The year 2026 marks a milestone for the "Davorin Jenko" Mixed Choir, as the ensemble celebrates its silver jubilee - 25 years of existence.
In March 2026, the choir held a ceremony and a full-length concert in the Banski Dvor City Hall, attended by admirers of Slovenian song. On this occasion, the choir received prestigious awards: a "Certificate of Appreciation" from the Public Fund for Cultural Activities of the Republic of Slovenia for 25 years of successful activity in choral music and for the dedicated preservation of Slovenian song, language, and cultural heritage; and a "Commendation and Appreciation" from the Government Office for Slovenians Abroad for its invaluable contribution to preserving Slovenian song and national identity among compatriots in Banja Luka. A bulletin about the choir - in preparation for nearly a year - was released at that time and was available for viewing at stands following the concert.
The second part of the silver jubilee celebration took place on September 30 and was dedicated to the friends with whom the choir collaborates and performs, spreading culture, love, and friendship throughout Banja Luka and the region. The concert was held in the Youth Center (Omladinski dom) concert hall, where an exhibition dedicated to the choir's performances over the past 25 years was displayed in the foyer. One hundred photographs from the choir's performances were displayed on 16 panels, arranged by year and event: Šentvid pri Stični, Martinovanje, Slovenian Day, guest appearances in Slovenia and Croatia, "Welcome Home" (Dobrodošli doma), gatherings of Slovenian choirs in Bosnia and Herzegovina, performances at cultural events in Banja Luka, as well as performances in Novi Sad and Subotica. It was fascinating to view photos of the choir from 2002 and its first performance in Stična in 2004, to trace the performances year by year, and to recall guest appearances in Kranj (2010) and Cerklje (2019) - including the "Dva Jenka" event and the "Evening with the Prim" (Veče uz prim) in 2016 and 2017. Each photograph told its own story about the people who sang in the choir.
The concert opened with the songs "Vse najlepše rožice," "Bentbaša," and "Po jezeru," performed by the "Davorin Jenko" Mixed Choir. Following the musical introduction, Mr. Ivan Memon, President of the "Triglav" Association of Slovenians in Banja Luka, welcomed the attendees. The charming young host, Mateja, then invited Nevena Blagojević Podrić, a representative of the City Administration, to the stage to address the audience; we also had the opportunity to welcome the new Consul at the Consular Office of the Republic of Slovenia in Banja Luka, Elizabeta Kirn Kavčič. Guest performers and friends of the concert continued the program: poet and satirist Živko Vujić, who delighted the audience with his humor; the "Pietro Mascagni" mixed choir of the Italian Association; the "Belle Donne" female vocal group; and the mixed choir of the "Banjalučki krajani" Czech Association. Following the musical performances, the hall once again rang with laughter sparked by the aphorisms and satirical verses of Miladin Berić.
In recognition of years of selfless assistance and support, encouragement for the various activities promoting our cultural heritage, and successful collaboration over the years, the president of the "Triglav" Slovenian Association of Republika Srpska (Banja Luka) presented certificates of appreciation to the following: City Administration representative Nevena Blagojević Podrić; Radmila Maričić, president of the Italian Association of Banja Luka; Marženka Andulajević, president of the "Česka beseda" Czech Association of Banja Luka; Maja Tatić, representative of the "Belle Donne" female vocal group; poet and satirist Živko Vujić; poet and satirist Miladin Berić; RTRS journalist Draško Ignjatić; and finally, our dear conductor Vanja Topić Vještica, who is largely responsible for the choir's success.
The concert concluded with performances by the host ensemble, the "Davorin Jenko" Mixed Choir, singing "Zbadljivka" and "Zabavljivka." The final song, set to a waltz rhythm, accompanied a dance choreography. The audience warmly greeted all the performers with thunderous applause. And that was not the end of it. In the foyer, alongside the exhibition marking the 25th anniversary of the "Davorin Jenko" mixed choir, dedicated members of the "Triglav" Slovenian Association arranged tables with both savory and sweet refreshments, allowing conversations among friends to continue as they discussed photographs, reminisced, and planned future concerts.
Olga Suvajac
