Children's opera "Deca Bestragija" is an invitation to search for answers together

"Children of Bestragia" is an opera for children. Its composer is Lazar Đorđević, and it was based on the novel of the same name by Uroš Petrović, with a libretto by Aleksa Ršumović. Selected pieces will be presented at the concert in the Artget Gallery of the Belgrade Cultural Center on February 1.

The announcement stated that this concert is part of the project of composer Lazar Đorđević and the MOTO organization, which aims to present young authors and performers, as well as to bring the audience closer to opera as a living and contemporary art form.

The world of Bestragia, filled with humor and mystery, also carries clear messages about friendship, togetherness and the courage to search for answers together. Selected parts of the opera, through music, text and dramatic action, have a pronounced educational character - they stimulate the imagination, develop listening attention and contribute to the understanding of the basic elements of musical and stage expression.

The special importance of such projects is reflected in their contribution to the musical education of young people, because through contemporary opera they enable a first or deeper encounter with this art form, develop interest in art music and encourage active and critical listening. At the same time, these works create a bridge between literature, music and theater, offering the audience a complete artistic experience.

The opera will be performed in a chamber, concert version, with an instrumental composition. Filip Stankovski (narrator), Marija Mitić Vasić (Srna and Oblak), Mina Nikolić (Blonde Girl), Milan Obradović (Kabar), Tamaš Kiš (Ibrahim Baja and Daud), Ivan Golubović (Rafajlo), Stefan Savić (Neur I and Jaud) and Matija Arnautović (Neur II and Čauš) and an instrumental ensemble consisting of Jovana Mijin (violin), Angelina Živković (cello), Jovan Živčić will perform (clarinet) and Marko Bogdanović (piano).

In this form, the opera premiered on December 13, 2025 in Novi Sad, while a repeat performance was held at the "Duško Radović" theater two days later.