Young artists from the RUN OPERUN association came to the Kurdistan Region to perform world opera hits. Despite initial fears of unfamiliar surroundings, the idea became a reality and on the eve of the concert we were able to welcome the performers at Erbil airport.

Although the program consisted of only two performances, one public and the other as part of the September 28, 2022 reception, we did not give our guests much rest upon arrival. A tour of the concert venue, the first sound checks, and sorting out the problems with the musical instrument rentals followed almost immediately, followed by many other details that had to be worked out for the concert to be successful. 

However, the initial public rehearsals already gave signals that this was going to be something completely new, something that local music fans don't hear too often. And so, it happened.

Monday evening, 26 September 2022. The sun is quickly sinking behind the horizon and the citadel is sinking into its shadows. The lights on the stage pierce the growing darkness and add an almost mystical atmosphere to the coming moments. And since we are in the Kurdistan Region, we cannot miss the proper formalities with the proper officials and of course the proper thanks to all those who have duly participated in the preparation of the concert.

A packed amphitheatre, dozens of journalists, three television broadcasts and five young people eager to make opera ring in the cradle of mankind. Now, of course, we don't want to argue with historians and use the narrative here.

Judge for yourself...... and a final standing ovation.