Serbian sacred and folk music, traditional dances and the sounds of traditional instruments marked the Ognjište 2026 cultural gathering, held last week in the hall of Crkva Svetog Nikole (St. Nicholas Church) in Lyons, a Chicago suburb. The concert brought together performers of different generations who preserve Serbian cultural heritage in America through singing, dancing and music.
From Children’s Choirs to the Gusle and Tamburica
Choirs had a prominent place in the program, including some of the youngest members of the Serbian community. Dečji hor “Sveti Sava” from Milwaukee and the children’s choir of Akademija “Sveti Sava” from Chicago represented younger generations growing up with church and traditional music. The men’s choir of Bogoslovski fakultet “Sveti Sava” in Libertyville also contributed to the program, which featured Protodeacon Jovan Aničić.
Alongside choral singing, the audience enjoyed performances by folklore ensembles and musicians dedicated to preserving folk traditions. Folklorni ansambl “Oko sokolovo” presented Serbian traditional dances, while Ansambl tradicionalne muzike “Zlatni vez” added to the evening’s musical program.
Traditional instruments also added variety to the concert. Miloš Šegrt performed on the gusle, while Stefan Filipović provided accordion accompaniment. The renowned tamburica orchestra “Prazna Flaša” was also among the performers. Together, these performances showcased the richness of Serbian musical heritage, from choral singing and folk dancing to instruments that have been part of traditional music for centuries.
Among those attending the concert were Dr. Marko Nikolić, Consul General of the Republic of Serbia, and Her Excellency Tatjana Telić, Consul General of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Bishop Serafim and other church officials were also present.
Younger Generations Carry on Serbian Traditions
The musical gathering was organized by the Youth Department Ministry of the Serbian Orthodox Diocese of New Gracanica-Midwestern America, with the blessing of His Eminence Archbishop of New Gracanica-Chicago and Metropolitan of Midwestern America Longin. Through the participation of children’s choirs, folklore ensembles and experienced musicians, the concert connected young people growing up in the United States with the musical heritage of their ancestors.
For the Serbian community in Chicago and the surrounding area, gatherings like Ognjište 2026 carry significance beyond the concert itself. They help ensure that traditional songs, dances and instruments are not preserved merely as memories of the homeland but remain part of the lives of younger generations. That was one of the central messages of this year’s Ognjište gathering.
Photo & Video: Milan Brašanac
