Božo Vrećo, superb performer, author and composer of Sevdalinka, known for its traditional, heart-loving love lyrics from Bosnia and Herzegovina, has been seen by New York Times as a synonym of complete freedom.

“The artist of angelic voice, who heals the soul and opens the heart” is the image of Božo Vrećo, as described by the famous New York Times.
 

Symphonic spectacle for fans of the big screen and television screens. We will immerse ourselves in resonant films and series such as Mortal Kombat, Assassin's Creed, Pirates of the Caribbean, Masha, Harry Potter, The Lord of the Rings, Game of Thrones, Star Wars, and many others.

The selected pieces are performed by the orchestra Lords of The Sound.

Lords of the Sound is a renowned Ukrainian symphonic orchestra that introduces a new orchestral culture with a modern touch. For nine consecutive years, they have been captivating audiences with incredible energy and unforgettable musical performances. In an exceptionally short time, Lords of the Sound have become one of the most popular musical groups, performing concerts both domestically and internationally.

Following their successful musical debut (album "Doza Romantike"), Uroš and Tjaša have coined the name "Steklasika" for their distinctive sound in Slovenian pop music. They will celebrate the release of their second album with a concert at Cankarjev dom, accompanied by their well-coordinated band and an expanded lineup. Audience will have the opportunity to enjoy both new and past hits in completely fresh musical renditions.

The concert, taking place in the month of poetry and love, is no coincidence, as the musical creations of the duo revolve exclusively around these themes.

The musical story of the band Metallica began in 1981 when four bold visionaries embarked on a journey that shook the foundations of rock and metal. James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, Kirk Hammett, and later Robert Trujillo not only wrote a new chapter in the history of heavy metal but left an indelible mark in the hearts of many generations. With over 125 million records sold, their discography is full of masterpieces, such as "Master of Puppets" and "The Black Album," which have become foundational to the rock identity. From challenging musical norms of the time to their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2009, Metallica's saga is an exceptional tale of artistic enthusiasm and constant innovation.

"Black Symphony – Metallica Symphonic Tribute Show" is a tribute to Metallica's music. It combines the energy of an established Metallica tribute band with a 30-member symphony orchestra. Legendary hits like "Enter Sandman," "One," "Master of Puppets," and "Fade to Black" are presented with a symphonic touch, reaching even those who haven't attended a metal concert. Join this musical journey through Metallica's history and enter the world of energetic music.

Prifarski muzikanti are celebrating their 35th anniversary this year. This marks 35 years of their musical camaraderie and performances on domestic and foreign stages. At the same time, they will be holding their 15th major solo gala concert at Cankarjev dom.

Naturally, the significant anniversary will be commemorated with numerous guests and a bouquet of selected melodies. The focus will be on updated folk songs accompanied by dance images, as well as local and, once again this year, international folk songs and timeless tunes.

Prifarski muzikanti hail from Fara ob Kolpi. The group's members include Valentin Južnič, Mitja Ferenc, Dejan Šuštar, Jernej Pečak, Tonči and Uroš Obranovič, and from the group's inception, they have been led by Martin Marinč.

 The thirtieth manager's concert is performed by the Symphony Orchestra of RTV Ljubljana under the baton of maestro Georg Pehlivanian and soloists: Talita Sofija Komelj and Pia Novak, mezzo-soprano Ana Vidmar, tenor Benjamin Pregl, baritone Jure Počkaj, and flutist Metka Črnugelj.

he December concert featuring combined choirs from across Slovenia marks the sixth biennial event hosted by the Public Fund of the Republic of Slovenia for Cultural Activities. This organization has been fostering the development of amateur cultural activities for both children and adults, organizing events at the regional, national, and international levels, and providing mentorship and editions.

