Dida Choir Book

The History of the St. Paul’sCroatian Church Choir - Cleveland Ohio1902 - 2018By Mark G. SpiranovichCroatian & English



The History of the St. Paul's Croatian Church Choir is dedicated to honor the many great singers of our parishwho offered themselves to serve the Lord through their singing.Povijest Zbora Hrvatske Župe Sv. Pavla pisana je u čast mnogim, izvrsnim pjevačima naše župe koji su seposvetili služiti Svevišnjega kroz njihovo pjevanje, Marko Špiranović April 10, 2018We are hoping that our the newly-appointed Pastor Rev. Zvonko Blaško will be able to intice young menmbersto join our choir who will continue our choir's tradition of singing four part music.U nadi smo da će naš novoimenovani župnik, Vlč. Zvonko Blaško, pomladiti naš zbor da nastaviti satradicionalnim, četveroglasnim pjevanjem Rev. Zvonko Blaško

St Paul Croatian Church Choir - 1927

The History of the St. Paul Croatian Church Choir By Mark G. SpiranovichWhen reading the history of our parish, which was Kad se čita povijest naše župe, koja je osnovanaestablished in 1902, very little mention is made of 1902-ge godine, vrlo se malo spominje zbor župe.the church choirs. Briefly, it has been said that for Ukratko, spomene se da je župa Sv. Pavala imalamany years St. Paul's church had a very good choir.George Malovrh was the first choir director and vrlo dobre zborove. George Malovrh bio je prviorganist. As it was customary in the old days, all the direktor i orguljaš zbora. U staro doba bilo jeMasses were sung in Latin using the works of the uobičajeno da se sve Sv. Mise pjevaju na latinskomworld-famous composers Schubert, Haydn (who is jeziku, uzimajući djela svjetsko poznatih skladateljaconsidered to be of Croatian heritage from Bosnia kao što su Schubert, Haydn (kojeg smatraju da jewith a last name Hajdin), Liszt, Mozart and Bach.After the Vatican Council II decree, Croatian hrvatskog porijetla iz Bosne sa prezimenom Hajdin),replaced Latin in singing of the Mass and CroatianHymns were sung in four-part harmony, most Liszt, Mozart i Bach. Nakon Drugog Vatikanskogfrequently Sopranos, Altos, Tenors and Bases. By1927, the choir consisted of twenty six members. Dekreta, Hrvatski jezik je zamjenio Latinski jezik u pjevanju Sv. Mise i hrvatske pjesme su se pjevale četveroglasno, podjeljeno u Soprane, Alte, Tenore i Basove. Godine 1927-me, crkveni zbor je imao dvadeset i šest članova.Mr. Jerome Brentar, who joined St. Paul's choir Gospodin Brentar, koji je stupio u crkveni zbor kaowhen he was a young school boy, remembers Msgr. mladi školarac, sijeća se Monsinjora MichaelaMichael Domladovac, St. Paul's Pastor, as a Domladovca, župnika Sv. Pavla, kao odanogdedicated lover of music who sang with the choir ljubitelja muzike koji je pjevao skupa sa članovimaduring the rehearsals, normally culminating in zbora za vrijeme proba, koje su znale završiti još poadditional hour of folk singing at the church hall's sat vremena uz piće u crkvenoj dvorani. Dok jebar. It was during the Msgr. Domladovac's tenure Monsinjor Domladovac bio župnik naš zbor jethat the choir reached great success and superbquality in singing. Mr. Brentar used Msgr. postigao velike uspjehe i kvalitetu pjevanja.Domladovac quite often as an example how a pastor Gospodin Brentar je često spominjao Monsinjoracan contribute to the success of the church choir. kao primjer kako župnici mogu utjecati uspjehu crkvenog zboraWhen the choir director George Malovrh died in Kad je direktor zbora, gospodin George Malovrh1930, Msgr. Domladovac was able to engage umro 1930. godine, monsinjor Domladovac je našaoanother professional choir director of Slovenian još jednog profesionalnog direktora zbora, Slovencadescent, Frank Vautar. Under his capableorganizational skills and direction, the St. Paul's Franka Vautara. Pod sposobnim vodstvom ichoir grew to forty-eight singers by 1935. organizacijom gospodina Vautara, zbor crkve sv. Pavla je došao do 48 članova 1935. godine.

Croatian Singing Society “Lisinski” – 19531st row (left to right) – Božidar Abjanić, Željko Rogić, Mira Badovinac, Renata (Menshik) Armani, prof. ClementMenshi- Director, Jerome Brentar, Janko Skrbin, X___, Rade Džeba2nd row – Kruna Petričević (Weleter), Judy Krizmarić (Segedi), Vicky Raguž, Ružica Abjanić, Eva Muzbah,Ankica Jerinić (Igrec), X___, Marija Pejić, Cica Džeba, Marija Krešić (Miljak), X___, Marija Došen (Pinjuh),Hilda Prpić, Jela Majetić (Križanović), Mrs Majetić (Bosnar), Boja Bošković (Vidmar), Milka Pervan (Čorić)3rd row – Pavle Prcela, Rev. Marko Badovinac, Mr. Segedi, X___, Targo, Božidar Ivanuš, Jozo Marković, JosipBosnar, Josip Matoša, x___, Mr. Sudec, X____, Josip Bosiljević4th row – Milan Došen, X___, X____, JozoBošković, Slavko Križanović, X___,X___.

During Frank Vautar's tenure, the choir's repertoire Kao direktor, on je proširio repertoar i uveo soliste,was expanded to solos, duets, trios and quartet duete, trio i četveroglasno pjevanje, specijalno usinging, especially in the Latin Mass. misama na latinskom jeziku.The first of many great singers mentioned is “Honey” Među prvim poznatim pjevačicama spominje seJane Kramer, an alto of Slovenian heritage, who Honey Jane Kramer, alt slovenskog podrijetla, kojajoined the choir as a school girl in 1914. “Honey” se učlanila u zbor još 1914. godine. GospodičnaJane Kramer was the lead Alto in our choir and Kramer je bila vodeći alt našeg zbora i pjevala je i usang well into her old age to the year of her svojoj starosti, sve dok nije prestala tek 1994.retirement in 1994. ( When I joined the choir in godine. Kad sam ja stupio u crkveni zbor 1959.1959 “Honey” Kramer was a regular every Sunday). godine, Honey”Kramer je bila regularni alt našegFrank Brentar was truly a great base singer from zbora. Frank Brentar je zbilja bio izvrstan bas od1915 to 1980. Caroline Busan was the lead soprano 1915. do 1980. godine. Caroline Busan bila je vodećifrom 1920 to 1950. Stjepan Tretenjak, tenor, sang sopran od 1920. do 1950. godine. Stjepan Tretenjak,from 1925 to 1956. Edward Šarlija was a lead tenor tenor, pjevao je od 1920. do 1956. godine. Edwardfrom 1930 to 1970. At the time when I joined the Šarlija je bio izvrstan tenor solist od 1930. do 1970.choir in 1959 Edward Šarlija and his soprano wife godine. U vrijeme kad sam ja stupio u crkveni zbor,Ann, both great soloists, were not regulars in our Edward Šarlija i njegova supruga Ann, oboje solisti,church choir, however, they were always present at nisu bili regularni pjevači našeg zbora ali suChristmas and Easter and at any solemn occasion sudjelovali za Božić, Uskrs i sve veće blagdaneat our parish. John Perencevic, a member of the St. naše župe. John Perenčević, član hrvatskeNicholas Croatian Byzantine Church was a great grkokatoličke župe sv. Nikole, bio je poznati pjevač isinger and he came to join our choir on several više puta je pjevao u našem zboru. Jeronim Brentar,occasions. Jerome Brentar, a great tenor, joined the odličan tenor, pristupio je u zbor 1930. godine ichoir in 1930 and actively sang until he died in the aktivno je pjevao sve do njegove smrti 2006. godine.year 2006. One thing that distinguished all of the Svi gore spomenuti pjevači istaknuli su se kroz dugiabove singers was their longevity and Jerome niz godina pjevanjem u crkvenom zboru, dok jeBrentar's membership in St. Paul's choir spanned 76 gospodin Jeronim Brentar pjevao u našem zboru 76years, only to be broken while he attended college godina, s prekidom samo kad je bio na fakultetu i uand served in the military. vojsci.In the 1930's, it was customary for the church choir U 1930-ima, bilo je uobičajeno da zbor priredi dvato give two concerts a year in addition to the regular koncerta godišnje uz regularno pjevanje u župi.singing at church services. It is recorded that Frank Upisano je da je Frank Lausche,Lausche,

the mayor of Cleveland and later Senator, attended tadašnji načelnik grada Clevelanda i kasnije senator,many of the choir's concerts which were held at the prisustvovao mnogim hrvatskim koncertima koji suSlovenian National Hall on St. Clair Avenue. se održavali u Slovenskom nacionalnom domu na St. Clair Avenue.In addition to Croatian songs, the choir sang Latinand Slovenian songs and English translations from Uz hrvatske pjesme, zbor je pjevao na latinskom iworks of Mozart, Johan Strauss, Antonin Dvorak, as slovenskom jeziku, kao i engleske prijevodewell as other well known composers. Concerts were Mozarta, Johana Straussa, Antonina Dvoraka ialso held in the neighboring Croatian parishes in drugih poznatih skladatelja. Koncerti su se održavaliLorain and Akron. i u hrvatskim župama u Lorainu i Akronu.In 1934, Dr. Branimir Jelić of Berlin, Germany, a Dr. Branimir Jelić, poznati hrvatski političar i aktivist,prominent Croatian political activist, visited došao je u posjet 1934. godine iz Berlina naCleveland for the Croatian Day celebration and after proslavu Croatian Day - Hrvatskog dana, te jeattending Holy Mass commented that “not even in nakon svete mise komentirao da se ovako lijepothe churches of Berlin have I heard such beautiful pjevanje, kao što je čuo to jutro, ne može čuti ni usinging as I have enjoyed hearing today.” berlinskim crkvama.In 1951, after the departure of Frank Vautar, S odlaskom direktora zbora Franka Vautara 1951.professor Clement Menshik became the first godine, profesor Clement Menshik postao je prviCroatian choir director of St. Paul Choir, thanks to Hrvat na mjestu direktora crkvenog zbora župe sv.the goodness of Mr. Jerome Brentar, a true lover of Pavla, zahvaljujući dobroti gospodina Jeronimamusic, who recognized the need of a good director. Brentara, velikog ljubitelja muzike, koji je prepoznaoMr. Brentar had helped so many Croatian refugees potrebu za dobrim direktorom zbora. Gospodinto settle in Cleveland and in his frequent trips to Brentar je pomagao izbjeglicama da se nastane uEurope he had met professor Menshik in Salzburg, Clevelandu i kroz njegova česta putovanja po EuropiAustria. upoznao je profesora Menshika u Salzburgu u Austriji.Before immigrating to Cleveland, Ohio, in 1951,professor Menshik was a talented professor of music Prije svog dolaska u Cleveland 1951. godine,and former director of choirs in Sarajevo. Professor gospodin Menshik bio je talentirani profesor muzike iMenshik was ultimately a refugee from Yugoslav direktor više zborova u Sarajevu. Ipak, profesorCommunism and taught music at the prestigious Menshik je završio kao izbjeglica jugoslavenskogMozarteum school in Salzburg, Austria. The story is režima te je kasnije predavao muziku nabeing told that the original piano that Mozarteumu, prestižnoj glazbenoj školi u Salzburgu. Pričalo se da se klavir na kojem je svirao slavni

