The Zima Choir

Zima Choir was founded in Bar in 2015. It began as a folk-song choir and moved on to a full academic repertoire. Over the years more than 200 people from more than 15 countries have sung with the choir. The choir sings at Mass in the Co-Cathedral of St. Peter in Bar and works with the support of the Archdiocese of Bar, the Municipality of Bar and the Tourist Organisation of Bar. Under one roof there are a mixed choir, a women’s ensemble, a chamber group, a children’s choir and a choral studio for children and adults.

Artistic team

Varvara Loyko, MA — conductor, artistic director of the choir and president of the NGO “Zima”, artistic director of the “Darovi Božića” festival. Nikita Loyko — concertmaster, choirmaster and pianist. Choirmasters: Nina Bazhenova (women’s ensemble), Tatyana Argal (soprano section).

Recent awards

• 2026Herceg Novi, 11th International Choir Festival: Gold (90 points), women’s ensemble, D1 Sacred music; Silver (88), mixed choir, C2; Silver (86), women’s ensemble, C1.
• 2025Herceg Novi, 10th International Choir Festival: Silver (87 points), mixed choir, C2; Silver (82), children’s choir.
• 2024Niš, International Choral Festivities: charter for the harmonious performance of Montenegrin choral music.
• 2024Negotin, Mokranjac Days: charter for the performance of the music of S. Taneyev.
• 2024Herceg Novi, 9th International Choir Festival: Silver medal (80 points), mixed choir.
• 2023Kikinda, 4th International Festival “Melodianum”: gold festival plaque.
• 2023Herceg Novi, 8th International Choir Festival: Silver (86 points).
• 2022Herceg Novi, 7th International Choir Festival: Silver diploma (85 points), category C.
• 2018Belgrade: 2nd place, children’s choir, sacred music category.

Our festivals

Two international choral festivals hosted by the Zima Choir in Bar: “Darovi Božića” (Gifts of Christmas) and “Sotto Voce”. Choirs from Montenegro, Albania and beyond have taken part.