This project represents a unique endeavor both in the Republic of Srpska and the Republic of Serbia. The immediate reason for launching the first project is the recently published score of Hilandar – A Festive Poem for symphony orchestra by Vlade S. Milošević, arranged by Professor Dr. Saša Pavlović. The idea to bring to light a score that had “lain in the dust” was initiated by the Venerable Archimandrite Methodius, Abbot of the Hilandar Monastery. An additional reason to premiere this musical work in 2023 is the 825th anniversary of the founding of the Hilandar Monastery, 50 years since the creation of the Hilandar score, and 25 years since the establishment of the Academy of Arts at the University of Banja Luka. In honor of the composer who created the Symphonic Poem Hilandar, it was decided that the first project of the new initiative “Hilandar as Inspiration” would be performed as part of the Vlade S. Milošević Days festival. Additionally, the program will feature the Piano Concerto Night in Hilandar by the distinguished composer and academician Svetislav Božić. The concert will include combined ensembles – the Radio Television of Serbia Symphony Orchestra and the Orchestra of the Academy of Arts at the University of Banja Luka. The soloist will be pianist Aleksandar Sinčuk, with conductors Dejan Savić and Branka Radošević Mitrović. The first concert will be held on April 25 at the Cultural Center “Banski Dvor” in Banja Luka, and on April 27 at the Great Hall of the Kolarac Endowment in Belgrade.
The long-term endeavor is carried out with the blessing of His Holiness Patriarch Porfirije of Serbia, and the concert in Banja Luka is held with the blessing of His Grace Bishop Jefrem of Banja Luka. The project is sponsored by the President of the Republic of Serbia and the President of the Republic of Srpska. The organizers are the Holy Hilandar Monastery, the Academy of Arts at the University of Banja Luka, the Musicological Society of the Republic of Srpska, and the Hilandar Monastery Foundation. Project partners include the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Srpska and the City of Banja Luka. Media partners are RTRS, RTS, and the RTS Music Production.
The primary goal and purpose of the Hilandar as Inspiration initiative is to further present the significance and priceless spiritual and cultural treasure of Hilandar. The realization of this goal is envisioned through a collaboration of artists and cultural workers from the Republic of Srpska and the Republic of Serbia in joint projects inspired by Hilandar. The initiative is designed to inspire interest in artistic works from the Orthodox spiritual and cultural tradition, particularly among younger generations, with the hope that it will contribute to the cultivation of taste and foster new creative inspiration.