Fri, 17. 4.
INARA DUO
Inara Duo consists of pianists Ina Krajnc and Klara Lužnik. They have been performing together as a duo since 2021, establishing themselves with energetic and refined interpretations of repertoire for two pianos and four hands. They first met in 2016 at the Conservatory of Music and Ballet Maribor and continued their studies at the University of Music and Performing Arts in Graz, where they graduated in 2024. They are currently pursuing a master’s degree in piano duo at the same institution under the mentorship of the Silver-Garburg Duo.
Among their most notable achievements are an absolute first prize and a special prize at theTEMSIG competition, first prize at the international competition in Rome, and victory at the Martha Debelli scholarship competition. They were also accepted to the Piano-Piano Academy in Paris, performed a recital in Verona, and won a shared first prize (ex aequo) at the Giangrandi-Eggman competition. As finalists of the Ilmari Hannikainen competition, they received third prize. In the past year, they have given independent recitals both at home and abroad, and at the end of April 2026 they are scheduled for an independent tour in Sicily.
Partners: Pokrajinski muzej Ptuj, Ministrstvo za kulturo
Wed, 8. 7.
YOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA HAMBURG (DEU)
Performing: Youth Symphony Orchestra Hamburg
Dirigent / Conductor: Johannes Witt
Founded in 1968, the Hamburg Youth Orchestra (Landesjugendorchester Hamburg) stands as a premier pillar of Germany’s cultural landscape. Comprising approximately 80 of the region’s most gifted young musicians, the ensemble is a powerhouse of talent, regularly gracing major stages both at home and abroad. Their commitment to excellence has led to prestigious collaborations with renowned musical institutions, cementing their reputation far beyond the city of Hamburg.
The orchestra is led by the illustrious Johannes Witt, a conductor of international standing. With a resume that includes appearances at world-leading houses like the Vienna State Opera, the Finnish National Opera, and the Stuttgart State Theatre, Witt brings a wealth of operatic and symphonic expertise to the podium. Currently serving as the Chief Conductor at the Wuppertal Opera, his masterful direction promises a performance of profound depth and precision.
Co-organiser: Imago Sloveniae
Thu, 23. 7.
LOVORKA NEMEŠ DULAR & JASMINA TRAJCHESKA (SLO, MKD)
On the 100th anniversary of Janez Matičič
An Evening of Piano Music with Lovorka Nemeš Dular and Jasmina Trajcheska
Performing: Lovorka Nemeš Dular (piano), Jasmina Trajcheska (piano)
Two extraordinary European talents share the stage for a deeply moving musical tribute. Esteemed Slovenian pianist, pedagogue, and musicologist Lovorka Nemeš Dular, celebrated for her breathtaking solo and chamber performances across Europe, brings her distinguished training from Ljubljana, Cologne, and Bergamo to the spotlight. Joining her is the phenomenal Jasmina Trajcheska, an award-winning pianist from North Macedonia whose captivating performances as a soloist and chamber musician have dazzled audiences internationally.
Together, they present a spectacular project honoring the legendary Slovenian composer Janez Matičič, whose rich and extensive catalog of piano works proudly stands alongside those of the world’s greatest classical composers. The evening’s beautifully curated program will showcase Matičič’s brilliance, perfectly complemented by works from Maurice Ravel, Biljana Bojović, and Aleksandra Naumovski Potisk.
Adding to the prestige of the evening, the duo will also officially unveil their remarkable new album, Perspectives of the Piano Opus. Featuring mostly previously unrecorded masterpieces by Matičič, this incredible project and the accompanying concert are proudly supported by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Slovenia. Prepare for an evening of absolute classical mastery!
Partners: Pokrajinski muzej Ptuj, Imago Sloveniae, Ministrstvo za kulturo, MO Ptuj
Sun, 23. 8.
PLAMEN VOCAL GROUP (CAN)
Performing: Marija Ahačič Pollak (vodja / leader), Diana Stodulski, Leah Markun, Amanda Bergant, Susan Stajan, Tania Stariha Tremain, Tatjana Smrekar Jennifer Pikl-Dunford, Lidija Fotivec Molek, Sabina Studolski, Martina Štrucelj, Julija Konje-Basso, Elizabeth Stariha-Helme in Sabina Jevnišek-Sečnik, Matjaž Merljak, Timotej Kosovinc (guitar), Cristina Basili (cello).
