May 14–15, 1993
After months of preparation and searching for the right concept and content, the first Days of Josif Marinković – “Horizons on the Tisa” were held on May 14 and 15, 1993, at the Workers’ Hall “Jovan Veselinov Žarko” in Novi Bečej.
The path from idea to realization was long and uncertain, although the organizers had wholehearted professional support from prominent figures in the world of music: composers Konstantin Babić and Sava Vukosavljev, ethnomusicologists Dr. Dragoslav Dević and Mr. Dimitrije O. Golemović, world-renowned prima donnas Biserka Cvejić and Radmila Bakočević, conductor Slobodan Bursać, leading performer of old urban songs Dubravka Nešović, and Prof. Mr. Milovan Miškov. They also received logistical and financial support from the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Serbia and the local government.
The dedicated director of the Novi Bečej Cultural Center, Zagorka Jegdić, together with her associates and music enthusiasts, presented at the premiere of this newly established manifestation a two-day program focused on the art of solo song—a musical form somewhat forgotten in our country.
The Minister of Culture Opened the Festival
The Days of Josif Marinković were officially opened in the “Selo” Gallery with an exhibition of watercolors titled “Tisa”, by academic painter Zdravko Mandić. The well-known artist from Zrenjanin arranged for the exhibition—and thereby the entire manifestation—to be opened by the then Minister of Culture of the Republic of Serbia, Đoko Stojičić, who stated:
“It is a great honor for me to open ‘Horizons on the Tisa.’ Allow me to share a few thoughts on this manifestation dedicated to composer Josif Marinković. Since Marinković was a contemporary of Mokranjac, I would say that two regions—Novi Bečej and Negotin—out of their rich spiritual heritage, gave birth to two great composers, true giants of our musical tradition. There is something deeply touching in the fact that both Negotin and Novi Bečej have chosen their musical creators as symbols of their identity. This shows our understanding that the artist and his work are the lasting mark of our time and our homeland. Without art, we would not be who we are—a spiritual people firmly embedded in the cultural treasures of Europe and the world—regardless of the harsh realities of history. It is precisely for that reason that the logic of survival directs us toward our great minds. There, and only there, lie new sources of hope and strength. That is how I see this well-conceived manifestation, ‘Horizons on the Tisa,’ which I am pleased to open.”
The minister’s arrival in Novi Bečej gave the event additional importance and attracted considerable media attention, which greatly contributed to the affirmation and future development of the festival.
Concert of Solo Songs
To justify the main concept and title of the event, the central part of the program “Horizons on the Tisa” was the concert of solo songs, held that same evening in the large hall of the Workers’ Home.
Performers included sopranos Ana Rupčić and Ivana Radivojević, mezzo-soprano Jelena Ćirić, and baritone Dimitrije O. Golemović, accompanied on piano by Vesna Šouc and Branislava Pejčić. They performed Marinković’s songs: Longing, How Beautiful This World Is, Beneath the Window, Oh, Moon, Prayer, Lullaby, Where Are You, My Soul, Stojanke, Šano Dušo, and From Town to Town.
This vocal evening was a true refreshment for the audience of Novi Bečej and marked the first step in breathing life into the manifestation dedicated to preserving the name and legacy of Josif Marinković (1851–1931)—the most prominent and celebrated citizen of Novi Bečej, and a major figure of Serbian Romanticism.
The Round Table
On the second day, festival guests visited the Memorial Room of Josif Marinković at the Elementary School bearing his name, and then took part in a round table discussion titled “The Concept of the Manifestation ‘Horizons on the Tisa.’”
Those present included: Minister of Culture Đoko Stojičić, composers Konstantin Babić and Sava Vukosavljev, ethnomusicologists Dr. Dragoslav Dević and Mr. Dimitrije O. Golemović, conductor Slobodan Bursać, Prof. Mr. Milovan Miškov, opera artist Biserka Cvejić, performer Dubravka Nešović, Prof. Dr. Spasoje Grahovac, writer Vladimir Milankov from Srpska Crnja, Marta Tišma (Matica Srpska, Novi Sad), and local representatives Stevan Davidović, Svetislav Nićetin, Zagorka Jegdić, Tibor Nađ, Slavica Kovačev, Slavica Mučalov, and Radovan Popov.
After numerous suggestions and proposals, the moderator of the discussion, composer Konstantin Babić, outlined the main directions for the festival’s future:
“Josif Marinković made a great contribution to solo singing; therefore, this festival should be dedicated to his solo songs—as a counterpart to the Negotin festival, but shorter in duration than the Mokranjac Days.
Since Marinković was also a composer of choral music, that aspect of his work should be included as well, along with new musicological insights and studies.
The hallmark of the festival must be the solo song—not only those by Marinković but by other composers too. It should evolve into an international competition for vocalists, with one Marinković song as a required piece. The opening ceremony should feature his choral works performed by a renowned choir. Special attention should be devoted to young artists who are discovering his music and to nurturing emerging talent. During the festival, academic conferences could be held on topics relevant to the history and tradition of Serbian musical culture.”
The Minister of Culture, Đoko Stojičić, expressed his support with a visionary statement:
“Let this not be the zero, but the first festival of solo song in Novi Bečej.
The essence of this festival is the solo song, which has no rival. If from the very beginning we know what we want—this festival will endure.”
A Boat Ride on the Tisa
To make the guests’ stay more enjoyable and memorable, on Saturday, May 15, a boat trip on the Tisa River was organized for all participants, including a visit to the remains of the old fortress, the medieval town, and a nearby island. The sightseeing tour, held in perfect weather, took place in a pleasant atmosphere and left the visitors with the most beautiful impressions of Novi Bečej.
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