The Belgrade Philharmonic Orchestra has been honored with its postal stamp on its centennial anniversary. On December 14th, the Serbian Post Office released a special edition of postal stamps dedicated to jubilees under the theme Art, including the stamp dedicated to the Belgrade Philharmonic Orchestra.
The stamp showcases the institution’s logo, orchestral motifs, and the portrait of Ivan Tasovac, a former director whose work spans a fifth of the Philharmonic’s history. In addition to the stamp, made in 25,000 copies, the stamp includes a commemorative postmark and a first-day cover featuring a text about the Belgrade Philharmonic Orchestra.
One of the greatest Serbian composers and conductors, Stevan Hristic (1885–1958), assembled an orchestra comprised of musicians from the National Theatre Opera, teachers from Belgrade music schools, and several amateurs. Under the name Belgrade Philharmonic, on June 13th, 1923, the orchestra held its inaugural concert. Thanks to the enthusiasm of the founders, artistic director, and chief conductor Stevan Hristic and his fellow musicians, the artistic musical journey of the Belgrade Philharmonic Orchestra commenced in 1923, now spanning a full century.
The Philharmonic’s century-long history comprises a diverse musical repertoire performed on stages worldwide, involving 620 musicians who dedicated their careers to it since the continuous archival record-keeping (1951), 16 artistic directors, numerous guest conductors and musicians – renowned global names in musical artistry – and an enthralled audience across continents.
The Belgrade Philharmonic Orchestra entered the new millennium under the leadership of Ivan Tasovac after several challenging years at the end of the previous century. Its unique charm, distinctive character, and undiminished enthusiasm became the Philharmonic’s hallmarks once again, propelling this grand ensemble back to the pinnacle among global orchestras and among the most successful cultural institutions in the country and the region.
In addition to professional support and collaboration with the most renowned names in the international concert scene, the Belgrade Philharmonic boasts a decades-long friendship with the legendary maestro Zubin Mehta, who regularly conducts charity concerts with the Orchestra.
Breaking stereotypes, instigating cultural connections, preserving old and creating new friendships, pushing boundaries in music, and reaching new levels of excellence have established the Belgrade Philharmonic Orchestra as a national brand and an orchestra whose concerts attract long queues of eager attendees, waiting for hours to have its performances experienced first-hand.
