MEDJUGORJE READY FOR BIG MUSICAL EVENT THIS EVENING

MEDJUGORJE, Jun 21 (Hina) - A concert entitled "A Message of Peace to the World from Medjugorje" will be held on Friday evening at the world-famous shrine of Our Lady in Medjugorje to mark the 15th anniversary of the Virgin Mary's visitation. The renowned tenor Jose Carreras and the Italian soprano Cecilia Gasdia are the leading soloists in the performance of Flavio Calusso's "Missa di Tempore in Aevum." The performance will also involve the Croatian Radio and TV Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Vjekoslav Sutej, and 12 choirs from Australia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Brazil, Croatia, France, Germany, Italy, the Philippines, Poland, Slovenia, Spain and the United States. The concert will take place in a pavillion which can seat more than 5,000 people. The executive producer is Mario Daradi. The setting was designed by the Zagreb painter Ivica Propadalo. Its most striking features are a star looming over the pavilion and a stylised bird, the symbol of peace, which is supposed to materialise just before the end of the concert. The whole effect will be enhanced by stunning lighting. Organisers have said the event will be a breath-taking TV spectacle. (hina) jn as vm 211535 MET jun 96