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The St. Elijah Choir
was organized in late 1930 when two socio musical groups - " Svemir" and
"Fruska Gora" - united and renamed themselves the St. Elijah Church Choir.
The merger attracted about sixty enthusiastic and spirited Serbian singers,
dedicated to their ethnic tradition, culture and Orthodox Church music.
Early directors
included Nikola Bizich, Professor Kordin, and Professor E. Bloz. Father
Antonoff, a local Russian priest, assumed the duties in the mid-thirties. He
was instrumental in refining the choral harmony and liturgical responses.
Following his departure Michael Holovac directed the choir. During his
tenure the Choir was inducted in to the Serbian Singing Federation (SSF) on
September 12, 1937. John Holovac succeeds his brother Mike and served until
the unforgettable Professor Boris Dobrovoljsky arrived in 1938. He brought
with him a rich and extensive musical background of Serbian choral
music along with introducing the choir to composers, principally Stevan
Mokranjac. Under "Dobby" the choir enjoyed prominence and success at SSF
Festivals along with the concerts that were competitive in that era. In 1948
the Choir performed in joint concert with Metropolitan soprano, Danica
Ilich.
After 25 memorable years, Dobby retired in 1963. The choir's
next director was Milan Vuchich, who served a short time. Slobodan Zelich
arrived in the early seventies and brought with him many arrangements and
interpretations. Veda Y. Milanovich followed him and led the choir for six
years. Under her direction the choir hosted the SSF Festival in 1978. Lela
Y. Mamula added assistance in church services and related activities. Stella
Wallace Dobrovoljsky, Dobby's wife next came to the aid of the choir. Under
her direction we observed our 50th (Golden) Anniversary in 1980. Assisting
at this time also was Joyce Medic Yovetich.
Dr. Albert Hazeem followed and during his tenure the choir
hosted yet another SSF Festival in 1987. Father Vladimir Soroka of Ambridge
succeeded Hazeem and introduced the choir to many new liturgical
compositions. Presently Marian Izek with her highly professional technical
skills instructs the choir each and every Wednesday and Kathy Loverich
directs us in concert performances.
Special recognition goes to + Natalie M Rebich,
who taught us to always be proud of who we are, love our Serbain music and
always represent ourselves to the very best of our ability in concert and
during liturgy Recognition also goes to Kathy Chesla who offered her
direction when called upon through the years. Currently we are fortunate to
have Kathy Loverich and Andy Muha rotating directing duties in the choir
loft, each and every Sunday. They are there for weddings throughout the
year. They voluntarily and generously keep the choir organized, united and
responsive. Their unselfish personal contributions are indeed what church
devotion, dedication and sacrifice represents.
Eleven years have elapsed since we reviewed the first 64
years of our colorful and dynamic history (1930-1994) now we update and
insert an additional decade plus of choral services and events and support
of church and concerns and activities (1994-2005).
Our first obligation has always been to keep the St Elijah
Choir performing at the highest level of quality, and total dedication to
its mission and commitment. To that extent, we have traversed the expanses
of our borders-from California to Canada, from Florida, to Minnesota, and
from Arizona throughout the tri-state area. As concert guests across the
United States we take special pride in representing the St. Elijah Church
Community as its coral ambassadors. We have served voluntarily and
unselfishly at all church functions and services: Sunday Worship, Holidays,
private pomens, parastos, weddings, SSF Festivals, banquets, fundraisers,
food festivals, and the church renovation project. Apart from these, we
retain our separate obligations as church members. We have been
self-supporting throughout our existence. This is not to slight the
wonderful support and contributions that come from our church community and
related organizations. We extend our deepest gratitude for the generous
donations and gifts that accrue from our candy sales, bake sales, our
current successful " Bowling Ball" and other fundraising events.
In addition to our local efforts we are members of the
Serbian Singing Federation since 1937. In that capacity we help sustain that
body both financially and physically. We have hosted several SSF festivals
and a Choral Workshop here in Aliquippa. We have been active participants in
numerous SSF Festivals most recently the one held this year in Milwaukee.
We are at this time issuing an appeal for any individuals
interested in joining our choir "family" so that we may continue to
strengthen and sustain our Serbian choral heritage. We encourage any
new or former members to come and enjoy a casual heritage. We encourage any
new or former members to come and enjoy a casual practice session every
Wednesday evening.
The passing of any valued member leaves a void in our ranks
and in our hearts. We paused at this moment to offer in reverence our
sincerest " Vjecnaja Pamjat" (Memory Eternal) to our dearly departed members
of our St. Elijah Choir Family. Gone but never forgotten.
Throughout the past 34 years, Father Stevan has been part of
our bass section. He offered his own enviable talents and shared them so
willingly and graciously with us. He has enriched us and challenged us by
introducing many compositions over the years that we sing with him during
liturgy and concert. We offer him and Popadija Ana our sincerest gratitude
and appreciation for inviting us into their home each and every Christmas
and Thanksgiving over the past 30 plus years. HVALA!
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