In May 2027, at the Croatian Home in Split, the Brodosplit City Choir will celebrate 55 years of its existence - more than half a century filled with song, friendship, dedication and love for music.
The story that began in 1972 in the Split shipyard has long since outgrown its slipways. From generation to generation, through decades that have changed both the city and the country, Brodosplit has remained faithful to what made it special from the beginning - its people and its song.
On that long journey, traces of many voices remained. Some have already fallen silent, some have gone on other paths in life, and some still stand in the same choir today. All of them, each with their own voice, their own time, and their own heart, have woven a part of themselves into what Brodosplit is today. Because a choir is not just a collection of voices - a choir is people who together become one voice.
Two maestros have occupied a special place in its history. Josip Veršić , who directed the shipyard choir from its beginnings until 1988, laid the foundations of artistic discipline, togetherness and love for song. On these foundations, maestro Vlado Sunko , who has led the choir since 1988, began his great creative odyssey. For more than three and a half decades, his artistic vision, passion, creativity and dedication have been inextricably linked to the sound and identity of Brodosplit.
Under Sunko's leadership, the Škver Choir grew into one of the most recognizable Croatian choral ensembles, guardians of Dalmatian and Croatian musical heritage and two-time absolute world champion. But behind every medal and every stage there were always people - hours of rehearsals, fatigue, sacrifice, friendships, laughter, travels and that special silence of the moment before the first note fills the hall.
And where could this story be celebrated if not in Split?
In the city that gave it its name, character and song. In the city of St. Duje, whose cross is also on the choir's coat of arms - as a silent sign of belonging to the city, its tradition and its people. From Split, across Dalmatia, to Croatian and world stages, Brodosplit has carried with it for decades the most valuable thing a choir can carry: the voice of its region and love for its homeland.
That's why this concert won't just be a celebration of an anniversary.
It will be a meeting of the past and the present, an evening of gratitude for those who have left their mark and pride in those who continue on.
Because 55 years is not just a number.
That's 55 years of life written in notes.
55 years of people, friendships and memories.
55 years of Split, Dalmatia and Croatia in one common voice.
And that's why in May, at the Croatian House, we will sing again - for those before us, for those with us, and for those yet to come.
Because the song can end.
But what she left in people's hearts - lasts forever.
