On November 22, 2008 the Congress of North American Bosniaks, Chicago Chapter and the American Music Festivals presented a night of the arts to celebrate Statehood Day of Bosnia and Herzegovina at Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago, Illinois. The combination of ethnic inspired classical music and the fine art displayed, embodied the sense of community and roots.
Prior to the performance two other artists, David Zoberis and Ivica Jurisic exhibited their artwork. The exhibit was filled with Sarajevo Olympics inspired photographs by Ivica Jurisic and fine art by David Zoberis. After performing anathemas of USA and Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Lincolnwood Symphony Orchestra with the direction of Philip Simmons performed Symphony No.1 in C Major, op.21, by Ludwig van Beethoven.
The audience was greeted by Mr. Dzafer Kulenovic, president of Chicago Chapter of Congress of North American Bosniaks, Murat Muratovic, Vice President of Congress of North American Bosniaks and Jonathan Moore, deputy Head of Mission, U.S. Embassy in Sarajevo starting August 2009.
The orchestra was then joined by Denis Azabagic, a Bosnian classical guitarist for a remarkable performance of Concierto de Aranjuez, by Joaquin Rodrigo.
The big finale, Sevdah Medley composed by Ilya Levinson, was the highlight of the eventful evening. Audience members clapped, and softly sang along to the old Bosnian songs, for the first time in classical interpretation.
The combination of fine arts and musical arts created a very exiting atmosphere for the four hundred guests who arrived for the festivities not only from Chicago and vicinity, but also from Canada, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Missouri, New York, Ohio, Wisconsin. and has created an exciting tradition for years to come for the Bosnian-American. community. The exhibit was filled with admiring guests and important members not only of the Bosnian community, but also of the community in general. Esteemed guests included:
Mr.Eldin Kajevic, Consul General of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Mr. Jonathan Moore, Deputy Head of Mission U.S. Embassy in Sarajevo starting August 2009
Mr.. Ivan Sotirov, Consul General of the Republic of Bulgaria
Mr. Gerald Turry, Mayor, Village of Lincolnwood
Mrs. Kina Bagovska, President, Bulgarian-American Heritage Center
Dr. Muhamed Dabbouseh, Vice President, Islamic Cultural Center, Chicago
Carla Knorowski, Ph.D., Vice President for Institutional Advancement, Northeastern Illinois University
Mr. Azam Nizamuddin, former Chairman Averroes School
Mr. Edwin Silverman, Bureau Chief, Illinois Department of Human Services, Bureau of Refugee and Immigrant Services, Chicago
Mrs. Selena Seferovic, The Bosnian Library in Chicago
Mr. Adnan Muzurovic, The President of Bosnam
Mr. John Taflan, the CEO- Bridgeview Bank Group
Mr. Hayelom Ayele, City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations Director for Immigrant and Refugee Affairs
Mrs. Marlene Hedges, The CFO – Asian Human Services
Mr. Semir Dulic, Former President of Congress of North American Bosniaks
Prof. Emir Ramic, Former President of Congress of North American Bosniaks, Current Board Member Congress of North American Bosniaks
Mr. Haris Alibasic, Congress of North American Bosniaks
Mr. Murat Muratovic, Congress of North American Bosniaks
Mr. Mirsad Smajic, Congress of North American Bosniaks
Mr. Ivica Jurisic, The President of the Bosnia and Herzegovina Club, Chicago
Mr. Frank Jerbic, Eastern Regional Vice President National Federation of Croatian Americans
Mr.Zeljko Milicevic, Member of Statutory Committee, Congress of North American Bosniaks
Mr. Najo Cubro, President, Bosnian Islamic Center, Atlanta