The Plamen vocal group is a vibrant ensemble of Slovenian girls and women from Toronto and its surrounding areas, proudly representing the third generation of the Slovenian community in Canada. Under the dedicated leadership of the legendary Marija Ahačič Pollak for 35 years, the group has curated an incredible repertoire that bridges two worlds. Their performances seamlessly blend Slovenian folk traditions with English-language classics, popular hits, and even traditional Canadian folk songs.
Beyond simply preserving their heritage, Plamen is committed to the highest artistic standards, acting as a powerful cultural bridge and strengthening Slovenian identity far beyond the nation’s borders. Their music is a beautiful testament to the enduring spirit of the Slovenian heart, no matter where in the world it beats.
Partners: Urad Vlade republike Slovenije za Slovence v zamejstvu in po svetu, Ministrstvo za kulturo, MO Ptuj
Fri, 16. 10.
CONCERT OF THE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA AND THE DOLCEZZA GIRLS’ CHOIR OF THE ST. PETER AND PAUL MUSIC SCHOOL, PTUJ
The Symphony Orchestra of the ZGŠ, based at the monastery of St. Peter and Paul, opens the doors to the world of high art for the music school’s students. Within this large ensemble, young musicians encounter works by masters of classical music and develop their artistic expression through making music together. The orchestra brings together both current and former students of the music school, giving it a special freshness and youthful energy. An important contribution is also made by the teachers, who, with their artistic experience and dedication, support the young musicians on their path toward musical excellence. This time, they will present a classically designed program for soloists and orchestra. The orchestra is conducted by Prof. Matjaž Antončič.
The Dolcezza Girls’ Choir has been active since 2013, when young singers began their shared musical journey under the auspices of the music school at the monastery of St. Peter and Paul in Ptuj. From the very beginning, they have been led and artistically guided with great dedication by Prof. Peter Gojkošek. The choir regularly performs at music school events and also appears more widely in the local community. It has frequently participated in international gatherings of young singers organized by the Willems International Choir in Italy, France, and Spain. At the same time, it fosters collaborations with choirs from the surrounding area and performs accompanied by symphony or string orchestras.
Fri, 17. 4.
INARA DUO
Inara Duo consists of pianists Ina Krajnc and Klara Lužnik. They have been performing together as a duo since 2021, establishing themselves with energetic and refined interpretations of repertoire for two pianos and four hands. They first met in 2016 at the Conservatory of Music and Ballet Maribor and continued their studies at the University of Music and Performing Arts in Graz, where they graduated in 2024. They are currently pursuing a master’s degree in piano duo at the same institution under the mentorship of the Silver-Garburg Duo.
Among their most notable achievements are an absolute first prize and a special prize at theTEMSIG competition, first prize at the international competition in Rome, and victory at the Martha Debelli scholarship competition. They were also accepted to the Piano-Piano Academy in Paris, performed a recital in Verona, and won a shared first prize (ex aequo) at the Giangrandi-Eggman competition. As finalists of the Ilmari Hannikainen competition, they received third prize. In the past year, they have given independent recitals both at home and abroad, and at the end of April 2026 they are scheduled for an independent tour in Sicily.
Partners: Pokrajinski muzej Ptuj, Ministrstvo za kulturo
Wed, 8. 7.
YOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA HAMBURG (DEU)
Performing: Youth Symphony Orchestra Hamburg
Dirigent / Conductor: Johannes Witt
Founded in 1968, the Hamburg Youth Orchestra (Landesjugendorchester Hamburg) stands as a premier pillar of Germany’s cultural landscape. Comprising approximately 80 of the region’s most gifted young musicians, the ensemble is a powerhouse of talent, regularly gracing major stages both at home and abroad. Their commitment to excellence has led to prestigious collaborations with renowned musical institutions, cementing their reputation far beyond the city of Hamburg.
The orchestra is led by the illustrious Johannes Witt, a conductor of international standing. With a resume that includes appearances at world-leading houses like the Vienna State Opera, the Finnish National Opera, and the Stuttgart State Theatre, Witt brings a wealth of operatic and symphonic expertise to the podium. Currently serving as the Chief Conductor at the Wuppertal Opera, his masterful direction promises a performance of profound depth and precision.
Co-organiser: Imago Sloveniae
Thu, 23. 7.
