Festival Director and Selector
Sara Cincarević
Selector and artistic director of the “Music Edict” since its founding in 2009 and conductor of the Choral Society “Branko”.
Festival Secretary
Martin Mitrović
X International Festival of Sacred Choral Music
“Let everything that has breath praise the Lord”
Since 2009
The Edict of Milan is the legal act by which, from the year 313, Constantine the Great ended the persecution of Christians. The Music Edict is the artistic act by which, since 2009, the birthplace of Constantine the Great, singing to God, goes forth to meet the great anniversary. Both edicts call the peoples of the world to meet in the same message of the Psalmist: “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord! Alleluia!”
About the festivalHistory and idea
From Niš to the world - sacred music without borders.
The “Music Edict” festival was born in 2009 out of love for sacred music and the wish of the singers of the Choral Society “Branko” for Niš to become a meeting place of different choral traditions, peoples and cultures. In the city of St Constantine the Great, ahead of the 1700th anniversary of the Edict of Milan, this idea took on a special meaning - for the message of freedom of faith and mutual respect to come alive through song and direct encounter between people.
Launched on the initiative of the Choral Society “Branko”, with the support of the Eparchy of Niš and the Cathedral in Niš, over the years the festival has brought together numerous choirs, conductors and artists from different countries and spiritual traditions. The festival is organised by the Choral Society “Branko”, the Eparchy of Niš and the Cathedral in Niš, whose shared commitment supports its continuity and growth. The singers of the Society put their own effort, hospitality and joy into its preparation, glad to welcome to their city those with whom they share a love of choral singing.
Through singing together, concerts and encounters, the “Music Edict” carries a simple yet powerful message - that faith, music and culture can bring people together and overcome the borders that divide them. Different languages, repertoires and performing traditions become an opportunity to get to know and enrich one another. Alongside the concerts, the conversations, the exchange of experience and the friendships that live on after the festival ends are just as precious.
For the Choral Society “Branko”, the “Music Edict” is much more than a festival. It is one of the Society’s most important projects and a natural continuation of its mission - to preserve, nurture and share sacred music with the world. Through it, long experience of singing at services and concerts becomes an invitation to others to be part of a shared musical and spiritual experience. In welcoming choirs from around the world, the Society also presents its city, its tradition and its belief that a song has a special power when it is shared with others.
Last edition · IX · 2025
8-11 June 2025







Archive
Togetherness that remains
An award that preserves memory and togetherness
Since 2021, a special award has been presented at the “Music Edict” festival, one that holds a deeply personal and emotional meaning for the singers of the Choral Society “Branko”.
The award bears the name of Milan Mandić (1980-2020), a long-time singer of “Branko”, leader of the baritone section, member of the Society’s Board and of the Council of the “Music Edict” festival. Milan was not only part of the choir - he was part of its everyday life, its friendships, journeys, rehearsals and memories that remain among the singers long after the song falls silent.
He had an extraordinary sense of togetherness, so the singers, keeping that special place of remembrance for him, decided that the award should go to the choir that best fosters a sense of togetherness among its singers - a reminder that the value of a choir lies not only in the beauty of its sound, but also in the closeness, trust and people who create that sound together.
For the singers of “Branko” this award is more than a recognition - it is a remembrance of a friend, a sign of gratitude and a lasting reminder that a choir is made of people who stay connected even when they no longer stand side by side on stage.
For the most beautiful harmony is born not only among voices - but among people.
Who is behind the festival
Behind every encounter, concert and guest stands a team of people who build the festival for months before the stage lights come on.
Festival Director and Selector
Sara Cincarević
Selector and artistic director of the “Music Edict” since its founding in 2009 and conductor of the Choral Society “Branko”.
Festival Secretary
Martin Mitrović
Festival Council
Dejan Milojković President of the Council
Festival Centre
Organising team
For choirs
We welcome church, academic and chamber choirs of all Christian traditions.