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, the sounds of the admired choir filled the Cecilian Audiorium during a concert at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College as part of the College’s Four-Star Series.

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).