"Potujoča muzika" was conceived in 2011 and arrives every two years. It consistently coincides with the holiday that, through a plethora of events worldwide, pays homage to World Choral Music Day (2nd Sunday in December). It stands as the largest event of its kind dedicated to this purpose in Slovenia. The primary message of this celebration is that, in music, we seek not only formal perfection and creative beauty but also come together to celebrate solidarity, peace, and understanding through collective effort.

Given the recent emphasis on the significance of high school choirs over the past two years, the 6th iteration of the event will provide a platform for 12 selected high school choirs from Slovenia to participate in Cankarjev dom. These choirs have demonstrated special effort and distinction in the preceding two years, acting as a bridge to the future excellent achievements of adult choirs.

Approximately 450 singers will join their voices together, having prepared intensively since September. They convened for a regional rehearsal, and on December 16, they will unite as a harmonious ensemble for the concert. The selected program features tested compositions for adult choirs, showcasing the capabilities of young performers.

Schools have facilitated high-quality and intensive work for the choirs through their preparations and participation in the concert. Choir conductors have been diligently preparing the singers for the "Traveling Music" concert since autumn. In the Gallus Hall, the choirs will be led by selected conductors, including the experienced Helena Fojkar Zupančič, Simona Rožman Strnad, and Damijan Močnik. The preparations for the concert demand rigorous effort from the choirs, fostering a sense of unity among young singers from the finest choirs in Slovenia, and providing them with a delightful experience of collaborative music-making.

The concert will be recorded by Radio and Television Slovenia.

CONCERT PROGRAM:

GIRLS' CHOIRS
Benjamin Britten (1913–1976): CEREMONY OF CAROLS, op. 28
 - This little Babe (Robert Southwell)
 - Balulalow (James, John, and Robert Wedderburn)
Damijan Močnik (1967): O VIRTUS SAPIENTIAE (Hildegard of Bingen)
Pavle Merku (1927–2014): ZELENI POLOG (Rezija folk song)
Hrabroslav Volarič (1863–1895): DIVJA ROŽICA (Hrabroslav Volarič)
Mojmir Sepe (1930–2020): ZEMLJA PLEŠE (Gregor Strniša)

MIXED CHOIRS
John Rutter (1945): GLEJ TA NAŠ SVET! (Look at the World) (John Rutter, Slovenian lyrics by Irma Močnik)
Ubald Vrabec (1905–1992): JOŽEF, PRILETEN MOŽ (Slovenian Christmas carol)
Mary Lynn Lightfoot (1952): EXULTATE! (Psalm 81)
Nurit Hirsh (1942)/Tova Porot: EL HADERECH
Leo Mathisen (1906–1996), Erling Kullberg: TO BE OR NOT TO BE (Erik Perker)
Mojmir Sepe (1930–2020): BREZ BESED (Elza Budau)

COMMON SONGS
Aljaž (1945–1927)/Janez Močnik (1936–1916): TRIGLAV (Matija Zemljič – Slavin)
Georg Friedrich Händel (1685–1759)/unknown arranger: CANTICORUM JUBILO from the oratorio
Juda Makabejec (unknown poet of the Latin text)
Lojze Lebič (1934): UPANJE (Anica Černej)

ENSEMBLE:

GIRLS' CHOIRS:
Girls' Choir of II. Grammar School Maribor, conductor Viljem Babič,
Girls' Choir of the Conservatory of Music and Ballet Maribor, conductor Peter Novak Smolič,
GCC Girls' Choir - Girls' Choir of the Celje Grammar School - Center, conductor David Preložnik,
Girls' Choir of the Kranj Grammar School, conductor Erik Šmid.

MIXED YOUTH CHOIRS:
Youth Choir of the A. M. Slomšek Episcopal Gymnasium Maribor, conductors Špela Drašler, Martina Ješovnik,
Choir of the Murska Sobota Grammar School, conductor Tomi Bušinoski,
Mixed Youth Choir of the Conservatory of Music and Ballet Maribor, conductor Peter Novak Smolič,
Mixed Youth Choir of the Brežice Grammar School, conductors Simona Rožman Strnad, Dejan Jerončič,
Mixed Youth Choir of the I. Grammar School in Celje, conductor Tomaž Marčič,
Mixed Youth Choir of the Celje School Center, conductor Matevž Pušnik,
Mixed Youth Choir of the Želimlje Grammar School, conductors Polona Stegu, Blaž Podobnik,
Mixed Youth Choir of Gimnazija Šiška, conductor Tereza Podlogar.

