With the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games just days away, creative director Marco Balich has revealed his ambitious vision for the opening ceremony, centered on the theme of 'harmony.' Balich, a veteran of 16 Olympic and Paralympic ceremonies, described the event as a 'technological and artistic symphony' during an exclusive interview with CGTN Sports Scene.
This year's ceremony will break tradition by staging the athletes' parade across four distinct venues—a logistical challenge Balich called 'both thrilling and complex.' The innovative approach aims to showcase Italy's cultural diversity while maintaining a cohesive narrative. 'Harmony isn't about uniformity,' he explained. 'It's about celebrating differences through shared purpose.'
Global music icons will anchor the production, including Chinese pianist Lang Lang, American pop legend Mariah Carey, and Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli. Balich emphasized the symbolic importance of Lang Lang's participation: 'His artistry bridges continents, much like the Olympic spirit.'
Reflecting on his three-decade career, Balich noted how ceremonies have evolved to mirror societal shifts. 'Today's audiences demand authenticity alongside spectacle,' he said. The 2026 ceremony will integrate real-time audience interactions and sustainable design principles, aligning with current global priorities.
As final rehearsals begin, Balich extended a personal invitation to viewers worldwide: 'This isn't just Italy's moment—it's a celebration of humanity's resilience and creativity.' The ceremony airs this Friday, marking the official start of the first Winter Games hosted in Italy since 2006.
