TRANSCENDENTAL NEO - OPERA
“There is a light and shimmering thread that encircles and unites us all.
In this fine and glittering web we’re standing forever bound.”
THE CIRCLE GOES ON FOREVER!
Music: Dino Zonic
Libretto: Mustafa Tanovic, Dino Zonic, Rade Čikeš-Medan, Ann and Nancy Wilson (Heart), Jamie Rounds
CIRCLE – The Transcendental Neo-Opera is a paradigm-shifting hybrid show that fuses musical theatre, rock opera, contemporary opera, electro-symphonic music, and multimedia storytelling into a singular, immersive experience.
The concept behind CIRCLE is both timely and timeless: a work born from one of history's darkest moments that seeks to inspire hope, unity, and human connection. The themes that transcend language, culture, age, and geography.
Born from the pain, terror, and devastation of the Siege of Sarajevo, the original CIRCLE first emerged as an artistic response to one of the late 20th century’s darkest chapters.
THE MESSAGE IS SIMPLE AND URGENT:
HUMANITY MUST CHOOSE CONNECTION OVER DIVISION, COMPASSION OVER CONFLICT, AND HOPE OVER FEAR.
CIRCLE STANDS AS A POWERFUL ARTISTIC DECLARATION
THAT PEACE IS NOT A DREAM OF THE FUTURE,
IT IS A CHOICE WE CAN MAKE TODAY.
This reimagining of the first CIRCLE - Musical elevates the original work into a contemporary multimedia show.
CIRCLE is forged in a fractured world marked by conflict and collective uncertainty, and transforms drama into transcendence.
At its core, CIRCLE is a call for unity,
a celebration of liberty,
and a timeless plea for peace.
As the world continues to face deepening challenges, we see current crisis not only as a difficult moment but as an opportunity to offer something people may not have been ready to embrace before.
Today, people are not simply hungry; they are starving for experiences that inspire, empower, and unite.
Music
The music of CIRCLE is fusion of orchestral
and electronic with featuring compositions:
Love is The Law, Day One, Shimmering Thread,
First Flash of the Morning, Call of The Flute, Tempest,
Allies, New Heaven, Dance in the Rain,
Show Me The Way, Prayer, and Mirage.
Visual
CIRCLE presents an immersive visual environment through 3D projections and interactive content. A projected imagery integrates with the stage and performers, creating a dynamic scenography. Visual elements are synchronized and interactively responsive to the music and sound effects, generating audiovisual narrative that engages the audience on multiple sensory levels.
Sound
At the heart of CIRCLE is its live orchestral-electronic performance sound and master tape sound processed through a High-Resolution audio technology system. Such setup create a fully encompassing experience where sound, image, and performance become one.
* * *
SHIMMERING THREAD
For love we do not please,
we merely take it and we give.
All these dreams might seem unreal,
in our circle we make dreams fulfill.
Oh, The rain that falls upon the town
beats to the rhythm of love.
There’s light and shimmering thread,
that encircles and unites us all.
In this fine and glittering web,
we are standing forever bound.
There’s light and shimmering thread,
that encircles and unites us all!
by Mustafa Tanovic
A Global Invitation to Humanity
At a time when division, conflict, and uncertainty dominate the global landscape, CIRCLE invites people of all ages, cultures, faiths, and nations to rediscover what unites us most deeply: our shared humanity.
CIRCLE is a call to action, a global invitation to audiences, cultural institutions, producers, educators, artists, philanthropists, media organizations, and visionaries to join in spreading a message of hope, connection, and human solidarity across generations and across the world.
More than the revival of a successful opera-musical, CIRCLE reimagines a work born during the Siege of Sarajevo as a contemporary international artistic event with profound relevance to the challenges and aspirations of the 21st century.
Rooted in a true story of courage, creativity, and survival, CIRCLE transforms a powerful experience through immersive music, evocative imagery, and transformative storytelling, it demonstrates how music transcend boundaries, bridge differences, and awaken our collective sense of purpose.
This is a story of resilience, remembrance, and the enduring power of music to inspire, empower, and unite.
* * *
PROVEN LEGACY
The original CIRCLE production achieved international recognition.
Performed between 1995–2001:
Austria, Germany, England, Scotland, Croatia,
Bosnia and Herzegovina, and United States.
The 1st production captivated audiences in throughout the theatres and concert halls across Europe, ultimately reaching the Broadway stage in New York, 2001.
By combining artistic excellence with modern immersive technology, CIRCLE stands as a globally marketable entertainment property, capable of delivering both artistic impact and compelling commercial results.
