On 17 October, a commemorative event was organized in the area of the Grand Gallery of the Madlena Art Palace on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the death of Miroslav Čangalović, one of the greatest stars of the Belgrade Opera, and the best bass-baritone in its history. The event was marked with the presentation of the musical-biographic documentary film Priča o operskom pevaču (The Story of an Opera Singer) directed by Nada Savić and promotion of her monograph Miroslav Čangalović: Sećanja na život i delo čuvenog operskog umetnika (Miroslav Čangalović: Memories of the Life and Endeavor of the Renowned Opera Singer). The book and the film illuminate the so-far unfamiliar aspects of Čangalović’s growing up in the severe circumstances of war and the beginnings of his love to music in his native Glamoč, love which took him to opera stages world-wide. The viewers had the opportunity to see comprehensive archive materials, interviews, and evidence on the artist’s life, thus obtaining even a deeper insight into his devotion to music and the heritage he left behind him.
Nada Savić, director and author of the film and the monograph, said that she had started her research of Čangalović from the fact that he was a historical figure who simultaneously captured the attention of domestic and international public, leaving behind him vast cultural treasure as heritage. She emphasized that her story about the doyen of the national opera is in essence a story about difficult, though inspiring and spiritually rich life path of this extraordinary person who, starting as an orphan from a small town in Bosnia and Herzegovina, reached the top of artistic glory, remaining an altruist, humanist, and a modest man.
Before the film projection, the audience was also addressed by Mirjana Čangalović, daughter of the departed artist. She emphasized her father’s intense dedication to music, and, above all, his kindliness and humanity which captured attention of his colleagues, family members, and friends alike.
The memories of the renowned singer presented in the film and the book were evoked by his colleagues, opera divas Breda Kalef, Radmila Bakočević, and Radmila Smiljanić, as well as by Vladimir Jovanović, professor and once soloist of the Opera of the National theatre. Miroslav Čangalović is remembered as a top artist who inspired numerous generations not only with his voice, but his noble and unique personality as well.
In the course of his exceptionally extensive career, he performed more than 90 opera roles at all continents. He performed in 31 states and in 140 cities. The impressive career of Miroslav Čangalović was crowned with numerous awards and nominations throughout the world. As a top artist, he was awarded the prestigious French Ordre des Arts et des Lettres and the Russian Order of National Treasure. His roles of Boris Godunov, Don Quixote, Prince Igor, and Mephistopheles remained remembered in our region, but throughout the world as well.
