With their tonal brilliance, superb intonation, distinctive rich blend of sound and energetic vitality, Jitro Czech Girls Choir has been recognized as one of the best children’s choirs in the world. And, on Monday, Nov. 3, at 7 p.m., the sounds of the admired choir will fill the Cecilian Audiorium during a concert at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College. Jitro’s concert, which is part of the College’s Four-Star Series, is free and open to the public.

Jitro, meaning “daybreak” in Czech, is more than just a concert choir from Hradec Kralove, a town in the Czech Republic. It is an organization of 500 children in seven preparatory ensembles, of which only the best 25 or 30 qualify to tour.

For 35 years they have been admired all over the world, and many awards have been bestowed on the choir. The list can begin with the prestigious European contests in Llangollen (1988), Nantes (1989), Lecco (1990) and Neerpelt (1996) and finish with the recent world competitions in Olomouc (2003) and Xiamen (2006).

America's love of Jitro was born when the choir was invited to sing at the National Convention of the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) in San Antonio, Texas in 1993. Standing ovations were given by thousands of professional American conductors in the auditorium.

Dr. J. B. Haberlen, ACDA President was quoted as saying, “Our ACDA members will long remember your concerts, as they were a major highlight of the 1993 convention.” And Professor Doreen Rao of Toronto University commented, ”Are you aware that you have just changed forever the character and style of all American choral singing?“

Jitro Choir makes over 100 appearances annually and has sung with other renowned choruses, including the American Boys' Choir. Jitro has performed with the Bavarian Symphonic Orchestra, the Milano Symphonic Orchestra and Pardubice Philharmonic. They have also performed in prestigious concert halls in Prague, Barcelona, Halle, Bern, Basle, Dortmund, Avignon, Toulouse, Strasbourg, Austin, Cincinnati, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Washington, Baltimore, Atlanta, Nashville, Indianapolis, Madison, Chicago, Penn State University, New York City, Houston, San Antonio, Dallas, Corpus Christi, Oklahoma City, Kansas City, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Xiamen, and many more.

In 2003 Jitro competed with 171 choruses from all over the world at the international Songs Festival in Olomouc, Czech Republic. Jitro participated in six categories and was granted six golden medals (twice scoring one hundred points). Also in 2003 the choir toured the United States, Switzerland, Germany, France, Poland, and Austria. The choir took part in the 2006 World Choir Games in Xiamen, China, in July 2006, competing with four hundred choirs from all over the world. They received three gold medals and one silver medal. The choir toured Japan for the fourth time in May 2007, and is in the midst of their tenth tour of the U.S.

Artistic director and conductor Professor Jiri Skopal, Ph.D. has been associated with Jitro, Czech Girls’ Choir since 1977. In 1982, he formed a boys' choir. Professor Skopal is a teacher, professor, and head of the Department of Music at the University of Hradec Kralove. He has published essays and choir education textbooks and is the recipient of numerous awards and honors. He was the first person to receive the prestigious ”Primus Inter Pares" by the City of Hradec Kralove for his outstanding contributions to the regional culture. Professor Skopal works with accompanist Michael Chrobak for the choir, including the development of their repertoire.

The Jitro Czech Girls Choir will present their free concert on Monday, Nov. 3, at 7 p.m., in the Cecilian Audiorium of the SMWC Conservatory of Music. For more information about Jitro’s concert or upcoming events in the Four-Star Series, contact Jeff Malloy, director of campus life, at 812-535-5219 or jmalloy@smwc.edu.