Mozart played on is uncovered once a year and one Mozart otkriva jednom godišnje i da jedan ili višeor several musicians are selected to play on it and glazbenika budu izabrani da sviraju na tom klaviru -Mr. Menshik was one of them. jedan od izabranih bio je i gospodin MenshikMr. Clement Menshik who was born in Bosnia, Gospodin Clement Menshik, koji je rođen u Bosni,considered himself to be Croatian of Slovak heritage smatrao se Hrvatom slovačkog podrijetla i sam mi jeand he shared this story with me. When his ispričao ovu priču. Kad bi njegova rodbina izrelatives from Slovakia would come and visit them in Slovačke dolazila njima u Bosnu u posjetu, oni bih ihBosnia, they would take his relatives hunting, as vodili u lov, duboko u bosanske šume gdje je biloBosnia with all the forests, has all types of game, mnogo vrsta životinja - srna, vukova i medvjeda.from deer, wolves and bears. During one of the Jedanput kad su bili u šumama već danima, naišli suhunting trips, in the thick of the forests , they na jednu kolibu, jednu vrstu dućana gdje je bilofound a little cabin, a store of sorts, with all types of svašta za prodati, čak i suhe hrane koja se nije lakoitems for sale, even items that were edible and kvarila. Sve se vrtjelo oko poštenja ljudi. Cijene suwould not spoil easily. Everything was done on an bile označene s poukom da se novac stavi u maluhonor system. The prices were indicated with the kutiju na šanku. Njihovi gosti iz Slovačke su se diviliinstruction to put the money in a small box at the poštenju naših ljudi.counter. The Slovak guests were impressed with thishonor system, to say the least. Dok je profesor Menshik bio direktor, naš zbor bio je obogaćen njegovim radovima koje je pisao zaDuring professor Menshik's tenure, the choir was četveroglasno pjevanje. Sve njegove pjesme sugreatly enriched as he wrote four part music for pisane rukom i pisao je za sve prigode crkvenogevery occasion. All his music was meticulously kalendara – za Advent, Božić, Korizmu, Uskrs,written by hand and he made books of music for marijanske pjesme, Muku itd. Sve do danas seevery church occasion – Advent, Christmas, Lent, koriste njegove knjige. Nažalost, neki su njegoveEaster, Marian Songs, The Passion and so on. His knjige raskomadali i listovima popunjavali drugemusic and his books are used to this day. knjige, pa čak i izbrisali njegovo ime sa stranica kojeUnfortunately, however, some people have broken je on mukotrpno sastavljao. Uz naš zbor župe sv.up his books and altered them, even removing his Pavla, profesor Menshik je bio direktor i pjevačkogname from the music pages that he so laboriously društva Lisinski. Njegova kćerka Renata Armani bilaand painstakingly wrote. Along with the church choir je priznata violinistica i zajedno su održavalihe directed, the Singing Society “Lisinski.” His koncerte. Posebice bih spomenuo koncert održan udaughter Renata Armani was an accomplished Severance Chamber Music Hall 1. studenog 1959.violinist and together they performed a complete godine,concert at the Severance Center Chamber MusicHall on November 1, 1959.



The closing peace of the concert was the Croatian gdje su u završnici svirali hrvatsku rapsodijuRhapsody “Žetelačka\" (Harvest Song and Dance). Žetelačka.When I arrived in Cleveland in the autumn of 1959, I Kad sam ja došao u Cleveland u jesen 1959.joined the St. Paul’s Croatian Church Choir and godine, stupio sam u crkveni zbor župe sv. Pavla, teimmediately took a liking to the very humble and sam smjesta zavolio ovog poniznog i ljubaznogkind professor Menshik. He was by far the best profesora Menshika. On je sigurno bio najboljimusician that our Parish ever had and he was a muzičar kojeg je naša župa ikad imala, ali je imeek and humble a person. nažalost bio previše mekana i ponizna osoba koja nikad ne bi nikoga javno ukorila.During the 1950's and into the mid 1960's, the choir U 1950-im godinama pa sve do sredine 1960-ihdepended on the regulars: Rose Nekic, Ann godina, zbor je ovisio o redovitim pjevačima: Rose Nekic, Ann Tomasic-Matun, Rosemary Tomasic,Tomasic-Matun, Rosemary Tomasic, Helen Plavac, Helen Plavac, Mary Hrestak, Honey Jane Kramer, Francine Longar-Tomasic, Ana Džanko, MaraMary Hrestak, “Honey” Jane Kramer, Francine Abramović (Vukosavić), Maria Došen-Pinjuh, Paula Vrtar, Anica Bagarić, Frank, John i Jerome Brentar,Longar-Tomasic, Ana Džanko, Mara Abramović Jozo Bošković, Marko Ivašković, Marko Špiranović i drugi. Rose Nekich, odličan alt, bila je najaktivnija u(Vukosavić), Marija Došen-Pimjuh, Paula Vrtar, zboru 1950-tih, do sredine 1960-tih godina.Anica Bagarić, Frank, John and Jerome Brentar, Pri kraju 1968. godine, gospodin Menshik je otišao u mirovinu kod svoje kćerke Renate koja je živjela uJozo Bošković, Marko Ivašković, Marko Texasu. Pri odlasku iz Clevelanda, profesor Menshik mi je darovao jedan starinski stol koji me uvijekŠpiranović and others. Rose Nekich, an excellent podsjeća na njega. Darovao mi je i kopiju \"“Senjska Staroslavenska Misa\" koju je svojom rukom prepisaoAlto, was the leader of the 1950's and mid 1960's 1965. godine. Misa je napisana u četiri glasa – za soprane, alte, tenore I basove. On će nam ostati uchoirs. uspomeni kao čovjek koji je uvijek nastupao profesionalno i čestito u vođenju zbora župe sv.Toward the end of 1968, Mr. Menshik retired to Pavla, kojoj je ostavio obilje pjesama koje je mukotrpno pisao.Texas where his daughter Renata lived at that time.When Mr. Menshik left Cleveland, he gave me abeautiful antique round table as a remembrance ofhim. He gave me a copy of the “SenjskaStaroslavenska Misa”, (old slavanic Mass from thecity of Senj) hand copied by him in 1965. It is writtenin four part singing – sopranos, altos, tenors andbases. He will be remembered as a person ofintegrity who displayed professional excellence indirecting our choir of St. Paul and who left us withhand written songs that took many hours of sacrificeto produce them.

Mr. Ante Mršić, who was a choir member during G. Ante Mršić bio je član zbora u vrijeme dok jeprofessor Menshik's tenure, became the new choir profesor Menshik bio direktor zbora, a kad jedirector in the fall of 1968 and continued the fine profesor Menshik otišao u mirovinu u jesen 1968.traditions and quality established by his godine, Ante Mršić ga je naslijedio i nastavio spredecessors. Under his leadership, the St. Paul’s tradicijama i kvalitetom njegovih prethodnika. PodChoir grew to fifty plus members who wore elegant njegovim vodstvom zbor župe sv. Pavla je imaorobes at church services, concerts and various preko 50 članova koji su nosili elegantne plašteve zafestivities. The first set of robes were blue. The vrijeme svete mise, koncerata i svetkovina. Prviladies had white collar blouses and the men had plaštevi bili su plave boje. Djevojke i žene su nosilewhite shirts and blue ties. Later the robes were still bijele bluze s kragnama, a muški su nosili bijeleblue with red and white capes – the men had the košulje s plavim kravatama. Kasnije, novi plaštevi su“doh cleff” sign on their capes; the ladies had the opet bili plavi s ogrtačem crvene i bijele boje, na“harp” design on theirs. On other occasions the kojima su muškarci imali značku u obliku do ključa,ladies wore white blouses and dark skirts, while the dok su dame imale značku u obliku harfe. Na drugimmen wore white shirts with dark pants. priredbama gospođe su nosile bijele bluze i tamne suknje, a muškarci bijele košulje i tamne hlače.In 1974 Archbishop Josip Pavlišič was the honoredguest in our parish and our choir sang for the Uzvišeni nadbiskup Josip Pavlišić bio je naš dragioccasion. Archbishop Pavlišić was instrumental in gost 1974. godine te je naš zbor župe sv. Pavlasaving Istria as a Croatian region, rather than an pjevao i tom prigodom. Nadbiskup Pavlišić je poslijeItalian region after the Second World War- For that Drugog svjetskog rata uspješno posredovao da Istrareason he was well respected in all the Croatian pripadne Hrvatskoj umjesto Italiji. Iz tog razloga biocommunities. Besides being very learned, je voljen i poštovan u svim hrvatskim zajednicama.Archbishop Pavlišić was a great speaker as well. Bio je vrlo učen i isto tako bio je poznati govornik. ZaDuring his second visit to Cleveland in 1980, Ivan vrijeme njegovog drugog posjeta Clevelandu 1980.and Cecilia Grbac were the gracious hosts of the godine, bio je ugošćen kod Ivana i Cecilije Grbac.Archbishop Pavlišić. Najveći uspjeh profesora Mršića, kao direktora zboraThe highlight of Ante Mršić’s tenure as St. Paul’s crkve sv. Pavla, bio je 1979. godine kad je našaChoir director and organist came in 1979 during the zajednica slavila 1100 godina kršćanstva u Hrvata iparish commemoration of 1100 years of Christianity to slavlje je zvano Branimirova godina.among the Croatian Nation and celebration of theevent known as the Year of Branimir (BranimirovaGodina).

Archbishop Josip Pavlišić, Rev. Steven Mrakužić, Rev. Charles Schneider, Ante Mršić, Choir Director, and the St. Paul Church Choir, 1974 Archbishop Josip Pavlišić at the Ivan and Cecilia Grbac residence - 1980

A.D. Pope John VIII publicly blessed Knez (Prince) Papa Ivan VIII. je 879. godine javno blagoslovioBranimir in the Church of St. Peter as the “Dux kneza Branimira u crkvi svetog Petra kao DuxCroatorum” – ruler of the Croatians. That act of Croatorum - Vladar Hrvata. Taj čin Pape Ivana VIII.Pope Ivan VIII made Croatia an acknowledged and priznao je Hrvatsku kao samostalnu naciju.Independent Nation. An audio cassette of Croatian Napravljena je kaseta hrvatskih pjesama kako bi sesongs was issued to celebrate these events. proslavio taj događaj.The songs recorded for the 1100 year Sljedeće pjesme su bile snimljene za 1100.commemoration of Christianity among the Croatian godišnjicu kršćanstva hrvatske nacije: Lijepa našaNation were: Lijepa Naša Domovino, Karamfile, domovino, Karanfile, Zeleni se gaj, Zagorje veselo,Zeleni Se Gaj, Zagorje Veselo, O Pruži Mile Ruke, O pruži mile ruke, Oj ti vilo Velebita, Glasna jasna,Oj Ti Vilo Velebita, Glasna Jasna, Bog i Hrvati, Bog i Hrvati, Himna Istri, Kristu Kralju, ZdravoHimna Istri, Kristu Kralju, Zdravo Djevo. The Djevo. Sljedeći su sudjelovali u snimanju: Antefollowing pareticipated in the recording: Ante Mršić - Mršić - direktor, Joan Johnson – orguljaš/pijanistDirector, Joan Johnson – Organist Soprani: Andrašić Magdalena, Čolić Helena,Sopranos: Andrašić Magdalena, Čolić Helena, Cvijanović Carol, Džanko Ana, Gregov Marija,Cvijanović Carol, Džanko Ana, Gregov Marija, Gregov Milena, Meteš Mandica, Lasić Fanika,Gregov Milena, Meteš Mandica, Lasić Fanika, Purgar Biserka, Rimac Anđela, Rimac Marija, ŠarićPurgar Biserka, Rimac Anđela, Rimac Marija, Šarić Neda, Skiles Marija, Špiranović Anđela, ŠpiranovićNeda, Skiles Marija, Špiranović Anđela, Špiranović Ivanka, Špiranović Carol, Varga Jadranka, VargaIvanka, Špiranović Carol, Varga Jadranka, Varga Zlata, Vrtar Paula.Zlata, Vrtar Paula Alti: Akrap Agata, Begović Jelena, Čolić Dragica,Altos: Akrap Agata, Begović Jelena, Čolić Dragica, Čolić Josipa, Kramer Honey Jane, Petrak Mary,Čolić Josipa, Kramer Honey Jane, Petrak Mary, Pinjuh Marija, Ptiček Nada, Ritoša Cilika, StepićPinjuh Marija, Ptiček Nada, Ritoša Cilka, Stepić Kate, Stepić Marija, Turčinov Marija, Zovko Cilika.Kate, Stepić Marija, Turčinov Marija, Zovko Cilika. Tenori: Bušić Hrvoje, Bevanda Josip, Bevanda Jure,Tenors: Bušić Hrvoje, Bevanda Josip, Bevanda Brentar Jerome, Cvijanović Tony, Čolić Ante, GudeljJure, Brentar Jerome, Cvijanović Tony, Čolić Ante, Ivan, Marinović Tony, Medica Frank, Padović Tony,Gudelj Ivan, Marinović Tony, Medica Frank, Padović Purgar Tony, Špiranović Marko.Tony, Purgar Tony, Špiranović Marko.

