Lifetime Achievement Award Recipients

Jardran Singing Society

Jadran Singing Society was the cultural backbone of the Slovenian Workmen's Home in Cleveland, Ohio. The group presented annual concerts with traditional melodies, as well as operettas and musical comedies in English and the Slovenian language, such as "The Chimes of Normandy," "Die Fledermaus," and Schubert's "Blossom Time." Jadran members also posed for still tableaux with musical accompaniment.

The dinner-dance and concert format pervaded the cultural scene for more than 20 years. Jadran was able to present two concerts a year, which included a dinner and dancing to polka music following the program. One of the most popular features of the group was the duet team of Florence Unetich and Angie Zabjek.

For more than 40 years, Jadran participated in the annual Grape Festival at SNPJ Farm in Kirtland, dressed in traditional costumes, singing and marching in the festival parade. Jadran performed concerts in Pennsylvania and Michigan and made three concert tours of Slovenia.

Victor Lisjak was the first director, followed by John Ivanusch, who directed for 13 years. Vladimir Maleckar led Jadran for 20 years. Long-time accompanist Reginald Resnik took over the baton for 35 years, and Florence Unetich for one year. Bandleader Fred Ziwich served as music director from 1999 until the choir disbanded in 2004.