May 11–13, 1994
The successful organization of the first “Horizons on the Tisa” festival did not go unnoticed in the musical circles of Serbia.
With renewed energy and a strong desire to further affirm this newly established manifestation, Zagorka Jegdić and her associates approached the organization of the second “Horizons” with even greater enthusiasm. The event lasted three days, from May 11 to 13.
Remaining faithful to the concept defined at the round table the previous year, the Days of Josif Marinković once again focused on solo songs, with a special emphasis on the works of Josif Marinković himself.
Concert of the Ensemble “Renaissance”
The honor of opening the second festival went to the Renaissance Ensemble from Belgrade, led by Ljubomir Dimitrijević.
This was the first Yugoslav ensemble dedicated to early and traditional music, founded in 1969. Celebrating its 25th anniversary, it performed a concert titled “Knight’s Feast” before a full audience.
The program featured old Serbian songs such as:
Songs of St. Sava, Songs of Prince Lazar, Women’s Songs from Vuk’s Collection, Songs and Dances of Old Serbia, and others.
That the new manifestation received proper support from the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Serbia was confirmed by the presence of:
Vasilije Tapušković, Assistant Minister of Culture;
Mirjana Klјajić, Secretary of the Ministry;
and Jovan Subić, Head of the Central Banat District.
Solo Song Concert
On the second day of the festival, at the “Selo” Gallery, the Minister of Culture of the Republic of Serbia, writer Đoko Stojičić, hosted a literary evening featuring critic Ognjen Lakičević, with poetry recited by Vico Dardić.
Afterward, the President of the Artistic Council of “Horizons,” composer Konstantin Babić, gave a commemorative address honoring Josif Marinković and his work:
“Many of us gathered here remember well the beginnings of this manifestation and the numerous ideas we discussed, when we concluded that it would be wise to dust off the valuable and significant opus of Josif Marinković – one of the most important composers and founders of the national direction in our art music...
(...)
What lies ahead of us now is to surrender to musical enjoyment, to today’s reality, and, of course, to the horizons of this quiet and peaceful river – the Tisa. Let us wish this manifestation successful and fruitful festival days.”
Following the address, the concert evening opened with Milica Stojadinović, soprano (Josif Marinković – “Ala je lep” and Stanojlo Rajičić – “Reproach” and “The Fisherman’s Dream”).
The performances continued with:
- Jadranka Petrović, soprano (Josif Marinković – “Lullaby”; Stanislav Binički – “Rain Fell Across the Field” and “If Only I Had Your Eyes”)
- Milena Kitić, mezzo-soprano (Sergei Rachmaninoff – “Christ Is Risen”; Konstantin Babić – “Whimsical Song”; Obradors – “Life”)
- Sanja Kerkez, soprano (Petar Konjović – “Under the Window”; Konstantin Babić – “The Crow and the Eagle”)
- Dunja Simić, soprano (Josif Marinković – “Prayer”; Konstantin Babić – “Summer Serenade”; Dimitrije O. Golemović – “Gypsy Song”)
Piano accompaniment was provided by Maja Lulić, Mirjana Kršlјanin, and Ljubica Grujić.
Plaques for the Founders of “Horizons”
The Organizing Committee of “Horizons on the Tisa” decided to present the founders with Josif Marinković Plaques, terracotta works created by artist Milorad Mića Josimović from Novi Bečej.
Recipients of the award were:
- Slobodan Bursać (posthumously)
- Konstantin Babić
- Dubravka Nešović
- Biserka Cvejić
- Dr. Dragoslav Dević
- Dr. Dimitrije O. Golemović
- Branislav Kiselički
- Mr. Milovan Miškov
- Zagorka Jegdić
Gathering Until Dawn
On the third day, guests attended the promotion of Igor Stravinsky’s book “Chronicle of My Life” at Josif Marinković Elementary School in Novi Bečej, translated from French by composer Konstantin Babić.
Afterward, they visited the Memorial Collection of Josif Marinković.
As part of the accompanying program, an exhibition of paintings by Slobodan Jeremić – Jeremija (1950) from Pećinci was opened at the “Selo” Gallery.
This renowned Vojvodina artist, with over 130 solo and more than 200 group exhibitions, presented a series of rural motifs – images of a world slowly disappearing.
The central event and the highlight of the entire manifestation was the Gala Concert of the Yugoslav Army Choir, warmly received by the Novi Bečej audience.
A pleasant evening of fellowship continued with music in the beautiful ambiance of the terrace of the Workers’ Home, offering a magnificent view of the Tisa River.
The gathering lasted until dawn, when the well-known cook Jožef Nađ surprised everyone with his sour soup, which was immediately given the name “Obzoruša.”
Poem “Obzoruša”
(by Milan Jagodinski, May 12, 1994)
In Novi Bečej, when day grows tired,
and weary eyelids slowly close,
on the banks beside the Tisa,
winged thoughts begin to flow.
For the drowsy ones, and those
who love this sacred place,
it is granted, with pure hearts,
to awaken Tisa’s calm embrace.
Here the shadows fade away,
here the song finds room to grow.
Here we love, and here we meet,
as white boats gently go.
Here we sing and love all night,
without sleep till morning dew,
awaiting in the breaking light,
that love may multiply anew.
And at dawn, freshly bathed,
when the soul within us rests,
it brings us back, with gentle hands –
Jožef’s “Obzoruša,” blessed.
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