Bases: Begović Pave, Cvijanović Frank, Fućak Basovi: Begović Pave, Cvijanović Frank, FućakLovro, Humer Miro, Petrak Ivan, Ritoša Umberto, Lovro, Humer Miro, Petrak Ivan, Ritoša Umberto,Sosić Jim, Visković Ivan. Sosić Jim, Visković Ivan.The year 1979 will truly be remembered for the Godina 1979. bit će zapamćena i po snimanjuCroatian Christmas Album as well, under the božićnog albuma pod vodstvom Ante Mršića, sdirection of Ante Mršić, pianist Jonie Johnson and pijanisticom Jonnie Johnson i uz pratnju tamburicathe accompaniment of the tamburitza orchestra of orkestra Ivana Petraka. Ovaj projekt je bioJohn Petrak. The project was approved with the blagoslovljen od strane župnika vlč. Stjepanablessing of Father Steven Mrakužić, Pastor. Later in Mrakužića. Kasnije, u prosincu 2006. godine, Ivan12/2006, John Petrak digitally mastered and Petrak je digitalno uredio i snimio CD božićnogproduced CDs. albuma.The following Croatian Christmas songs were Snimljene su sljedeće pjesme: Uspavanka, Nebarecorded: Uspavanka, Neba Stvoritelj, Nebo Daj stvoritelj, Nebo daj oku, Svim na zemlji, U se vrimeOku, Svim Na Zemlji, U Se Vrime Godišća, Kirie godišća, Kirie eleison, Veselje ti navješćujem, OjEleison, Veselje Ti Navješćujem, Oj Djetešce Moje djetešce moje drago, Tiha noć (solo sopran BiserkaDrago, Tiha Noć, Svet Noć (Solo Sop. Biserka Purgar), Oj pastiri čudo novo, Radujte se narodi,Purgar), Oj Pastiri Čudo Novo, Raduj Te Se Narodi, Danas se čuje, Pastirska pjesma, Dođite vjerni,Danas Se Čuje, Pastirska Pjesma, Dođite Vjerni, Spavaj sinko, Narodi nam se Kralj nebeski.Spavaj Sinko, Narodi Nam Se Kralj Nebeski. Sudionici pri snimanju božićnog albuma bili suThe choir members recording the Christmas Album sljedeći:were: Soprani: Andrašić Magdalena, Begović Kate, ČolićSopranos: Andrašić Magdalena, Begović Kate, Helena, Džanko Ana, Gregov Marija, Mandica iČolić Helena, Džanko Ana, Gregov Marija, Mandica Marija Marin, Matešić Lucija, Naglić Ljubica, Purgarand Marija Marin, Matešić Lucija, Naglić Ljubica, Biserka (solist), Varljen Milena.Purgar Biserka (soloist), Varljen Milena. Alti: Akrap Agata, Kramer Honey Jane, Marin Ana,Altos: Akrap Agata, Kramer Honey Jane, Marin Pavić Ljubica, Petrak Mary, Ptiček Nada, RadoševićAna, Pavić Ljubica, Petrak Mary, Ptiček Nada, Marija, Sergo Kathy, Stepić Kate, Svirac Angela,Radošević Marija, Sergo Kathy, Stepić Kate, Svirac Turčinov Marija.Angela, Turčinov Marija.

St. Pail's Croatian Church Choir – 1977First Row: Mary Rupčić-Župić, Nevenka Kalinić-Nogalo, Marija Matešić, Marija Gregov,“Honey” JaneKramer, Ljubica Abramović- Pavić, Agata Akrap, Tony Pavić Jr., Ljubica Pavić.Second Row: Kate Begović-Vilberg, Snježana Radić, Marija Čolić, Helena Čolić, Kathy Naglić-Sergo, AnteMršić, Ana Marin-Štemberga, Mandica Marin, Marija Marin, Biserka Purgar- Sanković, Anton Pavić,Third Row: Darko Miličević, Zvonko Miličević, Bojan Mršić, John Radošević, Marko Špiranović, NikolaRaguž, Jerome Brentar, Pave Begović, Josip Brnjić, X Brnjić , Lovro Fućak, John Petrak

Tenors: Brentar Jerome, Derežić Josip, Jelović Tenori: Brentar Jerome, Derežić Josip, JelovićCvijo, Marinović Tony, Medica Frank, Meličević Cvijo, Marinović Tony, Medica Frank, Miličević DarkoDarko and Zvonko, Padović Tony, Pavić Tony, and Zvonko, Padović Tony, Pavić Tony, RadoševićRadošević Ivan, Sabljak Krešimir, Špiranović Marko Ivan, Sabljak Krešimir, Špiranović Marko and Varljenand Varljen Ivan Ivan.Bases: Begović Pave, Cvijanović Frank, Fućak Basovi: Begović Pave, Cvijanović Frank, FućakLovro, Humer Miro, Petrak Ivan, Raguž Nikola, Lovro, Humer Miro, Petrak Ivan, Raguž Nikola,Ritoša Umberto, Šarić Dr. Stipe, Sosić Jim, Varljen Ritoša Umberto, Šarić Dr. Stipe, Sosić Jim, VarljenIvan. Ivan.In addition to several concerts performed in the Uz broj više koncerata održanih u Clevelandu, zborCleveland area, the choir also performed in Toronto, Župe sv. Pavla održao je koncerte u Torontu,Norval - Ontario, Kirchener, Canada, Washington, Kircheneru, Norvalu – Ontariju, kao i Washingtonu iD.C. and Chicago. The choir sang several times in Chicagu. Zbor je zapravo pjevao više puta uWashington, D.C., in the beautiful Basilica of the Washingtonu u nacionalnoj katedrali BezgrješnogImmaculate Conception (the National Cathedral). It začeća Blažene Djevice Marije. Hrvatska katoličkawas the custom of the Croatian Catholic Union zajednica (koja se ujedinila s mnogo većom(which several years ago merged with the much Hrvatskom bratskom zajednicom) pozivala je našlarger Croatian Fraternal Union) to have our choir zbor da pjeva na svim važnim godišnjicama gdje susing at every major anniversary at the Catholic posvećene dvije hrvatske kapelice – kapelica MajkeNational Cathedral in Washington which has two Božje Bistričke, kraljice Hrvata i Naše Gospe KraljiceCroatian chapels, Our Lady of Bistrica, Queen of Mira.Croatia and Our Lady of Peace. Hrvatska katolička zajednica imala je običaj pozvatiThe Croatian Catholic Union was accustomed to vrhovne hrvatske kardinale i biskupe koji bi uveličalibring in a high ranking Church Official from Croatia, naše proslave. Naš zbor bi priredio koncert u njihovuand during the weekend affair, our choir would give a čast u subotu navečer te pjevao sv. misu nedjeljom.concert on Saturday evening and sing during holyMass on Sunday. Moram priznati da je Ante Mršić bio izvrstan skladatelj i, dok je profesor Menshik bio većiPersonally, I must admit that Ante Mršić was a great muzičar, nitko od drugih direktora zbora nisu mu bilicomposer and while there were perhaps more ravni na aranžmanu i organizacijskimlearned musicians, such as professor Menshik, sposobnostima, koji su omogućivale zboru da djelujenone of them had the drive, organizational skills vrhunski i da zadrži interes slušatelja.and the ability to capture the interest of theaudience.

St. Paul Croatian Church Choir -“Branimirova Godina” - 1979 St. Paul Croatian Church Choir - Toronto, Canada - 1980

All of the choir books were repaired and updated. Sve su knjige bile ispravne i sređene. G. Mršić jeMr. Mršić had flash cards with numbers so that imao kartice s brojevima označujući broj sljedećeevery member knew which song is about to be sung. pjesme koja bi se pjevala. On je čak po strategijiHe even strategically positioned singers so that the postavljao pjevače na specifična mjesta tako danewer members could learn from the older ones.. He mlađi uče od starijih. Dok je rođen u Primorju,was a teacher by profession and surely our most profesor Mršić je predavao muziku u Bosni nizsuccessful director. Being born in Primorje, Croatia godina te je imao razumijevanja za svu muziku kojuand having taught music in Bosnia for many years, hrvatski narod voli.he had the understanding of the music dear tomany Croatian people. Iako je Mršić imao fizičkih poteškoća, ipak on je bio vrlo čvrst i uporan kad god je trebalo nastupati saMr. Mršić, despite his physical shortcomings, was zborom. Uvijek je djelovao s punim autoritetom.very steadfast and nothing stopped him when he Imali smo sreću da je uz nas bila Joanne Johnson,had to perform. He was tough as nails and he odlična na orguljama i klaviru, divna osoba, tako daalways acted with authority. We were very fortunate se g. Mršić mogao se posvetiti dirigiranju. Joanne jeto have had Joanne Johnson, a great person and bila časna sestra i vrlo dobro je poznavala crkvenuan excellent organist and piano player so that Mr. muziku.Mršić was free to direct. Joanne was a Catholic Nunat one time and was well versed in the church Biserka Purgar-Sanković bila je vodeća solisticamusic. mnogo godina i smatralo se da je bila najbolja hrvatska pjevačica u Sjedinjenim AmeričkimBiserka Purgar-Sankovic was the leading soprano Državama. Biserka je održala svoj prvi samostalnisoloist of our choir for many years and perhaps the koncert 1981. godine u Slovenskom nacionalnombest known singer of all the Croatian communities in domu, dok je Mršićev orkestar Vis Velebit svirao nathe United States. Biserka's first concert was held in zabavi nakon koncerta. Ona je snimila nekoliko1981 at Slovenian Home while Mr. Mršić's band Vis: ploča pjesama i organizirala je koncerte u korist\"Velebit\" played for the dance following the concert. hrvatske siročadi za vrijeme Domovinskog rata uBiserka had recorded several albums and organized Hrvatskoj 1990-ih godina. Biserka je snimila pločuconcerts benefiting the war-torn children of Croatia Starogradski biseri u Zagrebu 1984. godine uzduring the Homeland war in the early 1990's. orkestar Bijele strijele.“Starogradski Biseri” was recorded by Biserka withthe orchestra “Bijele Strijele” in 1984 in Zagreb,Croatia.

