Music that unites - a gala friendship concert in Niš

On Tuesday, 6 October 2026, a gala friendship concert was held at the St Sava Centre in Niš, bringing the audience a special musical evening dedicated to the meeting of different cultures and traditions and a shared love of choral art.

With the blessing of His Eminence Metropolitan Arsenije of Niš, the concert was organised by the Cathedral administration and the Niš Church Choral Society “Branko”, which hosted the choir “Slavjanka” from San Francisco under the artistic direction of conductor Irina Shachneva. Members of the Niš choir “EduKantus”, led by Professor Mila Pužić, also performed as guests of the concert.

The choir “Slavjanka”, founded in 1979, has for decades nurtured the rich heritage of Slavic and Russian choral music, presenting it to audiences around the world. Its visit to Niš was an opportunity to confirm, through a shared musical encounter, the universal values of choral singing - fellowship, understanding and friendship that transcend linguistic and geographical borders.

Special significance was given to this encounter by the participation of the Niš choir “EduKantus”, which brings together teachers and former and current pupils of the Music School in Niš, showing that choral art continues to connect different generations of musicians.

This musical evening was marked by friendship and cultural exchange, a reminder that music, regardless of language and origin, has the power to bring people together and create lasting bonds.

The Niš Church Choral Society “Branko”, true to its long tradition of nurturing choral art and international encounters, continues to support such events, preserving the spirit of fellowship and opening space for new musical friendships.