Trieste-based minority choir honoured for its efforts
Gorizia, 2 May - The Trieste-based Partisan Choir Pinko Tomažič, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary, has been honoured for its contribution to community-strengthening efforts in the Slovenian minority in Italy, the Office for Slovenians Abroad said.
Portorož
The Pinko Tomažič mixed choir.
Photo: Nebojša Tejić/STA
File photo
Minister for Slovenians Abroad Matej Arčon awarded the choir a special recognition at a May Day celebration in San Floriano del Collio on Monday in honour of the role the choir plays in the efforts to make sure the minority is a close-knit community and to foster its ties with the homeland.
Moreover, the choir has been honoured for preserving and strengthening Slovenian culture abroad, and for promoting the ideals of peace, brotherhood, harmony and equality between nations, reads the press release.
The minority's sense of community, respect for traditions and customs, and awareness of the meaning and message of public holidays set an example for the homeland, the minister told the event.
He said that "we must not forget that volunteering, which keeps choirs, orchestras, drama groups, and sports and tourist organisations up and running is also work".
Last week, the choir, led by Pia Cah, celebrated its 50th birthday with a concert performed on Day of Uprising Against Occupation.
Founded in Basovizza at the end of 1972, the choir was the brainchild of WWII veteran resistance fighters or Partisans. Its primary aim is to spread awareness about the legacy of Slovenia's resistance during the Second World War and keep Partisan songs alive, but it is also an organisation that strives to strengthen the minority's identity and promote Slovenian culture.