It was during Ante Mršić's tenure in the early 1970's Dok je profesor Mršić bio direktor zbora, u ranimthat the singing of the Passion of Christ was 1970. godinama, počeli smo pjevati Muku Kristovuintroduced in our church to be sung by choir na Cvjetnu nedjelju. Ja sam imao ulogu Evanđeliste,members on Palm Sundays. I was given the najvećeg dijela pjevane muke i to sam pjevao sve doEvangelist's part, the largest role of the Passion, and 2015., kad sam taj dio predao pjevaču Ivi Radeljaku,I have sung it every year since its inception and primjernom vjerniku, čija tri sina često služe sv. misufinally passed it on to Ivo Radeljak in 2015. Ivo is a i slijede stopama njihovog oca. Bilo je prirodno datidevout Catholic whose triplet sons have followed in Ivi da pjeva, jer je bio aktivni član svoje rodne župe uhis steps and have served Mass for several years. It Novom Travniku u Bosni i Hercegovini.was natural to pass it on to Ivo as he was veryactive in his church at Novi Travnik in Bosnia- U isto vrijeme, dok je profesor Mršić bio direktorHerzegovina. zbora, imao je svoj orkestar Vis Velebit. Kasnije je osnovao Plavi plamen i svi njegovi članovi orkestraWhile directing our church choir, professor Mršić had bili su i članovi našeg zbora. Orkestar, uz direktorahis own band in the earlier years “Vis Velebit” (Vocal Antu Mršića, sačinjavali su Tony Marinović, BojanInstrumental Group “Velebit”). Later he formed the Mršić, Steve i John Radošević, Jim Sosić, Tony\"Plavi Plamen” (The Blue Flame) and all of the Padović i Frank Medica. Za vrijeme Mršića, a čak imembers were church choir members as well. The poslije njegove smrti, Plavi plamen je bio najboljigroup, along with its director Ante Mršić, included hrvatski orkestar, ne samo u okolici Clevelanda negoTony Marinović, Bojan Mršić, Steve and John u cijeloj srednjoj Americi, jer su svi članovi orkestraRadošević, Jim Sosić, Tony Padović and Frank bili dobri muzičari i dobri pjevači.Medica. For quite some time the \"Plavi Plamen\" wasthe best Croatian band, not only in the Cleveland Treba istaknuti da su probe od 1959. godine bilearea but in the whole Mid-West as all its members svaki tjedan. Dok je profesor Menshik bio direktor,were good musicians and good singers. probe su bile ponedjeljkom navečer u crkvenoj dvorani. Probe ponedjeljkom bile su praktične u onoIt should be noted that since 1959, practices were doba jer je većina članova živjela u blizini našeheld every week. During professor Menshik's tenure, crkve.practices were held Monday evenings in the churchhall. The Monday practices at the church hall seemdpractical as most of the choir members still lived inthe proximity of our church.

During professor Mršić's tenure the practices were Kad je profesor Mršić postao direktor, probe su bile nedjeljom, prije ili poslije sv. mise, u školskoj zgradi.switched to Sundays, either before or after Mass in Druge probe bi bile dodane prema potrebama. G. Mršić je bio vrlo uporan te je davao veliku važnostthe school building's basement. Other rehearsals probama.were schedule as needed. Mr. Mršić was the only Dobar broj izvrsnih pjevača se priključilo zboru zaone that enforced the rehearsals very seriously. vrijeme dok je g. Mršić bio direktor: Marcelo Biletić, Nevenka Bosiljević, Josip Brnjić, Dragica Čolić,Several excellent singers joined our choir during Mr. Marcela Čutura-Pešorda, Marija Čuvalo, RudyMršić's tenure or immediately thereafter, notably: Duerr, Marija and Kruno Gregov, Marija Jamšek,Marcelo Biletić, Nevenka Bosiljević, Josip Brnjić, Cvijo Jelović, Vlatka Krstin, Fanika Lasić, MandicaDragica Čolić, Marcela Čutura-Pešorda, Marija Meteš, Anton i Ljubica Pavić, Mary and John Petrak,Čuvalo, Rudy Duerr, Marija and Kruno Gregov, Marija Pinjuh, Nada Ptiček, Nikola i Vid Raguž,Marija Jamšek, Cvijo Jelović, Vlatka Krstin, Fanika Umberto i Cila Ritoša, dr. Stipe and Neda Šarić,Lasić, Mandica Meteš, Anton and Ljubica Pavić, Marija Skiles, Marija Stepić, Marija Čolić-Turčinov,Mary and John Petrak, Marija Pinjuh, Nada Ptiček, Ivan Visković, Cilika Zovko i članovi grupe PlaviNikola and Vid Raguž, Umberto and Cila Ritoša, Dr. plamen - Tony Marinović, Bojan Mršić, Steve i JohnStipe and Neda Šarić, Marija Skiles, Marija Radošević, Jim Sosić, Tony Padović i Frank Medica.Stepić, Marija Čolić-Turčinov, Ivan Visković, Cilika Brojni mladi su također se uključili u zbor: JelenaZovko and members of the \"Plavi Plamen\": Tony Begović, Inga Belančić-Grbavac i Marijana Belančić-Marinović, Bojan Mršić, Steve and John Radošević, Novković, Josip i Jure Bevanda, Hrvoje Bušić, Ante iJim Sosić, Tony Padović and Frank Medica. Josipa Čolić, Carol, Frank i Tony Cvijanović, Milena Gregov, Grman Josip i Željko, Ivan Gudelj, MiroMany other young people joined the church choir: Humer, Anđelka Svirac-Jurić, Tony Purgar, Anđela iJelena Begović, Inga Belančić-Grbavac and Marija Rimac, Angela, Carol i Joanne Špiranović,Marijana Belančić-Novković, Josip and Jure Ana (Marin) i Aldo Štemberga, Jadranka i ZlataBevanda, Hrvoje Bušić, Ante and Josipa Čolić, Varga i Tonći Visković.Carol, Frank and Tony Cvijanović, Milena Gregov,Grman Josip and Željko, Ivan Gudelj, Miro Humer,Anđelka Svirac-Jurić, Tony Purgar, Anđela andMarija Rimac, Angela, Carol and JoanneŠpiranović, Ana (Marin) and Aldo Štemberga, SilvijaVarljen, Jadranka and Zlata Varga and TonćiVisković.

The Year of Prince Branimir - 1979First Row: Čolić Helena, Marija Marin Čuvalo, Marija Gregov, Leonides Andrašić, Biserka Purgar Sanković, Ana MarinŠtemberga, Marija Čolić-,Turčinov, Kate Stepić, \"Honey” Jane Kramer, Agata Akrap, Anđelka Svirac-Jurković, Ljubica Abramović-Pavić, Marija Matešić, Ana Džanko, Milena Varljen.Second Row: Tony Marinović, Krešimir Sabljač,Tony Padović, Mandica Marin Meteš, Kate Begović-Vilberg, Kathy Naglić-Sergo,Nada Ptiček, Ante Mršić, Marija Radošević, Violet Naglić-Medić, Mary Naglić-Petrak, John Petrak, Umberto Ritoša, Nikola Raguž,Dr. Stipe Šarić,Third Row: Marko Špiranović, Jerome Brentar, Anton Pavić, John Radošević, Derežić Josip, Frank Medica, Zvonko Miličević,Cvijo Jelović, Darko Miličević, JohnVarljen, Lovro Fućak, Jim Sosić, Miro Humer, Frank Cvijanović, Pave Begović, Ivo Varljen.Not pictured: Čolić Ante, Carol Špiranović, Angela Špiranović, Joanne Špiranović, Ivan Viskmović, Purgar Tony, Gudelj Ivan,Purgar Tony, Bušić Hrvoje, Cilika Zovko, Neda Šarić, Dragica Čolić, Josipa Čolić, Milena Gregov, Fanika Lasić, Anđela Rimac,Marija Rimac, Cila Ritoša, Bevanda Josip, Bevanda Jure, Cvijanović Carol.

These and the existing great voices of our choir : Gore spomenuti, uz ove starije članove zboraAgata Akrap, Magdalena Leonides Andrašić, Jozo sačinjavali su odličan zbor: Agata Akrap, MagdalenaBošković, Jerome Brentar, Marija and Srećko Leonides Andrašić, Jozo Bošković, Jerome Brentar,Buzdon, Ana Džanko, Lovro Fućak, Cila and Ivan Marija i Srećko Buzdon, Ana Džanko, Lovro Fućak,Grbac, \"Honey” Jane Kramer, John Petrak, Marijan Honey Jane Kramer, John Petrak, Marijan Poropat,Poropat, the great soloist Biserka Purgar-Sanković, solistica Biserka Purgar-Sanković, MarkoMarko Špiranović, Kate Stepić, Marija Čolić- Špiranović, Kate Stepić, Marija Čolić-Turčinov, PaulaTurčinov, Paula Vrtar, Ivan and Milena Varljen, Ivan Vrtar, Ivan i Milena Varljen, Ivan Visković, PaulaVisković, Paula Vrtar and Mara Vukosavić, made it Vrtar i Mara Vukosavić. Treba istaknuti da je i John Petrak imao svoj orkestar Slatka tajna i svirao je natruly a great choir. It should be noted that John mnogim svatovima i priredbama. Mnogi su smatraliPetrak had a band of his own “Slatka Tajna” - Sweet da je naš zbor bio najbolji zbor izvan Hrvatske, a sigurno je bio jedan od najboljih crkvenih zborova uSecret - and performed at many weddings and kojem je bilo mnogo mladih muzičara.other Croatian festivities. Many have said that this Među najčuvenijim i najboljim koncertima koje je naš zbor održao bio je onaj u Hrvatskom franjevačkomwas the best choir outside of Croatia, certainly one centru u Norvalu, Kanadi, 21. studenog 1981. godine. Sponzor našeg nastupa je bila franjevačkaof the best church choirs as many young musicians župa Kraljica Mira pod vodstvom tri poznata franjevca: fr. Mladen Čuvalo, fr. Berto Dragičević i fr.were its members. Dionizije Lasić. (Vlč. Lasić je bio veliki hrvatski učenjak, pisac i izdavač hrvatskih knjiga podOne of the best concerts that our church choir ever imenom \"Ranjeni labud”. Obitelj našeg sadašnjeg direktora Marka Lasića je rodbina fra Dionizijahad was held at the Croatian Franciscan Centre in Lasića). Naš direktor, Ante Mršić, izabrao je bogati repertoar a Marta Slunjski bila je pijanistica.Norval, Canada on November 21, 1981. Thesponsor of the concert was the Franciscan ParishChurch “Queen of Peace” under the leadership ofthree well known Franciscans, Fr. Mladen Čuvalo,Fr. Berto Dragičević and Fr. Dionizije Lasić. FatherLasić was the great Croatian scolar, writer and the\"Ranjeni Labud” publisher of Croatian books. Thefamily of our choir director Marko Lasić is related tothe late Fr. Dionizije Lasić). The Director, ProfessorAnton Mršić, selected a very rich repertoire andMarta Slunjski was the pianist.

St. Paul Croatian Church Choir – Washington D.C. - 1985

The Program included: Lijepa Naša Domovino; U programu su bile uključene sljedeće pjesme:Vrbniče Nad Morem; Plovi,Plovi; Karamfile Lane Lijepa naša domovino; Vrbniče nad morem; Plovi,Moje (Soloist Marko Špiranović); Škripi Đerma plovi; Karanfile, Lane moje (solist Marko Špiranović);(Soloist Marko Špiranović); Zeleni Se Gaj; Jedan Škripi đerma (solist Marko Špiranović); Zeleni se gaj;Mali Brodić; Puste Su Kale (Soloist Marko Jedan mali brodić; Puste su kale (solist MarkoŠpiranović); Zagorje Veselo; Oj Ti Vilo, Vilo Špiranović); Zagorje veselo; Oj ti vilo Velebita; Oj,Velebita; Oj, Hrvatska, Oj; Naprijed Braćo, oj Hrvati; Hrvatska, oj; Naprijed braćo, oj Hrvati; Bog i Hrvati;Bog I Hrvati; Himna Istri; Glasna Jasna; Pozdrav Himna Istri; Glasna jasna; Pozdrav domovini; Živjeli,Domovini; Živjeli, Živjeli. živjeli.Biserka Purgar-Sanković, our very popular soprano, Biserka Purgar-Sanković, naš vrlo popularni sopran,sang the following songs: Parkovi, Nježne Strane pjevala je sljedeće pjesme: Parkovi, Nježne straneMandoline and Zemljo Moja. Magdalena Andrašić, mandoline i Zemljo moja. Magdalena Andrašić,soprano, sang the following songs: Marica, Majka sopran, pjevala je sljedeće pjesme: Marica, Majka iand Domovini i Ljubavi. Domovini i ljubavi.The singers that participated are listed: Pjevači koji su sudjelovali na koncertu:Sopranos: Andrašić Magadalena, Čavar Slavica, Soprani: Andrašić Magadalena, Čavar Slavica,Čolić Helena, Džanko Ana, Gregov Marija and Čolić Helena, Džanko Ana, Gregov Marija i Milena,Milena, Marin Marija and Mandica, Matošević Ljerka, Marin Marija i Mandica, Matošević Ljerka, MedićMedić Ljubica, Krstin Vlatka, Rimac Anđela, Agnez, Ljubica, Krstin Vlatka, Rimac Anđela, Agnez, Lucija,Lucija, Marija and Tereza, Sanković Biserka, Marija i Tereza, Sanković Biserka, ŠpiranovićŠpiranović Angela, Carol and Ivanka, Šimičević Angela, Carol i Ivanka, Šimičević Marijana, VrtarMarijana, Vrtar Paula, Varljen Milena and Silvia. Paula, Varljen Milena i Silvia.Altos: Akrap Agata, Čolić Dragica and Josipa, Alti: Akrap Agata, Čolić Dragica i Josipa, KramerKramer Ivana, Matijaković Marija, Petrak Mary, Ivana, Matijaković Marija, Petrak Mary, PinjuhPinjuh Marija, Ptiček Nada, Rimac Klara, Ritoša Marija, Ptiček Nada, Rimac Klara, Ritoša Cila,Cila, Stepić Kate and Marija. Stepić Kate i Marija.Tenors: Brentar Jerome, Čolić Ante, Marinović Tony, Tenori: Brentar Jerome, Čolić Ante, Marinović Tony,Medica Franjo, Miličević Zvonko, Padović Tony, Medica Franjo, Miličević Zvonko, Padović Tony,Špiranović Marko and Varljen John. Špiranović Marko i Varljen John.

