The first concert in September 2022 in Erbil gave us feedback. The interest exceeded our expectations, and the response, fortunately, was positive with one exception. Why was the concert only one and held in Erbil? This fit perfectly with our plans as the tour was scheduled for the following year, 2023.

Understanding the Middle Eastern approach to time management - Inshallah and everything immediately, at the latest by tomorrow - was somewhat challenging to explain that the other concerts would be held a year later, but even that became a reality. In October 2023, with a changed lineup of performers from RUN OPERUN, we embarked on a tour across the KRI. Within one week, we held three concerts across the region (Sulaymaniyah/Soran/Duhok). The tour was organizationally very demanding and exhausting but standing ovations in all three cities were the greatest reward not only for the performers but also for us as organizers of the event.

The final concert, originally planned for 2024, unfortunately did not take place despite all efforts, due to financial reasons. Nonetheless, we did not give up, and the dream came true.

Under the auspices of cultural and public diplomacy by the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs and in cooperation with the Directorate General for Arts and Culture of the regional Ministry of Culture and Youth, we realized a unique and extraordinary concert of world opera hits in Erbil on June 2, 2025.

We managed a live performance on the morning show of an English-language radio station, where we introduced our musicians, including an opera duet. The response was phenomenal, which was reflected in the reach of our contributions on social media. The concert itself was just the icing on the cake of all our efforts. A filled hall, approximately four hundred listeners, including representatives of the regional government, the diplomatic corps, NGOs, and, of course, “ordinary” listeners who simply enjoy culture, music, and opera.

This concert was always designed as a public event - no invitations, no registration, no formalities - so that this cultural experience could be offered to everyone. It happened! The spread of Czechia's good name through soprano and baritone voices via cultural and public diplomacy was heard and seen.

Consul General Karel Kortánek personally thanks our partners who financially helped realize the final concert of our opera trilogy in KRI. Thanks to everyone who supported us for their understanding and personal commitment to realizing our idea of bringing opera to KRI.