Kurt Sander's Serbian Liturgy Receives World Premiere in Chicago

CHICAGO — A new setting of the Divine Liturgy rooted in traditional Serbian chant received its world premiere at Holy Resurrection Serbian Orthodox Cathedral on October 18, 2026, with composer Kurt Sander's The Serbian Liturgy performed during a Hierarchical Divine Liturgy.

The service was presided over by Bp. Serafim of Kostajnica, who was joined by cathedral dean Fr. Darko Spasojević, Fr. Dobrivoje Milunović, and Protodeacon Jovan Aničić. The St. Romanos Choir, under the direction of Dr. Peter Jermihov, performed the newly commissioned work before a large congregation.

Sander's composition sets the Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom using melodies preserved by Serbian composers Kornelije Stanković and Stevan Mokranjac. The arrangement retains the recognizable character of traditional Serbian liturgical chant while introducing a new harmonic language. Sander's other Orthodox choral compositions have been performed internationally, including by Cappella Romana and the Patriarch Tikhon Choir.

The Society of St. Romanos the Melodist commissioned the composition, with financial support from the Hilandar Foundation. The project also honored the Serbian Singing Society Branko Radičević, which has promoted Serbian Orthodox liturgical singing at the cathedral since 1906.

Following the service, the Branko Radičević Society hosted a luncheon attended by the clergy, composer, choir members, and parishioners. During the gathering, Hierarchical Gramatas from Metr. Longin were presented to Sander, Jermihov, and Hilandar Foundation representative Dr. Gradimir Vučković in recognition of their contributions to Orthodox sacred music.

Plans are underway for the St. Romanos Choir to take The Serbian Liturgy on a tour of Serbia, performing alongside Serbian singers at significant Orthodox sites. The organizers also intend to produce a professional recording to preserve the composition for future generations.

Previously, the UOJ reported that an OCA music ministry leader was recognized after 35 years of service.