St. Paul Croatian Church Choir - Deseti Travanj - 1987

Bases: Begović Pave, Cvijanović Franjo, Fućak Basovi: Begović Pave, Cvijanović Franjo, FućakLovro, Grman Josip, Humer Miro, Petrak Ivan, Lovro, Grman Josip, Humer Miro, Petrak Ivan,Ritoša Umberto, Sarić Dr. Stipe and Varljen Ivan. Ritoša Umberto, Sarić Dr. Stipe i Varljen Ivan.The Grand Opening of The American Croatian Svečano otvorenje Hrvatskog nacionalnog doma,Lodge, Inc. “Hrvatski Nacionalni Dom, Kardinal A. kardinal A. Stepinac održavalo se dva dana, 29 i 30.Stepinac” was held two days, September 29 and 30, rujna, 1984. Glavni govornik u subotu bio je1984. The Main Speaker on Saturday was His preuzvišeni biskup Anthony M. Pilla iz clevelandskeExcellency Bishop Anthony M. Pilla, and the Main biskupije, a u nedjelju glavni govornik je bio g.Speaker on Sunday was Mr. Tomislav Mesić, Tomislav Mesić, poznati hrvatski pisac i predavač.Croatian writer and lecturer. I was pleased that the Bilo mi je drago da je naš odbor Hrvatskog domaBoard of Directors accepted my recommendation of prihvatio moj prijedlog da se pozove g. Mesić. Naš jeinviting Mr. Tomislav Mesić . Our choir sang at the zbor pjevao za vrijeme sv. mise i za programe naHoly Mass and at both of the programs. The Director oba dana otvorenja Doma. Direktor zbora bio jeof the choir was professor Anton Mršić, the pianist profesor Ante Mršić, Marta Slunjski na klaviru, awas professor Marta Slunjski and the soloist was profesorica Leonides Magdalena Andrašić bila jeprofessor Leonides Magadalena Andrašić. Anton solist. Ante Mršić i njegov orkestar Vis Velebit bili suMršić and the Vocal Instrumental Group \"Velebit” odgovorni za zabavni dio programa oba dana.were responsible for the entertainment part of theprograms. Kardinal Franjo Kuharić bio je uzvišeni gost 1985. godine pri svečanom slavlju petnaeste obljetniceIn 1985, Cardinal Franjo Dr. Kuharić was the naših kapela u Washingtonu D.C. S našimprincipal celebrant at the Solemn Jubilee Mass in kardinalom su koncelebrirali sv. misu nadbiskupWashington D.C. The concelebrants were James Hickey (bivši clevelandski biskup), msgr.Arechbishop James Hickey (who at one time was Vladimir Sanković, rev. Anthony A. Petrušić, fr.the Bishop of the Diocese of Cleveland), Msgr. Pavao Maslać kao i drugi hrvatski i američkiVladimir Sanković, Rev. Anthony A. Petrušić, Fr. svećenici. Crkveni zbor sv.Pavla pod vodstvom AntePaul Maslać and other Croatian and American Mršića, pjevao je na sv. misi i na programu.priests. St. Paul's Choir, under the direction ofprofessor Ante Mršić sang at the Holy Mass and at Nakon ostavke g. Mršića na mjesto direktora zbora,the program. bilo je vrlo teško naći pravog nasljednika. Jedno vrijeme nam je poslužila Hrvatica Marta Slunjski.Upon Mr. Mršić's resignation the parish struggled to Marta je bila profesionalna pijanistica i podučavala jefind a suitable replacement. At one point a Croatian piano mnogo godina.musician, Marta Slunjski helped out. Marta was aprofessional pianist and taught piano for manyyears.

She was well versed in the classics. She studied Bila je vrlo iskusna u klasičnoj glazbi. Glazbu jemusic at the Zagreb Music Conservatory. Leonides studirala u Glazbenom konzervatoriju u Zagrebu.Andršić helped on manly occasions as well. Finally Mnogo puta nam je pomogla i Leonides Magdalenaprofessor Maria Ashamala, a very talented teacher Andrašić. Konačno, profesorica Maria Ashamala,and organist,from Ljubljana, Slovenia, succeeded vrlo nadarena orguljašica, iz Ljubljane, Slovenija,Ante Mršić in 1985 and held that position for two naslijedila je Antu Mršića 1985. godine. Pozicijuyears until she returned to Slovenia. Mrs. Ashamala direktorice je držala dvije godine dok se nije vratila uwas dedicated and she was very responsible when it Sloveniju. Gospođa Ashamala je bila odana icame to practices. As she was directing a Slovenian odgovorna na probama. U isto vrijeme bila jeadult choir, she did ask me to join that choir, direktorica Slovenskog odraslog zbora i u parhowever, time did not allow me to do so. navrata pitala me da se priključim njihovom zboru ali vrijeme mi nije dozvoljavalo da to učinim.When Davor Musap took over choir directorship in1987 after Maria Ashamala, Father Mirko Hladni Kad je Davor Musap naslijedio Mariju Ashamalaasked me to sing the Exultemus, sung on Holy 1987. godine, vlč. Mirko me zamolio da pjevamSaturday as Gregorian Chant and I have done it Exsultemus, koji se pjeva na Veliku subotu prievery year since then. blagoslovu svijeće i pjeva se u gregorijanskom napjevu. To još i danas pjevam.Klapa \"Prijatelji” Klapa \"Prijatelji\"In 1986, Ivan Visković and I started the formation ofan octet, a harmony-singing group (klapa) called Ivan Visković i ja smo formirali oktet 1986. godine,„Prijatelji” (Friends). I suggested the name and the sličan dalmatinskim klapama i nazvali grupu klapaother members accepted it. The original members of Prijatelji. Kad sam predložio to ime, originalni“Prijatelji”, all our church's choir members, were: članovi, svi članovi zbora naše župe, složili su se sMarko Špiranović, Ivan Visković, Jerome Brentar, imenom klape. Sljedeći su bili originalni u klapi:Umberto Ritoša, Ivan Varljen, Ivan Grbac, Josip Marko Špiranović, Ivan Visković, Jerome Brentar,Puhalj , Mario Poropat. They were later joined by Umberto Ritoša, Ivan Varljen, Ivan Grbac, JosipVjekoslav Košta, Branko Sorić, Željko Škalički, Ćizo Puhalj , Mario Poropat. Kasnije su se priključili:Breščić, Luka Končurat, Radames Zrelc. Vjekoslav Košta, Branko Sorić, Željko Škalički, Ćizo Breščić, Luka Končurat Radames Zrelc.

Davor Musap was “Klapa Prijatelji's” director and Davor Musap bio je direktor klape Prijatelji, istosince he was the conductor and organist at St. vrijeme dok je bio direktor crkvenog zbora i imao jePaul's, as well as leader of the popular orchestra svoj orkestar Zadar express. On je prihvatio moj„Zadar Express,“ he mastered songs from all the prijedlog da pjevamo pjesme iz svih krajevaregions of Croatia, upon my request, and Hrvatske, i ako je bilo onih koji su se željeli posvetitisubsequently contributed to much of the success. samo klapskoj vrsti pjevanja. Insistirao sam daSome of the Klapa members wanted to stay with the pjevamo za sve Hrvate jer nisam želio da Hrvati iztraditional Dalmatian songs made popular by the Bosne i Hercegovine, gdje je okrunjen Kralj Tomislavvarious klapa singers, however, I insisted that we 925. godine, budu izostavljeni i udaljeni od bogatesing songs from all the Croatian regions so much hrvatske kulture. Nakon razjašnjenja, svi su semore as Croatians from Bosnia-Herzegovina, the članovi složili da pjevamo pjesme iz svih hrvatskiholdest Croatian province, where King Tomislav was pokrajina.crowned king in 925 AD, should not be excludedfrom the rich Croatian culture. Fortunately, all the Prvi nastup Prijatelja bio je na proslavi 10. travnjamembers agreed with me and we performed singing 1987. godine, gdje je klapa bila lijepo primljena.songs from all Croatian regions. Nakon te proslave klapa je nastupala na svim većim hrvatskim, crkvenim i nacionalnim skupinama uThe \"Prijatelji's“ first appearance was in 1987 at the Clevelandu.celebration of \"Deseti Travanj“ (The CroatianIndependence Day celebration of April the Tenth) North Coast Charter Barbershop Quartets održao jewhere the Klapa (singing group) was well received svoj godišnji koncert u Hrvatskom domu kardinal A.and since then have appeared at all major Croatian Stepinac 27. rujna 1987. godine. Te godine njihovnational, social or church doings in Cleveland. program je bio posvećen Al Jolsonu. Naša klapa Prijatelji bila je reklamirana kao “specijalnaOn September 27, 1987, the North Coast Charter atrakcija”. Puna dvorana američkih gostijuBarbershop Quartets held it's annual musical dinner pozdravila je naše pjevanje s ovacijama.show at the Croatian Lodge, Cardinal A. Stepinacand that year's show was a tribute to Al Jolson. The“Klapa Prijatelji: was invited as a “Special Attraction”of the Croatian Men's Octet. We were very wellreceived.