CONDUCTORS OF THE UNITED CHOIRS:
Helena Fojkar Zupančič (girls' choirs),
Simona Rožman Strnad (mixed youth choirs),
Damijan Močnik (united choirs).

INSTRUMENTALISTS:
Tadej Horvat, piano,
Tilen Bajec, organ,
Simon Prašnikar, piano,
Samo Vovk, bass guitar,
Miha Friedrich, drums.

HOST:
Nik Škrlec.

KD Cantabile continues the tradition of Christmas concerts at Cankarjev dom. This year's program, filled with passionate music, combines Slovenian and Argentinian cultures, taking us on a musical journey from the Alps to the Andes. We will stroll through a diverse range of musical expressions, from Argentinian spirited melodies and tango to Slovenian Christmas songs.

Argentinian composers (Ginastera, Piazzolla, and Ramirez) have created musical masterpieces that will complement the program alongside Slovenian Christmas music. In solo roles, we will be introduced to the Slovenian-Argentinian baritone Lucas Somoza Osterc, singer Estera Stojko, and the winner of the Matija Bravničar International Competition, violinist Gaja Žnidaršič. On stage, we will also welcome the Vocal Ensemble Virilis, united mixed and youth choir, and the Veris string orchestra. With the performance of Rezijanske, widely danced by folk groups in Argentina, we will pay tribute to the priest and composer Avgust Ipavc.

Join us for this exceptional concert of Argentinian and Slovenian music for Christmas in Ljubljana, where we will bring together the best of both worlds. Together, we will create memories that will linger within us for a long time.

Program:
A. Ginastera, A. Piazzolla, A. Ramirez, A. Ipavec, M. Grdadolnik, H. Wieniawski, L. Belar,
A. Vavken, D. Močnik, A. L. Webber
 

Ludovico Einaudi, an Italian pianist, composer, and author of music for numerous films such as Samba, Intouchables, and Black Swan, as well as the television series Doctor Zhivago, is coming to Slovenia for the first time. Experts, along with representatives like Michael Nyman or Philip Glass, classify him in the genre of minimalism in classical music.

His works enchantingly blend elements of classical music, ambient electronics, soft rock, and world music, making him one of the most popular and performed composers of our time. In Cankarjev Dom, he will present not only his most recognizable compositions like Una Mattina, Nuvole Bianche, and Experience but also his latest album, Underwater, for which he received the prestigious Opus Klassik Award.

He was born on October 25, 1989, in Šibenik, and despite his youth, his career boasts numerous successes and awards. He began his singing journey with vocal groups (Maslina, Kampanel). In 2013, he performed as a soloist and the first tenor for "Klape s mora" at the Eurovision Song Contest with the song "Mižerija." This served as a stepping stone for his solo musical career, where he creates a Dalmatian atmosphere with a touch of operatic singing in his songs. Stojan Stojanov Gančev, the first tenor of the Zagreb Opera, saw in him a top-notch opera singer, yet Marko Škugor remained faithful to Dalmatian songs.

The song "Devet slova jedne riči" won hearts at the Split Festival in 2016 (together with Alen Nižetić and Duje Coc), followed by numerous songs and the release of a solo album, which was among the best-selling in Croatia for three months. In 2016, he had more than 40 solo concerts and spectacular performances. Additionally, he won the Festival of Dalmatian Chansons in Šibenik with the song "Samo ti si," and with Oliver Dragojević, he recorded the duet "Samo s tobom sam upoznao ljubav."