‘Theatre an der Wien’ Vienna-Austria
City of London Festival-England
‘Irish Art Center’ Broadway, New York-USA
‘Vatroslav Lisinski’ Concert Hall, Zagreb-Croatia
‘Schuster Performing Arts Center’ Dayton-USA
‘Postohoff’ Linz, Austria
Concert Hall, Muenster, Germany
Concert Hall, Hildesheim, Germany
‘Stadt Hale’ Graz, Austria
Concert Hall ‘Posthoff’ Linz, Austria
‘St. Magnus’ Festival, Scotland
‘Woodwick House’ – Orkney, Scotland
Stadt Halle - Salzburg, Austria
‘Croatian National Theatre’ Split, Croatia
‘Croatian National Theatre’ Rijeka, Croatia
‘Croatian National Theatre’ Zadar, Croatia
'Istrian National Theatre’ Pula, Croatia
‘Croatian National Theatre’ Varazdin, Croatia
BKC - Bosnian Cultural Center, Sarajevo, BiH
Among others.
UNIQUE POSITIONING
A New Genre:
TRANSCENDENTAL NEO-OPERA
Unlike traditional opera, musicals, or concerts, CIRCLE combines:
Traditional Opera / Rock Opera / Immersive Media / Neo-Opera
The audiences will embrace a large-scale immersive experience:
-
Experiential entertainment is rapidly expanding
-
Musical theatre remains one of the strongest live entertainment sectors
-
Audiences seek meaningful content with social impact
-
Technology allows new forms of theatrical immersion
DAY ONE
We’re building a circle,
right here right now.
A millions of people,
ten thousand miles around.
We’ve only just started,
but you can feel it growing strong,
We are showing the world
how to get along.
This could take a lifetime,
a hundred trips round the sun.
If it takes a lifetime let this be day one.
By Jamie Rounds
Previous version of CIRCLE,
performed from 1995-2001
Performed on Broadway
in 2001.
THE CIRCLE IS REMARKABLY UNIQUE!
Theatar an der Wien, Rudi Klausnitzer Director, Vienna - Austria
Born out of the pain, terror, and devastation of the Siege of Sarajevo, CIRCLE Musical, is a paradigm-shifting theatrical show, that emerges in a new, hybrid form.
CIRCLE transcends place and time through mesmerizing orchestral/electronic music and vocals. Circle is a fantasia of music, imagery, and intrigue.
CIRCLE portrays an epic tale of a group of its World-centric musicians on a perilous and victorious journey to fulfill a shared destiny, to spread a call for unity throughout the World.
From 1995 - 2001, CIRCLE Musical was performed in theaters and concert halls in Europe and the United States such as:
‘Theatre an der Wien’ Vienna-Austria
City of London Festival-England
‘Irish Art Center’ Broadway, New York-USA
‘Vatroslav Lisinski’ Concert Hall, Zagreb-Croatia
‘Schuster Performing Arts Center’ Dayton-USA
‘Postohoff’ Linz, Austria
Dayton Peace Accords – Dayton Peace Prize, USA
Michael Bashaw’s, Concert Auditorium Dayton, USA
Concert Hall, Muenster, Germany
Concert Hall, Hildesheim, Germany
‘Stadt Hale’ Graz, Austria
Concert Hall ‘Posthoff’ Linz, Austria
Concert Hall Salzburg, Austria
‘Hazelwood House’ South Devon, England
‘Spilsby’ Theatre – Linconshire, England
‘The Pit’ – Crondal, Farnham Surrey England
‘St. Magnus’ Festival, Scotland
‘Woodwick House’ – Orkney, Scotland
‘Croatian National Theatre’ Split, Croatia
‘Croatian National Theatre’ Osijek, Croatia
‘Croatian National Theatre’ Rijeka, Croatia
‘Croatian National Theatre’ Zadar, Croatia
'Istrian National Theatre’ Pula, Croatia
‘Croatian National Theatre’ Varazdin, Croatia
BKC - Bosnian Cultural Center, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
City of Tuzla Festival, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Among others.
CIRCLE has been recognized and claimed by his Holiness Pope John Paul II, his Holiness the Dalai Lama; the Presidential offices and Ministry of Cultures of Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina; US Ambassador in United Nations – Richard Holbrooke; Bosnia and Herzegovina Ambassador to the UN – Mo Sacirbay; Austria UN Ambassador Dr. Gerhard Pfanzelter; the Dayton Peace Accords Bruce Hitchner, Chairman; UNHCR, Croatia Archbishop Franjo Cardinal Kuharic; Rudi Klausnitzer, Director "Theatre an der Wien"; Initiative against the War (Initiative Gegen den Krieg) – Muenster Germany; Causes Communes - Belgium; Through Heart to Peace, Dandelion Trust – London, Lifeline Network For Peace-Alexandra, among others.
