Bucharest, August 7, 2024 – On the evening of August 7, the Slovenian Youth Orchestra took to the stage of the Romanian Athenaeum and captivated the audience at the Festival Internațional Vară Magică. Under the baton of conductor Živa Ploj Peršuh and with an outstanding contribution by renowned violinist Rok Zaletel Černoš, the evening offered a stunning display of musical mastery and artistic expression.

The Festival Internațional Vară Magică, held from July 3 to August 21, 2024, is renowned for its exceptional summer concerts at the iconic Romanian Athenaeum. The festival, which annually attracts over 100,000 visitors, is a highlight of Bucharest’s cultural calendar, and performing at it was a great honour for the Slovenian Youth Orchestra.

The concert began with Brahms' Variations on a Theme by Haydn, a piece known for its intricate and inventive variations, which set a sophisticated tone for the evening. This was followed by Slavko Osterc's profound work Religioso that brought a touch of introspection to the program. The highlight of the evening was Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto, where Rok Zaletel Černoš combined technical brilliance with deep emotional resonance. The evening ended with Beethoven's Eroica, bringing the concert to a triumphant conclusion.

Živa Ploj Peršuh's conducting was marked by energy and precision, drawing out the full emotional spectrum of each piece and guiding the orchestra through a performance that was both powerful and refined. Černoš's rendition of Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto showcased his exceptional skill and interpretive sensitivity, further enriching the evening’s atmosphere.

The Romanian Athenaeum, with its rich history and exquisite acoustics, provided the perfect setting for this exceptional musical experience. The performance by the Slovenian Youth Orchestra was recorded by Radio Romania and Romanian National Television, ensuring this remarkable evening reached a wide audience.

The festival’s commitment to presenting outstanding classical music and emerging talents was embodied in the Slovenian Youth Orchestra’s performance, highlighting the rich cultural exchange between Slovenia and Romania.

J. Brahms: Variations on a Theme by Haydn in B-flat major, op. 56a
S. Osterc: Religioso from Suite for Orchestra
P. I. Tchaikovsky: Violin Concerto in D major, op. 35
L. van Beethoven: Symphony No 3 in E flat major, op. 55, "Eroica"

The Slovenian Youth Orchestra
Rok Zaletel Černoš – violinist
Živa Ploj Peršuh – conductor