Opera "Mila Gojsalića", a historical musical drama by Jakov Gotovac about the heroism of the beautiful and proud girl from Poljica, the martyr and national heroine, the "Croatian Joan of Arc," returns to the stage of the Croatian National Theater in Split with performances on Thursday, Saturday, and Monday, April 11th, 13th, and 15th. Under the baton of maestro Josip Šego, directed by Ozren Prohić, Martina Mikelić, a mezzo-soprano with an exceptionally successful international career, will debut in the title role before the audience in her hometown.
Gotovac's, in terms of format, largest opera premiered in March last year, and the upcoming performances will be seen and heard in a somewhat renewed performance setting. Besides Martina Mikelić as Mile Gojsalić, the other protagonists include: bass Ivica Šarić in the role of Mila's father, Ivan Gojsalić, the prince of Poljica; tenor Domagoj Dorotić as the duke of Poljica, Petar Kulušić; baritone Marko Lasić as the standard-bearer of the Poljica army, Jure Kulišić; actor Filip Radoš, who speaks the prologue of the opera; and Mate Akrap, Goran Velić, Božo Župić, Vlatko Belas, Lovre Gujinović, Joško Tranfić, and Vinko Maroević alongside the choir and orchestra of the Split HNK.
Mezzo-soprano Martina Mikelić was born in Split and graduated in solo singing from the University of Music and Performing Arts in Vienna, where she also obtained her master's degree and had her first engagement at the Vienna State Opera. During her studies, she was nominated for the Austrian Music Theater Award and was one of the top 10 talents of Austrian art universities. Her impressive engagements include performances across Europe, including her debut at the Stuttgart State Opera and the Croatian National Theater in Zagreb, as well as performances at festivals such as the Salzburg Festival and numerous other prestigious world stages.