Our Summer Orchestra Camp laid the foundations for young musicians and welcomed 97 talented individuals aged 12 to 22. Thanks to the generous support of Krka d.d. and Sava Re, d.d., young Slovenian musicians from flood-affected areas and children from Ukraine who have found refuge in Slovenia were able to join the camp free of charge. Nijh's participation enriched our cultural tapestry, and together they formed the Slovenian Youth Orchestra (SMO). The highlight of the week was a stunning concert on the big stage of the Križanke in Ljubljana, featuring world-renowned artist Ute Lemper.
On the first of August, Križanke was the venue for a musical treat that transcended time, borders and genres. The Slovenian Youth Orchestra under the baton of conductor Živa Ploj Peršuh joined forces with the spectacular Ute Lemper. The evening brought together classical, chanson and contemporary music, enchanting and deeply moving the audience. The Slovenian Youth Orchestra, which has proved many times in the past that it offers young talents the opportunity to gain invaluable experiences, has impressed once again. Their performance touched on a wide range of musical styles - from the melancholic French chansons of the legendary Jacques Brel and Édith Piaf, to the passionate rhythms of Ástor Piazzolla's Argentine tango. Such genre diversity brought the audience a rich and multidimensional musical experience.
The concert also featured songs by Kander and Ebb, famous for their musicals, as well as timeless hits by Bob Dylan and Van Morrison. A highlight was the orchestra's performance of "Three Dance Episodes" from Leonard Bernstein's opera "On the Town". Here the orchestra showed a wide range of its abilities.
The German singer Ute Lemper, world renowned for her unique interpretive style, was undoubtedly the star of the evening. Her strong voice and stage presence added a special touch to the stories told through her songs. The collaboration with the orchestra was like a poetic dialogue, and the chemistry between her and the musicians was present from the first to the last note.
