Klara Balog, People’s Artist of Ukraine, well-known and respected choreographer, who gave her life to the Honored Academic Transcarpathian Folk Choir, passed away on the night of June 9, at the age of 90.
The funeral ceremony on June 12 was special… It took place in the Uzhgorod Holy Cross Greek Catholic Cathedral. In 1991, after legalization of the Greek-Catholic Church, Klara Balog founded at the Cathedral a mixed church choir. For that, on her 85th birthday, the Bishop awarded her with the Order of the holy martyr Theodor Romzha of the III degree, which is the highest ecclesiastical award.
At the entrance to the cathedral, the artists of the choir lined up in a "human corridor". Under the direction of Natalia Petiy-Potapchuk, the choir performed several spiritual songs. The funeral service was conducted by several priests headed by the rector of the Uzhgorod Greek Catholic Theological Academy Petro Beresh.
During the sermon, Fr. Beresh said that sister Klara created beauty around herself.
The cathedral was filled with people. Among those, who came to say goodbye to the famous choreographer, in addition to the family members, there were representatives of the dance art of the region, city authorities, and also singers, artists, theater actors, educators, journalists, even smiths, as well as colleagues from abroad.
She was buried next to the grave of her husband Vasyl.
The author of the book on Klara Balog "The Living Legend of Our Culture" Vasyl Gaborets noted that it would be good to organize a folk dance festival in her honour, to invite groups not only from neighboring countries, but also from across the ocean (Canada, America). Or even, to give her name to a street or square in Uzhgorod. The Honored Academic Transcarpathian Folk choir is going to continue the traditions of Klara Balog and popularize the folk art of Transcarpathia. They also plan to organize a concert in her memory on the day of the famous choreographer’s 90th anniversary.
Rest in peace, Klara Fedorivna! We remember you!
Pictured – the choir artists and family members
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