Slovenian Philharmonic Orchestra

APZ Tone Tomšič Academic Choir, University of Ljubljana and Mixed Choir Obala Koper
6.30 pm Upbeat, discussion with composer

25th Slovenian Music Days

Opening Concert of the 25th Slovenian Music Days
Slovenian Philharmonic, Kozina Hall  
Opening Speech:
Majda Širca, Minister of Culture of the Republic of Slovenia

Slovenian Philharmonic Orchestra    
Tone Tomšič Academic Choir University of Ljubljana and Mixed Choir Obala Koper
Sebastjan Vrhovnik, Conductor
Soloist: Rok Volk, saxophone
Conductor: Uroš Lajovic  

Programme:
Marij Kogoj, arr. Pavle Merkú: Five Bagatelles
Urška Pompe: Shir for Saxophone and Orchestra, new work
Lojze Lebič: Korant
 ***
Matija Bravničar: King Matjaž
Tadeja Vulc: Cantata Old Ljubljana, new work  

The creative work of Marij Kogoj realised musical expressionism in the Slovenian sphere, while at the same time opening the path to the burgeoning musical modernism in the 1930s. Kogoj wrote the collection of piano compositions entitled Malenkosti (Bagatelles) just before falling ill; today, we are familiar with the lapidary and hard-edged expression of the 22 miniatures in the definitive edition prepared by Slovenian composer Jakob Jež. The arrangement of five of the Malenkosti for symphony orchestra was undertaken by Pavle Merkú. Initially a pupil of Kogoj before going on to study with Osterc, Merkú entered the world of Slovenian musical creativity primarily as a composer of numerous symphonic works. However, he constructed his own musical language more by drawing from the folk tradition than within the framework of Osterc’s radical ideas.
In the last 20 years, Lojze Lebič has been one of the leading Slovenian composers. He is primarily a composer of instrumental works but has also focused his attention on vocal music; with its conceptual, sonic and colouristic roots in the present and past time and space, he often uses vocal music as a point of departure for his instrumental creations.
After studying composition in Ljubljana with Dane Škerl, Slovenian composer Urška Pompe furthered her studies with recognised composers abroad; these proved to be a significant influence on her creative maturation. Her works have been performed at well known festivals both abroad and in Slovenia.
While studying composition, Tadeja Vulc received numerous prizes both in Slovenia and abroad. She furthered her knowledge of composition at the University of Music and Performing Arts in Vienna.

Katarina B. Hočevar