St. Paul Croatian Church Choir - 1987

The pinnacle of the “Klapa Prijatelji” performance Vrhunac za klapu Prijatelji bio je nastup uwas at the American Croatian Lodge “Cardinal A. Hrvatskom nacionalnom domu kardinal A. StepinacStepinac” at the time when the new Croatian political 1990. godine, kad je hrvatski predsjednik Dr. Franjoleadership, Dr. Franjo Tuđman and several of his Tuđman, uz velik broj svojih ministara, posjetio SADMinisters, visited the United States in 1990, tražeći potporu za Hrvatsku. Dvorana je bila punaimploring for help. The Croatian Hall was full of gostiju iz svih krajeva Amerike koji su nas s punimguests from all over the country and they enjoyed zadovoljstvom slušali dok smo pjevali: Zdravo da siour singing of “Zdravo Da Si Domovino Mila” (Salute domovino mila, Poruka domovini i U boj, u boj izto Our Homeland) and “Poruka Domovini” (A hrvatske opere ZrinskiMessage to Our Homeland) and “U Boj, U Boj” (Tobattle, To battle) from the Croatian Opera “Zrinski.” Spomenuti ćemo da je hrvatski predsjednik Franjo Tuđman ranije bio na sv. misi u hrvatskoj župi sv.In reference to the Croatian President Franjo Pavla i kad je čuo izvedbu našeg zbora pjesmeTuđman's attendance at the American Croatian Bože čuvaj Hrvatsku, rekao je da nije nikada čuoLodge “Cardinal A. Stepinac”, it should be noted that bolju izvedbu od naše jer je bila više dinamična odhe attended Holy Mass at our St. Paul's church drugih verzija koje se pjevaju.earlier in the day and when he heard our churchchoir's rendition of the “Bože Čuvaj Hrvatsku\" (God Naš zbor sv. Pavla i klapa Prijatelji pjevali su 1991.Protect Croatia) he commented that no one sang na pedesetoj obljetnici uspostave Nezavisne Državethat song better than our church choir as our Hrvatske, 10. travnja, 1941.rendition is much more dynamic than the otherversions that are sung. Na 90-toj obljetnici naše župe, 24. svibnja, 1992. nastupao je zbor sv. Pavla i klapa Prijatelji. ČastIn 1991 our St. Paul's Church choir and the “Klapa nam je bila ugostiti gosta iz Hrvatske, uzvišenogPrijatelji” sang for the 50th Anniversary of the biskupa Juraja Jezerinca . G. Joe Plavac je prikazaoProclamation of Independence of Croatia, April 10, povijest naše župe. Solist je bila Magdalena1941. Andrašić a voditelj programa bio je Marko Špiranović. Zadar express orkestar je svirao kasnijeAt the 90th Anniversary of our Parish, in May 24, na plesu.1992, both the choir and the “Klapa Prijatelji” sang.The honored guest from Croatia was His ExcellencyBishop Juraj Jezerinac. Mr. Joe Plavac spoke aboutthe history of the Parish. The soloist was MagdalenaAndrašić and the Master of Ceremonies was MarkoŠpiranović. \"Zadar Express\" orchestra played for thedance.

St. Paul Croatian Church Choir – Washington D.C. Bus Trip – 1990St. Paul Croatian Church Choir withCardinal Franjo Kuharić – WashingtonD.C. - 1990

Under Davor Musap’s tenure, the choir went on Dok je Davor Musap bio direktor, naš zbor je išao naconcert tours to Canada, Washington, D.C. And turneje u Kanadu, Washington D.C. i Chicago.Chicago. Kako je bio slučaj s orkestrom Ante Mršića, gdje suAs was the case with Ante Mršić's band where all his svi njegovi članovi orkestra bili i članovi crkvenogband members were choir members as well, so the zbora, tako i članovi klape Prijatelji, pod vodstvom“Klapa Prijatelji” members, under Davor Musap's Davora Musapa bili članovi crkvenog zbora (uz neketenure, were choir members as well with only a iznimke).couple exceptions. U studenom 1994. klapa Prijatelji i popularnaIn November of 1994, the „Prijatelji“ and the pjevačica Biserka Purgar-Sanković su organiziraliacclaimed singer Biserka Purgar-Sanković koncert u Hrvatskom domu kardinal A. Stepinac, uorganized a concert in Cleveland for the benefit of korist hrvatske siročadi u Hrvatskoj. Naš narod sethe war orphans in Croatia. Our people responded odazvao i taj koncert je bio vrlo uspješan.and made it a huge success. Još jedan, vrlo posjećen koncert bio je 1995. godineAnother well attended performance was in 1995, kad je naša klapa Prijatelji ugostila tad poznatuwhen our “Klapa Prijatelji” hosted the famous “Klapa klapu Vokalisti Salone iz Solina (kod Splita). ObjeVokalisti Salone” from Solin (by Split) and both grupe darovale su prihode u korist hrvatske siročadigroups sang for the benefit of the Croatian Domovinskog rata. Nakon svog povratka u Hrvatsku,Homeland War orphans and for the pleasure of our Vokalisti Salone izrekli su lijepe pohvale o našojpeople. When the “Vokalisti Salone\" returned back to klapi, toliko da smo bili pozvani u Omiš naCroatia, they spoke well about the “Klapa Prijatelji”, natjecanje klapa. Mi smo morali odbiti tu lijepu gestuso much so, that we were invited to compete at the jer nismo mogli uskladiti naš put na natjecanje.annual Omiš competion of \"klapa\" singing. Wedeclined as many of us were still working and could Klapa Prijatelji je izdala CD i sva zarada išla je unot coordinate the trip. korist siročadi u Hrvatskoj i Bosni i Hercegovini. Kroz tri godine Prijatelji su pomagali 43 djece ($300\"Prijatelji“ released a cassette and CD; all proceeds godišnje po djetetu), koja su izgubila roditelja iliwent to the war orphans in Croatia and Bosnia- roditelje u Domovinskom ratu od 1991 do 1995. SHerzegovina. For three years the „Prijatelji“ group tim programom je upravljao dr. Vjekoslav Šaravanjasupported 43 children ($300,00 per child, per year) u Hrvatskoj.in Croatia and/or Bosnia who lost a parent in theHomeland War of 1991-1995. The program washeaded by Dr. Vjekoslav Šaravanja of Croatia.

It should be noted that all of the expenses of Da se ne zaboravi, svi troškovi oko snimanja bili surecording were covered by the following Croatian pokriveni sa strane sljedećih hrvatskih organizacija:Organizations: Croatian Home defenders - Dr. Ante Hrvatski domobran - Dr. Ante Pavelić, St. PaulPavelić, St. Paul Croatian Church, Dubrovnik Croatian Church, Dubrovnik Garden Restaurant -Garden Restaurant - Wally and Melita Ragus, Wally and Melita Ragus, Hrvatski centar, HrvatskaCroatian Center, Croatian Democratic Union, Istra demokratska zajednica, Istra klub, HrvatskiClub, Croatian National Home - Cardinal A. nacionalni dom kardinal A. Stepinac, HrvatskiStepinac, Croatian National Fund, American- nacionalni fond, Američko-hrvatsko obrtničkoCroatian Business Association and families of very društvo, kao i obitelji koje su uvijek podržavale svefrequent supporters of everything Croatian: Ivan and što je hrvatsko: Ivan i Slavko Katić, Svetko Marušić iSlavko Katić, Svetko Marušić, Željko Škalički. Željko Škalički.The recording singers of the CD were: Davor Sudjelovali su u snimanju CD-a: Davor Musap,Musap, Director and pianist, First Tenors: Marko direktor i pijanist, prvi tenori: Marko Špiranović iŠpiranović and Vjekoslav Košta; Second Tenors: Vjekoslav Košta; drugi tenori: Jerome Brentar,Jerome Brentar, Umberto Ritoša and Ivan Grbac; Umberto Ritoša i Ivan Grbac; baritoni: MarijanBaritones: Marijan Poropat and Ivan Visković; Poropat i Ivan Visković; basovi: Ivan Varljen, BrankoBases: Ivan Varljen, Branko Sorić and Josip Puhalj. Sorić i Josip Puhalj. Richard Ingraham bio jeRichard Ingraham was the technician and Vladimir tehničar a Vladimir Kordić fotograf.Kordić was the photographer. Ove su pjesme bile na CD-u: Strana A: Lijepa našaThese were the songs on the CD: Side A (Croatian domovino, Poruka domovini, Zdravo da si domovinoHomeland songs) Lijepa Naša Domovino, Poruka mila, Prosto zrakom ptica leti, S Velebita krik se ori,Domovini, Zdravo Da Si Domovino Mila, Prosto Pozdrav domovini, U boj u boj; Strana B : CvićeZrakom, S Velebita Krik Se Ori, Pozdrav Domovini, moje, Oj ti dušo duše moje, Omili mi u selu divojka,U Boj U Boj; Side B : Cviće Moje, Oj Ti Dušo Duše Popevke sam slagal, Crven fesić, O jesenske dugeMoje, Omili Mi U Selu Divojka, Popevke Sam Slagal, noći, Bože čuvaj Hrvatsku.Crven Fesić, O Jesenske Duge Noći, Bože ČuvajHrvatsku. Moram ponoviti, u svim potrebama, bilo to za crkvu sv. Pavla ili za Hrvatski dom kardinal A. Stepinac ili uI must reiterate, be it St. Paul's Church, The ovom slučaju snimanje CD-a klape Prijatelji, slikanjeCroatian Lodge or in this case the CD recording by i uređaj je obavljao Vladimir Kordić.the “Klapa Prijatelji”, the picture taking and artisticcontribution was made by Vladimir Kordić.

Other popular appearances were the ones in Drugi značajni nastupi s našim zborom bili su uWashington D.C., along with our church choir, during Washingtonu D.C., u vrijeme obilježavanja važnihthe anniversaries of the Croatian Chapels at the godišnjica otvorenja hrvatskih kapelica u baziliciNational Catholic Shrine. The trip expenses were nacionalnog svetišta Bezgrješnog začeća. Naš putcovered by the Croatian Catholic Union and in some bi plaćala Hrvatska katolička zajednica i ponekadinstances by our own St. Paul's Parish. Most of the naša župa sv. Pavla. Naše putovanje je dogovaraotrip arrangements were handled \"gratis\" by Jerome Jeronim Brentar i njegova putnička agencija EuropaBrentar and his \"Europa Travel Agency.\" Jerry's love travel. Brentarova ljubav za muziku i hrvatskufor music and the Croatian culture had no boundries. kulturu bila je neograničena. On je pjevao u četiriHe sang in four different choirs, one of which was zbora, jedan od kojih je Singers Club, smatran međuthe \"Singers Club”, which was considered as the najboljima u gradu Clevelandu. Zbilja, imao sambest choir representing the city of Cleveland. I was sreću stajati uz njega preko 50 godina i mnogo putavery fortunate to have stood next to Mr. Brentar for ovisiti o njemu za pravu tenorsku liniju.over 50 years and I was ever so dependent on hisexactness of pitch in keeping the tenor line steady. Klapa Prijatelji održala je koncert u Chicagu za ljubitelje klapskih pjesama gdje je publika, kao iWe had a concert in Chicago where those who like članovi klape bili ugodno raspoloženi. Kad god je\"klapa” singing had a great time. Wherever our nastupao naš crkveni zbor, klapa Prijatelji je takođerchurch choir performed, the “Klapa Prijatelji” was nastupala.performing as well. Dok je Davor Musap bio direktor, s njim sam pjevaoWhile Davor was the Director of our choir, he and I za svatove Josipa Miljaka i Emanuele Šarićteamed up to sing at the Josip Miljak and Manuela (19.10.1991.), uz duet istaknute pjesme PerhapsŠarić wedding (10/19/1991) featuring the duet of Love, koju su John Denver i Domingo Placido“Perhaps Love” which was made popular by John napravili svjetski poznatom.Denver and Domingo Placido. Davor Musap je imao svoj orkestar Zadar express uDavor Musap had his own band “Zadar Express” kojem je pjevala njegova supruga Vera. Značajno jewhich included his wife Vera as a singer. It is spomenuti, kad je Davor napustio Zadar, njegov bratnoteworthy to mention that when Davor left Zadar, Dalibor Musap preuzeo je njegov orkestar Rivu,Croatia, his brother Dalibor Musap took over his uključio je jednu pjevačicu i njihova pjesma Rock meband “Riva.” He added a female singer and his baby pobijedila je na Eurosongu, koje se održavalosong “Rock Me” actually won the Eurovision Song 1989. u Švicarskoj.Contest, which was held in Switzerland in 1989.

Croatian Chapels “Our Lady Of Bistrica, Queen Of Peace” and “Our Lady Queen Of Croatia” at the National Catholic Shrine, Washington D. C.

