The opera “Cherry with a Golden Pit” before audience in Mexico

The chamber opera “Cherry with a Golden Pit” composed by David Mastikosa, inspired by the same-named story by Milorad Pavić, will have its premiere in Mexico, in June 2025.

I am very excited that the chamber opera “Cherry with a Golden Pit” is going to have its premiere in Mexico. It is a large step forward for contemporary Serbian music and culture, for the opera will be performed in the Serbian language, which is a true rarity these days, especially on a Latin America scene”, said David Mastikosa, a composer and an Assistant Professor at the Academy of Art of the University of Banja Luka.

According to his words, the new production will be realized within the season The migrants’ identities („Identidades Migrantes“) in the city of Puebla, and it will be performed exclusively by Mexican artists. 

„The premiere is taking place in the Hall of the Stage Arts, at the University of Americas (Sala de Artes Escénicas, Universidad de las Américas Puebla (UDLAP)), directed by Cristóbal Meza Alonso. For me, this is a special challenge and an honor, as after the noted performances in Banja Luka, the opera will get a new life on a different continent”, said Mastikosa.

Besides the premiere, there will be two reprise performances, from 26 to 28 June, as well as a number of accompanying programs. 

“I was invited to hold a series of lectures to students of composing at the University of Americas in Puebla (Universidad de las Américas Puebla (UDLAP)), and there will also be a round table about the works of Milorad Pavić, whose story served as a basis for the opera. I believe such an approach will help in closer presenting of the Serbian art and literature to the audience in Latin America”, added the composer Mastikosa.

The opera “Cherry with a Golden Pit” had its world premiere in Banja Luka in December 2023 and a reprise in October 2024 in the Cultural Centre “Banski dvor.