The Event

On 21. 8. 2024, the Križanke stage at the Festival Ljubljana hosted a captivating musical experience that thrilled a sold-out audience with a repertoire transcending generations, borders, and genres. Under the skilful direction of conductor Živa Ploj Peršuh, the Slovenian Youth Orchestra took the audience on an emotional journey through unforgettable film melodies. The programme featured beloved pieces that evoked vivid memories of joy and sorrow, with works from Tom and Jerry, Kekec and the package The Godfather.

As an exciting surprise of the evening, Finnish soloist Lauri Porra took to the stage to perform his piece Entropia – Concerto for Electric Bass Guitar and Symphony Orchestra. His innovative composition, blending classical and modern elements, brought a fresh and electrifying energy to the concert. The evening was masterfully narrated by Marcel Štefančič, whose storytelling style added a rich layer to the experience.

The Slovenian Youth Orchestra, known for providing invaluable opportunities to young talents, once again delivered an unforgettable performance. The impact of their music was evident – not only in the audience but also on stage, where the musicians were visibly moved, with some shedding tears of joy as they received well-deserved standing ovations.

The diverse concert programme also included lively performances of Leonard Bernstein's Mambo, Tchaikovsky's The Waltz of the Flowers, and many other classics. Each piece was performed with passion, showcasing the orchestra's versatility and the deep connection between the musicians and their audience.

Lauri Porra

Finnish composer and instrumentalist Lauri Porra (b. 1977), the great-grandson of composer Jean Sibelius, began playing the cello at age six and later transitioned to the bass guitar. In addition to composing for orchestra, film, and media, he is also a member of the heavy metal band Stratovarius, with whom he has recorded four albums and performed in over fifty countries. The highly versatile Porra also leads his own ensemble, the Lauri Porra Flyover Ensemble, which combines musical styles from rock and jazz to classical, electronic, and film music. His Concerto for Electric Bass Guitar and Orchestra, Entropiapremiered with Porra as soloist alongside the Lahti Symphony Orchestra at a concert that opened the 2015 season and commemorated the 150th anniversary of Jean Sibelius's birth.

Programme

S. Bradley, prir. P. Tovornik: Tom & Jerry
P. I. Tchaikovsky: Cvetlični valček iz baleta Hrestač
P. Mascagni: Intermezzo iz opere Kmečka čast
L. Porra: Entropia – Concerto for Electric Bass Guitar and Symphony Orchestra
J. Golob: Pustite nam ta svet iz filma Čisto pravi gusar
J. Golob: Poletje v školjki
L. Bernstein: Mambo iz muzikala Zgodba z zahodne strain
N. Rota, prir. M. Peternel: Izbor iz filma Boter
R. Pešut – Magnifico, Schatz!, prir. M. Krečič: Pukni zoro
M. Kozina, M. Vodopivec, prir. N. Bečan: Kekec Medley

Performing Artists

The Slovenian Youth Orchestra
Electric Bass Guitar: Lauri Porra
Moderator: Marcel Štefančič
Conductor: Živa Ploj Peršuh