute for the Mentally and Nervously Ill Hrastovec-Trate, a place that has been closed for over two decades. Yet, since 2013, the Museum of Madness has preserved the memory of this place, ensuring its stories are not forgotten.

Love as the Guide
“As the project coordinator, I am proud to say that Musicville was born out of collective solidarity and creativity. Throughout the process, agape – an ancient Greek word for love – became more than just a concept. It became our compass, a force guiding us toward a future of coexistence and universal connection,” shared Atanasovski. “Love is not only a guide to the future, but also to our ability to see and feel the world through the lens of love and being.”Judging by the thunderous applause and standing ovation, the team has unquestionably fulfilled their purpose.

Photos: David Kranzelbinder & Katjuša Štingl