An annual concert: A symphony for half a century of the University

The University of Banja Luka prepared a gala concert titled “A gift to the Republic” on 16 June 2025. The event gathered many officials and several thousand citizens.

This was a cultural event that is becoming a traditional one in the UNIBL calendar, and it was held in a year that marks the 50th anniversary of the University of Banja Luka. The event was at the same time an opportunity to mark World Music Day, and the end of the teaching season in the academic year 2024/2025.

The Rector of the Banja Luka University, Prof. Radoslav Gajanin, PhD, said that the University Campus is a natural environment for such a concert and that the higher education institution has all the capacities to organize significant cultural events.

“The Symphonic orchestra of our Academy of Arts, under the direction of Prof. M.Sc. Branka Radošević Mitrović, transfers the essence of an academic community – a harmony of difference, togetherness and a creative spirit,” said Gajanin.

He thanked the President of the Republic of Srpska, Milorad Dodik, for the support, as well as Radio Television of the Republic of Srpska, which enabled live TV coverage of the concert.

The Minister for Scientific Technological Development and Higher Education of the Republic of Srpska, Associate Professor Željko Budimir, PhD, said that the concert “A gift to the Republic” already bears the significance of a cultural symbol.

“This is the greatest event of a type in the Republic of Srpska and beyond, not only in terms of massiveness, but also in terms of quality. The Concert shows that science, culture, and art can go hand-in-hand, and can leave a strong impression to the public,” said Budimir.

The Dean of the Academy of Arts, Prof. Dragana Purković Macan, PhD, said that the concert is a symbolic moment in the academic year that joins art and education.

“This year’s concert bears a special weight as it is taking place in a jubilee year – 50 years of the University. It is not only a number, but a symbol of lasting dedication to knowledge and artistic expression,” said Purković Macan.

Prof. M.Sc. Branka Radošević Mitrović said that the concert is a continuation of the tradition started last year, and the program was adjusted for an audience of all generations.

“We were performing film music, and we had over 80 performers on the stage. Along with Symphonic orchestra of the Academy, we had on the stage solo artists Marija Šestić and Vanja Mišić, and a vocal studio Mama Vox,” said Radošević Mitrović.

“A special spice for the evening was a joint performance of the orchestra and DJ Mladen Tomić,” she added.

Photo: D. Vejnović, D. Desnica