The Tronos Byzantine Choir of the Romanian Patriarchal Cathedral represented the Romanian Orthodox Church at the “Musical Edict” International Festival of Sacred Music in Niš, Serbia. The event was held on the feast of Pentecost.
Held under the patronage of the Serbian Patriarchate and with the blessing of His Grace Bishop Arsenije of Niš, the festival gathers choirs from around the world every two years to celebrate sacred music.
This year’s edition brought together 17 choral ensembles from various countries, including Romania, Russia, Lebanon, Switzerland, Armenia, Poland, the USA, and Serbia.
These nations’ participation through their musical representatives echoed the spirit of the Edict of Milan, issued in 313 AD by Emperors Constantine the Great (in the West) and Licinius (in the East). This Edict officially recognized and guaranteed the right to religious freedom for all citizens.
“Let Everything That Has Breath Praise the Lord”
The “Musical Edict” International Festival of Sacred Music is organized by the “Branko” Church Choir from Niš, a choir with roots dating back to 1887. Its motto: “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.”
To date, the festival has hosted hundreds of ensembles from all over the globe. Under the patronage of His Beatitude Patriarch Porfirije, this year’s edition welcomed choirs worldwide, including the Tronos Byzantine Choir of the Romanian Patriarchal Cathedral.
The Church Choir of Niš
“What we say about God, we say through song,” the festival organizers declared. The Church of the Descent of the Holy Spirit in Niš houses one of the first mixed church choirs in the Balkans.
Founded during the formation of the modern Serbian state, the Niš Church Choir bears the name of Serbian-Romanian poet Branko Radičević (1824–1853), considered one of the most important Serbian literary figures of the 19th century.
Throughout its history, the Niš Church Choir has had the honor of singing at the enthronement of Serbian Patriarchs Pavle and Irinej. In 2009, the choir launched the International Festival of Sacred Music “Musical Edict,” which now features some of the finest vocal ensembles in the world.
The Tronos Byzantine Choir
The Tronos Byzantine Choir was founded in 1997 by Archdeacon Mihail Bucă, protopsaltes of the Patriarchal Cathedral in Bucharest. The ensemble includes priests, deacons, theologians, and passionate lovers of Byzantine chant.
In 2007, Patriarch Daniel officially named the group “Tronos,” recalling one of the Thrones, one of the angelic choirs described in Orthodox Christian theology.
Over the years, Tronos has performed in major cathedrals, cultural institutions, and festivals both in Romania and abroad and has received several church honors in recognition of its contributions to sacred music.
Photo: Facebook / Нишка црквена певачка дружина ”Бранко” – Church choral society ‘„Branko”
