Passepartout Montenegro presents
Muzika sacrnogorskog dvora
In memory of maestro Radovan Papović1950 — 2022
About the project
The sound of a court, returned to its audience
In the late 19th and early 20th century, Cetinje was a royal capital where music and theatre flourished alongside diplomacy and court ceremony. At the court of King Nikola, works by local and foreign composers were performed at celebrations, receptions and concerts.
The project ‘Muzika sa crnogorskog dvora’ brings this repertoire back to the concert stage in four concerts across four Montenegrin towns, continuing the path opened by maestro Radovan Papović in 2000.
Next concert
Nikšić
Nikšić, a town with a rich musical tradition, brings the court programme to audiences in the north of Montenegro.
Concerts 2026
Four towns, one programme
Herceg Novi
The concert that opened the cycle in maestro Papović’s hometown.
Jadranka Jovanović · Kamerni orkestar Gaudeamus
HeldMonday, 19 October 2026Nikšić
A concert for audiences in the north of Montenegro.
AnnouncedDate to be announcedCetinje
The former royal capital, where this music was born.
In preparationDate to be announcedBar
Home of the Bar Chronicle festival, where the programme premiered in 2000.
In preparationRadovan Papović
1950 — 2022
Conductor · professor · in memoriam
Maestro
The man who founded an orchestra
Born in Herceg Novi, Radovan Papović shaped the musical life of Montenegro from the conductor's podium for more than two decades. He conducted the RTV Titograd Symphony Orchestra, taught choral singing and orchestra at the Music Academy, and founded the Montenegrin Symphony Orchestra.
- Graduates in conducting from the Faculty of Music, Belgrade
- Founds the Women's Chamber Choir
- Postgraduate studies in Sarajevo; third prize in Middlesbrough
- Founds the Academic Chamber Orchestra
- The Montenegrin Symphony Orchestra debuts with a programme of music from the Montenegrin court
Timeline
- 1878
Congress of BerlinInternational recognition of Montenegrin independence
- 1910
KingdomPrince Nikola proclaimed king; Cetinje becomes a royal capital
- 2000
First performanceMaestro Papović performs the court music programme at the Bar Chronicle festival
- 2022
The maestro's passingRadovan Papović dies aged 72
- 2024
‘Svega će biti’Documentary on the maestro, directed by Čedomir Marković; Grand Prix for directing in 2026
- 2026
Four concertsHerceg Novi, Nikšić, Cetinje and Bar
Repertoire
What was played at court
The programme brings together works by Montenegrin and foreign composers of the 19th century, written for life in the royal capital or connected with the court. The full programme will be published with the concert schedule.
I
Ceremonial music
Works written for court ceremonies, receptions and state holidays.
II
Stage and song
Music from the theatrical and vocal life of Cetinje, for voice and orchestra.
III
European guests
Pieces by foreign composers who worked at the court or dedicated works to it.
Media
Picture, sound and word
YouTubeBe part of the evening