LOVORKA NEMEŠ DULAR & JASMINA TRAJCHESKA (SLO, MKD)
On the 100th anniversary of Janez Matičič
An Evening of Piano Music with Lovorka Nemeš Dular and Jasmina Trajcheska
Performing: Lovorka Nemeš Dular (piano), Jasmina Trajcheska (piano)
Two extraordinary European talents share the stage for a deeply moving musical tribute. Esteemed Slovenian pianist, pedagogue, and musicologist Lovorka Nemeš Dular, celebrated for her breathtaking solo and chamber performances across Europe, brings her distinguished training from Ljubljana, Cologne, and Bergamo to the spotlight. Joining her is the phenomenal Jasmina Trajcheska, an award-winning pianist from North Macedonia whose captivating performances as a soloist and chamber musician have dazzled audiences internationally.
Together, they present a spectacular project honoring the legendary Slovenian composer Janez Matičič, whose rich and extensive catalog of piano works proudly stands alongside those of the world’s greatest classical composers. The evening’s beautifully curated program will showcase Matičič’s brilliance, perfectly complemented by works from Maurice Ravel, Biljana Bojović, and Aleksandra Naumovski Potisk.
Adding to the prestige of the evening, the duo will also officially unveil their remarkable new album, Perspectives of the Piano Opus. Featuring mostly previously unrecorded masterpieces by Matičič, this incredible project and the accompanying concert are proudly supported by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Slovenia. Prepare for an evening of absolute classical mastery!
Partners: Pokrajinski muzej Ptuj, Imago Sloveniae, Ministrstvo za kulturo, MO Ptuj
Ned, 23. 8.
PLAMEN VOCAL GROUP (CAN)
Performing: Marija Ahačič Pollak (vodja / leader), Diana Stodulski, Leah Markun, Amanda Bergant, Susan Stajan, Tania Stariha Tremain, Tatjana Smrekar Jennifer Pikl-Dunford, Lidija Fotivec Molek, Sabina Studolski, Martina Štrucelj, Julija Konje-Basso, Elizabeth Stariha-Helme in Sabina Jevnišek-Sečnik, Matjaž Merljak, Timotej Kosovinc (guitar), Cristina Basili (cello).
The Plamen vocal group is a vibrant ensemble of Slovenian girls and women from Toronto and its surrounding areas, proudly representing the third generation of the Slovenian community in Canada. Under the dedicated leadership of the legendary Marija Ahačič Pollak for 35 years, the group has curated an incredible repertoire that bridges two worlds. Their performances seamlessly blend Slovenian folk traditions with English-language classics, popular hits, and even traditional Canadian folk songs.
Beyond simply preserving their heritage, Plamen is committed to the highest artistic standards, acting as a powerful cultural bridge and strengthening Slovenian identity far beyond the nation’s borders. Their music is a beautiful testament to the enduring spirit of the Slovenian heart, no matter where in the world it beats.
Partners: Urad Vlade republike Slovenije za Slovence v zamejstvu in po svetu, Ministrstvo za kulturo, MO Ptuj
Fri, 16. 10.
CONCERT OF THE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA AND THE DOLCEZZA GIRLS’ CHOIR OF THE ST. PETER AND PAUL MUSIC SCHOOL, PTUJ
The Symphony Orchestra of the ZGŠ, based at the monastery of St. Peter and Paul, opens the doors to the world of high art for the music school’s students. Within this large ensemble, young musicians encounter works by masters of classical music and develop their artistic expression through making music together. The orchestra brings together both current and former students of the music school, giving it a special freshness and youthful energy. An important contribution is also made by the teachers, who, with their artistic experience and dedication, support the young musicians on their path toward musical excellence. This time, they will present a classically designed program for soloists and orchestra. The orchestra is conducted by Prof. Matjaž Antončič.
The Dolcezza Girls’ Choir has been active since 2013, when young singers began their shared musical journey under the auspices of the music school at the monastery of St. Peter and Paul in Ptuj. From the very beginning, they have been led and artistically guided with great dedication by Prof. Peter Gojkošek. The choir regularly performs at music school events and also appears more widely in the local community. It has frequently participated in international gatherings of young singers organized by the Willems International Choir in Italy, France, and Spain. At the same time, it fosters collaborations with choirs from the surrounding area and performs accompanied by symphony or string orchestras.