Serbian Jewish Singing Society Brothers Baruh
The choir “Brothers Baruh” of the Jewish Community of Belgrade was founded in 1879 as the “Serbian Jewish Singing Society”. The name was changed in 1952 in memory of three brothers from the famous Jewish family Baruh from Belgrade, who perished in the pogroms at the beginning of World War II. Some researchers claim it is the oldest Jewish choir in the world.
Throughout its long history, the choir has organized numerous concerts in all significant musical centers of Yugoslavia, while international performances have taken place around the world, from Europe and Asia to concerts at Carnegie Hall in New York in 1978. Some of the most notable figures in the history of our artistic music have led the choir “Brothers Baruh”, including: S. S. Mokranjac, J. Marinković, S. Hristić, B. Babić, B. Pašćan, A. Vujić, and others.
Among the most prominent vocal soloists who have participated in the choir's concerts are: Breda Kalef, the celebrated opera singer and prima donna of the Belgrade opera, Dušan Cvejić - an opera singer and doctor, Ðurđavka Čakarević, and more recently Jadranka Jovanović, Serbian opera prima donna, Slavoljub Kocić, Živojin Ćirić, and others.
Rehearsals and preparations for the choir are held in the premises of the Jewish Community of Belgrade. The Brothers Baruh choir participates in all important events of the Jewish Community of Belgrade and regularly holds an annual concert, which attracts significant attention from both members and other interested parties. The choir also participates in all important events promoting Jewish culture and tradition organized by the Jewish Community of Belgrade as well as by other institutions.
The choir “Brothers Baruh” is a regular participant in all major classical music festivals and also holds numerous awards and recognitions for its work. The choir's extensive repertoire regularly includes the most famous works of musical literature by world authors, Jewish composers, and Serbian creators across all epochs and styles.
The choir has been honored twice by the Presidency of the state for its contribution to the cultural affirmation of the country.
For the exceptional successes the choir has achieved in recent years, the credit goes to the choir conductor, Stefan Zekić, and the choir president, Branka Cvejić Mezei.