Regular and special performances of our choir: Regularna i posebna nastupanja crkvenog zbora sv. Pavla:Our St. Paul's church choir regularly performedevery year at the Tenth of April celebration of the Zbor sv. Pavla regularno je nastupao na svimCroatian Independence Day. proslavama 10. travnja slaveći obljetnice Dana hrvatske samostalnosti.Regular performances were held each year for theCroatian Saints Day in October and Cardinal A. Svake godine naš zbor pjeva na proslavi hrvatskihStepinac Day in February. svetaca u listopadu i na Dan kardinala Stepinca u veljači.During Croatia's fight for Independence in the early1990's, our Choir was willing to perform whenever Dok je bio Domovinski rat u Hrvatskoj i Bosni iasked. During the Homeland War in Croatia and Hercegovini u 1990-im godinama, naš zbor je bioBosnia-Herzegovina, our Parish, under the spreman nastupati kad god su tražili. Naša župa, naleadership of our industrious pastor Fr. Mirko Hladni, čelu s vrijednim župnikom Mirkom Hladnim, bila jewas quite active and our choir did it's participation. vrlo aktivna a naš zbor bio je župi na raspolaganje.On August 19,1992 we sang at the Holy Mass for Pjevali smo 19. kolovoza 1992. na sv. misi za BosnuBosnia and Hercegovina held at the St. John i Hercegovinu u katedrali Sveti Ivan u Clevelandu.Cathedral in Cleveland, Ohio. Our Pastor Fr. Mirko Naš župnik vlc. Mirko Hladni, odani Hrvat molio je:Hladni, a very ardent Croatian implored: “We will join \"Ujedinimo se u molitvi Bogu da zaustavi rat iin prayers to God – to stop the war and the shedding prolijevanje krvi nevinog naroda, da se povrate kućiof blood of innocent people, secure the return of izbjeglice i da se puste zatvorenici izrefugees to their homes and the release of prisoners koncentracionih logora, tako da sva djeca budu uzfrom concentration camps – so that all children may svoje roditelje i da obitelji žive u miru.“be returned to their parents and families to live inpeace and tranquility.” Društvo Veli Jože obilježilo je 1993. godine 50 godišnjicu ponovnog ujedinjenja s Hrvatskom. UIn 1993 “Veli Jože“ celebrated 50 Years of Istrian Pazinu 1943. godine, Hrvatski sabor je proglasio daReunification with motherland Croatia when in the prekida sve veze s Italijom i odlučio se za Hrvatsku.city of Pazin in 1943 the Croatian Parliament broke Naš crkveni zbor i klapa Prijatelji su sudjelovali i u tojall relations with Italy and elected unification with proslavi obljetnice.Croatia. Both our church choir and the \"KlapaPrijatelji\" performed.

Rev. Mirko Hladni, “Honey” Jane Kramer, Rev. John Juhasz, Magdalena Andrašić and Davor Musap – 1990

In 1994, Biserka and Prijatelji, together with St. Biserka Purgar-Sanković i klapa Prijatelji, zajedno sPaul's Croatian Church, held a concert to help war našim zborom crkve sv. Pavla održali su koncertorphans of Croatia and Bosnia-Hercegovina. 1994. godine u korist hrvatske siročadi, kako u Hrvatskoj, tako i u Bosni i Hercegovini.The Croatian Christmas Holiday Spectacular ofTraditional Hymns and Kolede was organized and Božićni blagdanski spektakl tradicionalnih pjesama idirected by Walter W. Kolar, the famous conductor of kolede organizirao je Walter W. Kolar, poznatithe Duquesne Tamburitzans and his assistants direktor Duquesne Tamburitzans te njegoviSteve Kovacev and Ron Rendulic The program was pomoćnici Steve Kovacev i Ron Rendulic. Programsponsored by the Croatian Fraternal Union and was je sponzorirala Hrvatska bratska zajednica aheld in Cleveland on Saturday, December 16, 1995 koncerti su bili održani 16. prosinca 1995. uand in Pittsburgh on Sunday, December 17, 1995. Clevelandu i 17. Prosinca 1995. u Pittsburghu. NašOur church choir and \"Klapa Prijatelji” performed crkveni zbor i klapa Prijatelji nastupali su podunder the direction of Davor Musap and his assistant vodstvom Davora Musapa i njegove pomoćniceMagdalena Andrašić. Magdalene Andrašić.These performances, for the first time, united the Ovi nastupi ujedinili su, po prvi put, pjevače isingers and musicians from the Pittsburgh and muzičare iz Pittsburgha i Clevelanda, gdje suCleveland areas: St. Paul's Croatian Church Choir sudjelovali: zbor župe sv. Pavla iz Clevelanda,from Cleveland, the Pittsburgh Tamburitza Pittsburgh Tamburica Orkestar, oktet klapa PrijateljiSymphony Orchestra, The \"Klapa Prijatelji” Octet iz Clevelanda, te veliki dječji zbor iz okoliceand a large children's choir from the Pittsburgh area. Pittsburgha.In June, 1996, at the invitation of Domagoj Šola, Na poziv Domagoja Šola, generalnog konzulaConsulate General Of The Republic Of Croatia , we Republike Hrvatske, pjevali smo na otvorenjusang for the opening ceremonies of the Croatian Hrvatskog konzulata u Clevelandu u lipnju 1996.Consulate in Cleveland. godine.The choir participated at the One Hundredth Naš crkveni zbor je sudjelovao 8. veljače 1998. naAnniversary of the birth of Cardinal A. Stepinac on proslavi stote godišnjice rođenja kardinala A.February 8, 1998. The festivity included Holy Mass Stepinca. Za to slavlje bila je pjevana sv. misa iat St. Paul's and a beautiful program at the Croatian program poslije podne u Hrvatskom nacionalnomLodge that bears the Cardinal's name. domu koji nosi ime kardinala A. Stepinaca.

St. Pail's Croatian Church Choir - 1990First row: Rev. Mirko Hladni, “Honey” Jane Kramer, Rev. John JuhaszSecond Row: Marija Rimac, Leonides Andrašić, Ana Džanko, Jelica Špiranović, Davor Musap, Katica Sorić, Agata Akrap, CilikaZovko, Marija Pinjuh, Cecilia Ritoša, Dragica Čolić, Marija Čolić-TurčinovThird Row: Cila Grbac, Cvijo Jelović, Jerome Brentar, Marija Buzdon, Marko Špiranović, Milena Varljen, Ivan Grbac, SrećkoBuzdon, Branko Sorić, Ivo Varljen, Josip Puhalj, Ivan Visković, Pave Begović, Umberto Ritoša, Marijan Poropat.

In the year 2000, one of the most solemn Među najvećim svečanostima bila je tridesetacelebrations in Washington D.C., was the thirtieth obljetnica otvorenja hrvatskih kapelica u bazilicianniversary of the dedication of the two Marian nacionalnog svetišta Bezgrješnog začeća uChapels in the National Catholic Cathedral. Our St. Washingtonu D.C. 2000. godine. Naš zbor jePaul's Church Choir participated with over 40 sudjelovao s preko 40 članova. Bilo je pjevača imembers. Besides our choir there were other well muzičara iz raznih dijelova Amerike. Jubilarni banketknown Croatian singers and musicians from various bio je posvećen preuzvišenom kardinalu JosipuUnited States cities. The Jubilee Banquet was in Bozaniću, zagrebačkom nadbiskupu i predsjednikuhonor of his excellency Cardinal Josip Božanić, Hrvatske biskupske konferencije, kao i u častArchbishop of Zagreb and the President of the uzvišenom biskupu iz Rapid Cityja, South Dakota,Croatian Bishops' Conference and in honor of his Blažu Cupichu. Prisutni su bili članovi franjevačkogExcellency Most Rev. Blase Cupich, Bishop of Rapid reda Svete Obitelji, Fr. Slavko Soldo, kustos i Fr.City, South Dakota. Present were members of the Pavao Maslać, duhovni direktor Hrvatske katoličkeHoly Family Croatian Franciscan Custody Rev. zajednice. Prisutni su bili i Dr. Miomir Žužul, hrvatskiSlavko Soldo, Custos and Rev. Paul Maslać, veleposlanik u Sjedinjenim Američkim Državama iSpiritual Director of the Croatian Catholic Union. Dr. Melchior Mašina, nacionalni predsjednik HrvatskeMiomir Žužul, Croatian Ambassador to the United katoličke zajednice.Naš zbor je bio dobroSates and Melchior Mašina, National President of predstavljen sa sljedećim pjevačima:the Croatian Catholic Union. Our Choir was wellrepresented by the following: Direktor: Leonides Magdalena Andrašić; pijanist: Marko Lasić sa solisticom Vinkom Lasić i solistomDirector: Leonides Andrašić; Pianist: Marko Lasić Markom Špiranovićem.with soloist Vinka Lasić and Marko Špiranović. Soprani: Marija Buzdon, Ana Džanko, CecilijaSopranos: Marija Buzdon, Ana Džanko, Cecilija Grbac, Marija Gregov, Fanika Lasić, Vinka Lasić-Grbac, Marija Gregov, Fanika Lasić, Vinka Lasić- Knott, Biljana i Višnja Lovrinović, Jelica Špiranović,Knott, Biljana i Višnja Lovrinović, Jelica Špiranović, Katica Tomas, Milena Varljen and Paula Vrtar.Katica Tomas, Milena Varljen and Paula Vrtar. Alti: Agata Akrap, Dragica Čolić, Mara i MonikaAltos: Agata Akrap, Dragica Čolić, Mara i Monika Dujak, Senka Jandrić, Maja Majstorović, DanijelaDujak, Senka Jandrić, Maja Majstorović, Danijela Martinović, Jozefina Pavić, Cilika Ritoša, KaticaMartinović, Jozefina Pavić, Cilika Ritoša, Katica Sorić, Kate Stepić and Cilika Zovko.Sorić, Kate Stepić and Cilika Zovko.

Tenors: Jerome Brentar, Srećko Buzdon, Ivan Tenori: Jerome Brentar, Srećko Buzdon, IvanGrbac, Cvijo Jelović, Umberto Ritoša and Marko Grbac, Cvijo Jelović, Umberto Ritoša i MarkoŠpiranović. Špiranović.Bases: Pave Begović, Rudy Duerr, Saša Jandrić, Basovi: Pave Begović, Rudy Duerr, Saša Jandrić,Mario Poropat, Josip Puhalj, Brank Sorić, Ivan Mario Poropat, Josip Puhalj, Branko Sorić, IvanVarljen and Ivan Visković. Varljen i Ivan Visković.The St. Paul's Church Choir sang at the Holy Mass Zbor crkve sv. Pavla pjevao je na sv. misi i naand participated at the banquet celebrating our banketu za proslavu naše župe Stoljeće slavljenjaParish's \"A century of service to God and our Boga i naroda u nedjelju 6. listopada 2002. godine.people\" on Sunday, October 6, 2002. The honored Naš cijenjeni gost nadbiskup Ivan Devčić iz Rijekeguest, Archbishop Ivan Devčić from Croatia, was the bio je glavni govornik. Uz svečanu sv. misu naš zbormain speaker. During the Mass, the choir sang the je pjevao: Kraljice svete krunice; O djevo majkofestive Mass and the following songs: Kraljice Svete ljubljena; Evo svećenik veliki; Ljiljane bijeliKrunice; O Djevo Majko Ljubljena; Evo Svećenik nebeskoga raja; Ti put naš život; Uzmi kruh; O BožeVeliki (for the entrance of Archbishop Devčić); nisam vrijedan; Krist na žalu; Tebe Boga hvalimo;Ljiljane Bijeli Nebeskoga Raja; Ti Put Naš Život; Zdravo Djevo.Uzmi Kruh; O Bože Nisam Vrijedan; Krist Na Žalu;Tebe Boga Hvalimo; Zdravo Djevo. Na programu smo čitali krasne tekstove o raznim hrvatskim krajevima i pjevali prikladne pjesme izaDuring the program we read endearing texts about svakog čitanog teksta. Nabrojili smo hrvatskethe various Croatian Provinces and sang songs after krajeve: Srijem, Banat, Bačka, Baranja, Moslavina ieach text. We listed the Croatian regions: Srijem, Podravina, Međimurje, Slavonija i Zagorje, Lika,Banat, Bačka, Baranja, Moslavina and Podravina, Kordun i Banija, Istra i Dalmacija s otocima, Bosna iMeđimurje, Slavonija and Zagorje, Lika, Kordun and Hercegovina. Sve su to hrvatski krajevi gdje HrvatiBanija. Istra and Dalmacija with its islands, Bosna žive. Sve ih volimo i nikada ih se nećemo odreći.and Hercegovina. \"These are all regions whereCroatians live. We love them all equally and we will U rujnu 2004. naš zbor je pozvan pjevati od stranenever abandon any of them.” Hrvatske bratske zajednice na banketu gdje su nazočili kardinal Josip Bozanić, hrvatski premijer IvoIn September of 2004, our choir was invited to sing Sanader, Miomir Žužul, ministar vanjskih poslova ifor the Croatian Fraternal Union, where Cardinal drugi.Josip Božanić, Croatian Premier Ivo Sanader,Miomir Žužul the Minister of the Foreign Affairs andothers were to attend.