* * *
Original Production Team and Cast:
Music, Arrangements
Dino Zonić
Libretto
Mustafa Tanović, Rade Čikeš-Medan, Dino Zonić
Narrations
Mustafa Tanović, Rade Čikeš-Medan
Solo Vocals
Goran Karan, Jelena Radan, Julija Zlopaša, Ivana Husar, Marija Husar,
Tedi Spalato, Zorica Kondza, Alan Belušić, Vladimir Nöthig, Sanja Didović,
Ante Grossi, Julie Harrity-Pauley, and
Gordana Topic, Mezzo-Soprano
Choir / Back Vocals
Goran Karan, Jelena Radan, Julija Zlopaša, Ivana Husar, Marija Husar,
Alan Belušić, Vladimir Nöthig, Dino Zonić, Sanja Didović, Ante Grossi,
Ljubica Kelčec-Suhovec, Jana Nemeček, Irena Raduka, Igor Hapač,
Siniša Hapač, Gorana Čehić, Karlo Starčević, Julie Harrity-Pauley
Cast
1. Goran Karan, Lead Solo Vocal
2. Jelena Radan, Lead Solo Voca
3. Julija Zlopaša, Lead Solo Vocal
4. Ante Grossi, Lead Solo Vocal
5. Alan Belušić, Lead Solo Vocal
6. Ivana Husar, Lead Solo Vocal
7. Marija Husar, Lead Solo Vocal
8. Baucic Ervin, Lead Solo Vocal
9. Nermin Puškar, Solo Vocal
10. Mirza Tetarić, Solo Vocal
11. Vladimir Nöthig, Solo Vocal
12. Helena Bastić, Solo Vocal
13. Jana Nemeček, Solo Vocal
14. Ljubica Kelčec-Suhovec, Solo Vocal
15. Sanja Didović, Solo Vocal
16. Jadranka Krajina, Solo Vocal
17. Julie Harrity-Pauley, Solo Vocal
18. Franciska Gluhak, Solo Vocal
19. Darija Saltagić, Ensemble
20. Mirjana Foretić, Ensemble
21. Suzana Derk, Ensemble
22. Alan Gabor, Ensemble
23. Igor Hapač, Ensemble
24. Siniša Hapač, Ensemble
25. Irena Raduka, Ensemble
26. Gorana Čehić, Ensemble
27. Karlo Starčević, Ensemble
28. Mirsada Dizdarević, Ensemble
29. Drago Lokas, Ensemble
30. Irena Malbaša, Ensemble
31. Ana Hanić, Ensemble
32. Marijana Delić, Ensemble
33. Amela Priganica, Ensemble
34. Haris Osmić, Ensemble
35. Nataša Petrović, Ensemble
36. Manuela Bolta, Ensemble
37. Marko Pletikosa, Ensemble
38. Marina Matolić, Ensemble
39. Doris Dundović, Ensemble
40. Neven Palaček, Ensemble
41. Goran Vasović, Ensemble
42. Miki Trifunov, Actor/Prophet
43. Tarik Filipović, Actor/Prophet
Choreographer: Royston Maldoom
Ass. Choreographer: Irena Raduka, Siniša Hapač
Costumes: Ljerka Zmaić
Set Design: Mustafa Forto
Ass. Set Design: Jelana Korenčić
Light Design: Reno Raos, Josip Benčić, Zeljko Lale
Sound: Remo Cartagine
Make Up: Mirjana Tepšić, Zeljka Babić, Jadranka Petriček
Stage Manager: Leonila Grundler
Co-Producer Cast: Goran Karan, Julija Zlopaša, Jelena Radan,
Vladimir Nothig, Jadranka Krajina
Graphic Design: Studio ‘Trio’, Jelena Korenčić
Photography: Walter
Ass. Organisation: Fahro Kulenović, Krešo Petriček
Production Advisors: Josip Magdić, Sead Alić
Marketing Directors: Bariz Zonić, Jasna Frajtić-Zrnec
Public Relations: Astrid Mušura-Kaučić
Theatrical Director: Dubravka Zrnčić-Kulenović
Co-Producer: Mustafa Tanović, Rade Čikes-Medan
Executive Producer: Peter Guschelbauer
Producer: Edi Matić, Bariz Zonić, Royston Maldoom, Mark Fraze
Producer, Director: Dino Zonić
Mix and Main Sound Engineering
Dino Zonić, Remo Cartagine,
Christoph Kapfer, Gary King
Sound Engineer
Kurt Kandl
Keyboards / Piano
Dino Zonić
Solo Electric Guitar
Jack Roskam
Acoustic Guitar
Jack Roskam, Andie Gabauer, Edi Matić
Bass Guitar
Wolfgang "Fanti" Boukal
Drums / Percussions
Dino Zonić, Mustafa Tanović, Michael Bashaw
Music Co-Producer
Goran Karan, Edi Matić
Remo Cartagine, Mark Fraze
Executive Producer
Dino Zonić
Peter Guschelbauer
Music Producer
Dino Zonić