Tribute to Serge Jaroff

Serge Jaroff born April 1 1896, who is known for being the founder, conductor and composer of the Don Cossack Choir of Serge Jaroff. He fought in the white army against the Bolsheviks during the Russian civil war and in 1921 put together a choir in an internment camp near Constantinople. On 23 June 1923, they performed in the cathedral of Sofia and made their formal concert debut in Vienna on 4 July 1923. The Don Cossack Choir of Serge Jaroff subsequently toured America where they were extremely popular and had other international tours in the 1930s, 40s and 50s. Jaroff's last tour was in the 1978–1979 season of the company, but Jaroff continued as the choir leader until 1981. Jaroff married Neonila, and had one son, Aljosha. They lived in Lakewood Township, New Jersey, where Jaroff died in 1985. He became a US citizen after World War II. He is buried at St Mary's R.O. Cemetery in Jackson, New Jersey.

The funeral and burial of Serge Jaroff at Saint Mary's Cemetery

Don Cossack Choir of Serge Jaroff recording from 1950's