President Milanović Receives Members of Šibenik “Kolo“ Singing Society on the Occasion of their 125th Anniversary
The President of the Republic Zoran Milanović received today the members of the Šibenik “Kolo” Singing Society, which is celebrating the 125th anniversary of its existence under the patronage of the President of the Republic.
This singing society, founded in 1899, has nurtured the tradition of polyphonic singing and promotes Croatian musical heritage and choral music at home and abroad for 125 years, the President of the Society Miljenka Bujas told President Milanović, thanking him for his patronage. During its rich history, the company has made 13 sound recordings, performed at 1,800 concerts in 153 cities throughout Croatia and Europe, and performed more than 640 compositions. Moreover, they held more than 50 concert tours, 25 of which were foreign, the President of the Society stated and pointed out that numerous awards from singing competitions testify to the choir’s success.
She added that the “Kolo“ Singing Society marked the 125th anniversary of its existence with numerous activities including a concert on St. Michael’s Fortress accompanied by the Orchestra of the Croatian Army in June of this year.
The Society currently has 56 members who all work on a volunteer basis. In the Office of the President of the Republic they presented a short music performance in which they, under the direction of their conductor Ivo Lise performed “Šibenska balada”, by authors Dušan Šarac and Krste Juras, and a folk song from Pakoštane “Žetvu žela za gorom djevojka”. By performing in folk costumes from Šibenik, they wanted to emphasize their connection with local tradition and cultural heritage, said the members of the Šibenik Singing Society.
President Milanović congratulated the members of the Šibenik “Kolo” Singing Society on their years-long successful work and their contribution to preserving and promoting Croatian music and cultural heritage as well as on their significant role on the Croatian choral scene.
Alongside President Milanović was the Special Adviser to the President for Culture Zdravko Zima.
PHOTO: Office of the President of the Republic of Croatia / Filip Glas