If someone asked you to name some of the numerous symbols of Mostar, you would surely say the rains of Mostar, beside The Old Bridge, Neretva and blossom. By this, you  would not only mean the raining which lasts for days sometimes, the raining which recently surprised us in unpleasant way. You would also mean the well-known singing ensemble. This choir was established few decades ago and it has been the obligatory part of all city celebrations. They were also famous in all parts of the former country, and even wider. They were different from others by the light and the love, which shone from their songs. They sung their songs to Mostar, to sun and to beauty, and that is why the excited audience loved them and supported their work.

The war had stopped the work of many cultural organizations and also of The Rains of Mostar, but only temporary. Teacher Amra Dugalic had a wish to restore the glory of the Rains, so she established the choir again. It consists mostly from the pupils of elementary and secondary schools, and it has about 30 members. Although they recently started with their work, they have had a few remarkable performances at the city ceremonies. They presented themselves to the audience at the ceremony of opening of The Children Village in Mostar with the adaptation of the song “The Old Bridge”. They performed the song “Emina” in modern adaptation  for The National Day of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the audience liked it very much. They selected one song from their repertoire with appropriate contents in occasion of the Bairam. Its composer is Mr. Miro Pandur, former member of The Rains of Mostar. They performed it at the ceremony which was held at the Center for culture. They also recorded a video for that songs, and it shows on the RTV MOSTAR. They recorded the song at the studio of the Pavarotti Music Center, which support they have had since their second establishment. They also have the support of all citizens of Mostar, who are the admirers of nice songs. Concerning the plans for future Mrs. Dugalic says that they intend to record a cassette and CD. The wish of all members of this choir is the reunion of Mostar with the help of the music and song, friendship with young people from all parts of city, and also the travels and tours in other cities and countries.

  If you had a dreamed of the singing career, and you think you have the gift for music, in your case, your dreams can become reality. The Rains of Mostar have announced an open competition for new members, so if you are interested, come to the Center for culture in Mostar.

Šejla Maslo 16/03/2000