Croatian Choral Society “Slavulj” from Petrinja Celebrates 160th Anniversary, Holds Performance at Office of the President  

The President of the Republic Zoran Milanović today welcomed members of the Croatian Choral Society “Slavulj” from Petrinja, which is celebrating 160 years of continuous activity. Founded in 1864, “Slavulj” is Croatia’s oldest choral society and has been active without interruption since its inception.

Members of the Croatian Choral Society “Slavulj” gave a brief musical performance, singing “Siva maglo” and “Tam prek Drave grmljavica” under the direction of conductor Josip degl’ Ivellio. This performance is part of their extensive and diverse repertoire, which includes spiritual compositions and masses, classical choral works, folk and klapa styles, opera and operetta arias, musicals, and contemporary polyphony. The society performs works by Croatian, European, and international composers.

During the meeting at the Office of the President, the President of the Croatian Choral Society “Slavulj,” Željko Crnković, and the Deputy President, Maja Ostojić, presented the rich history of the Croatian Choral Society “Slavulj” to President Milanović. They highlighted that the society was founded back in 1864 to promote amateur choral singing. From its early days, the society gathered individuals committed to promoting Croatian song, and since its foundation, it has been the most significant, comprehensive, and popular cultural society in the region, reflecting the cultural life of the people of Petrinja through its activities.

The name of the Croatian Choral Society “Slavulj” from Petrinja was established after 1868. From 1948 to 1991, it operated under the name “Artur Turkulin,” but in 1991, its original name was restored, under which it continues to operate today. The society now includes both a mixed choir and a town children’s choir, performing primarily in Petrinja, Sisak-Moslavina County, as well as in other cities and towns across Croatia and abroad.

In addition to the President of the Croatian Choral Society “Slavulj” from Petrinja, Željko Crnković, Deputy President Maja Ostojić, secretary Ines Kosturin, and conductor Josip degl’ Ivellio, other members of the society were present at the Office of the President, including singers Ivan Belošević, Marija Božićević, Maca Daks, Višnja Dejanović, Dieluša Draženović, Vladimir Fistrić, Sanja Horvat, Marko Klasić, Milka Klasić, Rezika Krolo, Mijo Lovreković, Aleksandar Marković, Dubravka Mihaljević, Miljenka Novaković, Zdravko Perić, Dino Radošević, Martina Štefanić, Ksenija Turčin, Martina Turčinović, Marijo Vancaš, Božica Vuić, Andrea Vujić, and Pina Žilić.

Zdravko Zima, Special Adviser to the President of the Republic for Culture, accompanied President Milanović.   

PHOTO: Office of the President of the Republic of Croatia / Tomislav Bušljeta