I wrote a letter to our Pastor Father Mirko Hladni and Napisao sam pismo vlč. Mirku Hladni i direktoricito our Choir Director Magadalena Andrašić, zbora Magdaleni Andrašić da mi savjest neexplaning that I could not attend in good conscience dozvoljava ići pjevati i častiti visoke uzvanike koji suto sing for and honor these same dignitaries who došli u Sjedinjene Američke Države, samo parwere coming to the United States, weeks after they tjedana nakon što su poskidali ploče hrvatskomremoved the tablets honoring the great Croatian piscu Mili Budaku i najvećem hrvatskom generalu izwriter Mile Budak and Croatia's greatest WWII drugog svjetskog rata Juri Francetiću, dok jegeneral Jure Francetić, while Croatia is full of Hrvatska puna kipova i ploča posvećenih onimmonuments and tablets honoring those Communists komunistima koji su uvijek bili protiv Hrvatske.who were anti-Croatia. My objection was a two Opisao sam svoju nesuglasnost na dva štampanapage typed letter detailing many more examples of lista pokazujući i druge primjere, kako u današnjojthe present day Croatia totally run by the former Hrvatskoj vladaju bivši komunisti i njihova djeca. Izcommunists and their children. For the reasons that I tih razloga, drago mi je da nisam sudjelovao u tojlisted, I was glad that I did not attend the afore- proslavi.mentioned function. Crkveni zbor i klapa Prijatelji pjevali su na 25.The choir and Klapa “Prijatelji” sang at Our Pastor obljetnici misništva vlč. Mirka Hladnog, 19. travnjaFr. Mirko Hladni's 25th anniversary of priesthood on 2009. godine. Vlč. Mirko me zamolio da govorim uApril 19, 2009. Father Mirko asked me to speak on njegovo ime i to sam prihvatio, s dobivenimhis behalf and I did so, getting many facts about his podacima o njemu i njegovoj obitelji od samogalife and his family from him. His father was killed in njega. Njegov otac je poginuo 1943. u Drugom1943 in the WWII defending Croatia, the same year svjetskom ratu, braneći domovinu Hrvatsku, istethat Father Mirko was born in. godine kad je vlč. Mirko rođen.When Davor Musap left Cleveland for a better job Kad je Davor Musap napustio Cleveland iz poslovnihopportunity, Magdalena Leonides Andrašić replaced razloga, Magdalena Andrašić ga je naslijedila.Musap. Magdalena Andrašić studied music in Magdalena je učila muziku u Hrvatskoj i u Beču.Croatia and Vienna. She drove from Akron, Ohio to Ona je redovito vozila iz Akrona, Ohio do naše crkveour church on a regular basis. Many times she was sv. Pavla. Mnogo puta Marko Lasić bi pomogaoaided by Marko Lasić, who functioned as the prema potrebi i zapravo Marko je bio njen pomoćnik.organist and assistant director. This arrangement Ovo je potrajalo oko dvije godine i nije bilo lako vozitilasted for a couple years until it became too iz Akrona po nevremenu.burdensome for her to travel from Akron on a regularbasis.

St. Paul Croatian Church Choir - 19921st row(left to right): Fanika Lasić, Marija Buzdon, Neda Šarić, Rev. John Juhasz, Rev. Mirko Hladni, Honey Jane Kramer,Magdalena Andrašić, x____.2nd row: Cecilia Grbac, Paula Vrtar, Jelica Špiranović, Ana Džanko, Milena Varljen, Cilika Zovko, Agata Akrap, Dragica Čolić,Nada Ptiček, Marija Pinjuh, Katica Sorić, Marija Čolić-Turčinov3rd row: Srećko Buzdon, Jerome Brentar, Marko Špiranović, Branko Sorić, Ivan Grbac, Josip Puhalj, Pavo Begović, Ivan Varljen,Ivan Visković, Cvijo Jelović.

Not having a full time dedicated director, the Probe nisu mogle biti redovite. Napokon, ona jerehearsals became less frequent. While she passed prepustila Marku Lasiću mjesto direktora ali jeon the directorship to Marko Lasić, she still came to dolazila svirati za svatove i sprovode.play the organ for weddings and funerals. Nakon Davorova odlaska, Marko Lasić je svirao sWhen Davor Musap left, Marko Lasić peformed with klapom Prijatelji u svim nastupima.the Klapa \"Prijatelji” whenever the occasion calledfor. Dakle, Marko Lasić obavlja dužnost direktora već od 2006. godine. Markova sestra Vinka Lasić-Knott,Marko Lasić has been performing the function of izvrsna solistica, od velike je pomoći ne samo Markuchoir director since 2006. Marko is getting much nego i svima u zboru. Ona je spremna pjevati solohelp from his sister Vinka Lasić-Knott, who is the prema svakoj potrebi i ako treba pomoći altima, onachoir’s soloist and very much dedicated to our choir. to čini. Ozbiljne probe su rijetke i proba se samoDuring any solemn occasion, Vinka takes on a površno i prema potrebi, odmah iza sv. mise. Zborleadership role as a soloist with the Sopranos and sačinjavaju starije osobe s iskustvom i to nasthe Altos, as needed. Rehearsals are non-existent spašava kad nema proba.and only when needed , short practices are held inthe church after Mass. Considering that this is an Markovo i Vinkino sudjelovanje u zboru je vrloaging choir, the singers are experienced and naporno jer oboje imaju mladu obitelj. Marko ifortunately can perform with minimal practice. Michelle imaju sinove Vinka i Olivera i treće dijete Anu Faniku rođenu 25. siječnja 2018. (Bog ihMarko and Vinka's participation is limited by the fact blagoslovio!). Vinka i Colin imaju trojicu sinova:that both of them have young families. Marko and Kristijana, Mateja i Luku. Vinka njima već sadaMichelle have sons Vinko and Oliver and a third pokazuje note i mali Kristijan stoji uz mene kaochild, Ana Fanika was born on January 25, 2018. tenor.(Bmay God bless their family !) Vinka and Colinhave three sons - Kristian, Matej and Luka. Vinka isalready showing them how to read music and littleKristian stands next to me with the tenors.

Mario Poropat, Ivan Grbac, Marko Špiranović, Branko Sorić and Josip PuhaljMarko Špiranović and Davor Musap - 1991

The listing of the St. Paul's choir members at Ovo je popis sadašnjih pjevača:present: Soprani: Marija Buzdon, Ana Džanko, CecilijaSopranos: Marija Buzdon, Ana Dzanko, Cecilija Grbac, Marija Gregov, Fanika Lasić, Vinka Lasić-Grbac, Marija Gregov, Fanika Lasić, Vinka Lasić- Knott, Višnja Lovrinović,Diana Lučić, JelicaKnott, Višnja Lovrinović, Diana Lučić, Jelica Špiranović, Adela Vokić, Agnes Vučić.Špiranović, Adela Vokić, Agnes Vučić. Alti: Agata Akrap, Jozefina Pavić, Katica Sorić, KataAltos: Agata Akrap, Jozefina Pavić, Katica Sorić, Stepić, Cilika Zovko, Biljana Lovrinović, Anita Zeba-Kata Stepić and Cilika Zovko, Biljana Lovrinović, Radić, Mara Tatić.Anita Zeba-Radić, Mara Tatić. Tenori: Ivan Grbac, Cvijo Jelović, Nikola Jerković,Tenors: Ivan Grbac, Cvijo Jelović, Nikola Goran Pavišić, Marko Špiranović , Ivica Zeba.Jerković, Goran Pavišić, Marko Špiranović and IvicaZeba. Basovi: Pave Begović, Siniša Jandrić, Mario Poropat, Josip Puhalj, Branko Sorić.Bases: Pave Begović, Siniša Jandrić, MarioPoropat, Josip Puhalj, Branko Sorić. Ponekad su dolazili Anita Balić, Marko Topalović, Katica Tomas, Zorko Grubišič. Jedno vrijemeSome of the other members were Anita Balić, Marko doktorice Cleveland Clinic, Nena Korunda iTopalović, Katica Tomas, Zorko Grubišič. At one time Krešimira Milas pjevale su kad nisu bile dežurne.Cleveland Clinic Doctors Nena Korunda andKrešimira Milas sang with our choir. Naš zbor je bio obogaćen s članovima rođenim u Americi kao i s članovima iz raznih hrvatskih krajeva.Our church choir was enriched by members born in Kako u klapi „Prijatelji, tako i u zboru imamo lijepithe United States as well as members who came broj pjevača iz hrvatske Istre koji su vrlo odgovornifrom all the Croatian regions. Just as in the “Klapa za dobro pjevanje u našem zboru.Prijatelji”, so in the church choir, the Croatians fromIstria are the most numerous and very much Dvoje najzaslužnijih u našem zboru bili su alt Janedependable. Honey Kramer, koja je umrla 1998. Godine, te tenor Jerome Brentar, koji je umro 2006. godine.Two of the greatest choir members, the alto Jane“Honey” Kramer passed away in 1998 and tenorJerome Brentar passed away in 2006.

Klapa “Prijatelji” - 19951st row: Davor Musap, Jerome Brentar, Marko Špiranović, Ivan Visković,2nd row: Ivan Grbac, Mario Poropat, Umberto Ritoša, Ivan Varljen, Vjekoslav Košta,Branko Sorić, Joe Puhalj

Jerome Brentar, in his eulogy of Honey Kramer said: Kad je gospodin Brentar govorio na pogrebu Honey“ Honey Kramer never married and dedicated her life Kramer, on je rekao: “ Honey Kramer nije se udavalain the service to the Lord through her church and i posvetila je sav svoj život u službu Gospodinu krozchoir participation. She has left us with a rich legacyof moral and spiritual values. Though out of sight, svoju crkvu i kroz svoje pjevanje u crkvi. Njezinashe is not out of mind and will long be remembered. baština je od moralne i duhovne vrijednosti. I ako je(It is to be noted that Honey Kramer was a cousin of nećemo više vidjeti, ona će nam ostati u mislima i bitSenator Frank J. Lausche). će dugo pamćena. (Honey Kramer je bila sestričnaMr. Jerome Brentar was not only a dedicated singer poznatog senatora Franka J. Lausche).in the St. Paul's Croatian Parish, he was known as aperson that cared about the Croatian refugees and G. Jerome Brenatr nije samo bio odani pjevač uhe was a Croatian nationalist. Mr. Tomislav Mesic, našem zboru sv. Pavla, on je bio poznat kao osobathe great Croatian patriot, writer and orator wrote inthe early 1950's: “We have a man in America by the koja se brinula za hrvatske izbjeglice i bio je hrvatskiname of Jerome, who has done miracles in helping domoljub. G. Tomislav Mesić, veliki hrvatski patriot,the Croatian people and Croatia. If we had only fivemore like him, I believe that Croatia would soon be pisac i govornik, napisao je u ranim 1950. godinama:free of the Yugo-communists and would be reborn in “Mi imamo čovjeka u Americi po imenu Jeronim, kojitrue Christian fundamentals.” je napravio čuda pomažući hrvatski narod i Hrvatsku. Kad bi imali samo petero kao što je on, vjerujem da bi Hrvatska uskoro bila slobodna jugo- komunizma i bila bi preporođena u temeljnim i pravim kršćanskim principima“.

St. Paul Croatian Church Choir and Parishioners – Washington D.C. 2000