18. Festival Arsana

WORLD MUSIC EXPERIENCE

13. 6. – 28. 8. 2026 |  Ptuj, Slovenija

Over seventeen years, the Arsana International Music Festival, which has presented more than 1,300 events, welcomed 12,000 internationally acclaimed artists, attracted 600,000 visitors from around the globe, and evolved into one of the most renowned and diverse music festivals in Slovenia and the surrounding region of Europe, is once again putting Ptuj on the world music map.

The 18th Arsana Festival will take place from June 13 to August 28, 2026, across the scenic historical venues of Ptuj. Over 50 events, it will host around 400 domestic and international artists from the spheres of classical, jazz, ethno, world, rock, and popular music. The festival also caters to younger audiences, offering children’s activities and a varied supporting program.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE 18TH ARSANA FESTIVAL

JAN PLESTENJAK

Jan Plestenjak is one of the most well-known singer-songwriters in Slovenia, whose timeless melodies have touched three generations of listeners. With his recognisable presence, he has also filled the country’s largest concert halls and left a lasting mark on Slovenian music culture. His extensive discography spans over fifteen albums, numerous hits, and countless concerts that audiences describe as “an experience that goes straight to the heart”.

OPERA NIGHT IN PTUJ

The annual Opera Night at Ptuj serves as one of the festival’s main events and opens the magnificent festival season. The echoes of Opera Night reach far and wide, attracting a diverse audience from Slovenia and abroad, gathering under the backdrop of Ptuj Castle. The lineup, featuring the SNG Maribor Ensemble conducted by Simon Krečič and renowned opera soloists, will include excerpts from well-known operas that never fail to enchant with their timeless beauty and grandeur.

THE GALA EVENING OF SLOVENIAN EVERGREENS

The Gala Evening of Slovenian Evergreens is a tribute to the most beautiful songs from the rich repertoire of Slovenian popular music. Accompanied by the RTV Slovenia Symphony Orchestra and RTV Slovenia Big Band, renowned soloists, under the direction of Patrik Greblo, will present selected works that have shaped the Slovenian music scene throughout the decades. This event will be recorded and later broadcast by RTV Slovenia.

JOSS STONE (UK)

Joss Stone has earned international acclaim for her versatile musicality across genres, ever since she became a global star in the early 2000s. She has performed and collaborated with legendary artists such as James Brown, Stevie Wonder, Mick Jagger, Rod Stewart, Robbie Williams, Carlos Santana, Dave Stewart (Eurythmics), John Legend, and many others. She is one of the most diverse musicians of her generation, her albums spanning R&B, pop, reggae, hip-hop, and world music. With her Total World Tour (2014–2019), she visited nearly every country on the planet, including locations such as North Korea, Syria, and Antarctica. As a result, she became the first artist ever to receive a World Tour certificate. Having performed on the world’s biggest stages – from Glastonbury and the Royal Albert Hall to major U.S. festivals – Joss Stone, accompanied by a nine-piece band, is coming to Ptuj for the first time as part of her international tour Soul in Full Bloom.

GREGOR RAVNIK

Special guest: RAIVEN

Gregor Ravnik is one of Slovenia’s most promising solo singers. His classical training gives him an exceptional vocal range and technical mastery, allowing him to skillfully blend pop and opera music. His first pop album, Med nama, showcases his artistic range, featuring songs awarded at numerous music festivals as well as entirely new creations. 

Joining him as a special guest is Raiven, one of the most distinctive and innovative contemporary Slovenian music creators. She gained recognition with her Eurovision performance, where her energy and striking stage presence captivated a wide audience. 

NEW YORK VOICES (USA)

The two-time Grammy Award-winning vocal quartet New York Voices is considered one of the most influential and recognisable names in vocal jazz. They have performed on the world’s greatest stages like Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center, and have released more than 14 albums. They have collaborated with legends such as the Manhattan Transfer, Ivan Lins, the Count Basie Orchestra, and the WDR Big Band. They are coming to the Arsana Festival as part of their farewell tour, The Grand Finale, which will be one of their last concerts in a nearly four-decade career. 

LUKA ŠULIĆ

World-renowned cellist Luka Šulić is an artist who has redefined the role of the cello in contemporary music. As the co-founder of the globally acclaimed duo 2Cellos, he has captivated millions of listeners worldwide with his energy, boldness, and unique approach – from London’s Royal Albert Hall and New York’s Madison Square Garden to the Sydney Opera House. After a highly successful international career, Luka dedicated himself to a solo path, where he combines the virtuosity of classical education with the expressive power of modern arrangements and orchestral projects. In recent years, he has impressed audiences with his interpretations of works by Vivaldi, Bach, and Mozart, blending them with contemporary production and his own arrangements. His style is recognised for its exceptional technical perfection, charismatic stage presence, and emotional depth that transcends genre boundaries.

TONY CETINSKI & MATIJA CVEK (CRO)

Tony Cetinski is one of the most popular Croatian performers, captivating audiences all over the world for over three decades. He has received numerous music awards and produced a series of hits, including “Blago Onom Tko Te Ima”, “Umirem 100x Dnevno”, and “Onaj Ko Te Ljubi Sretan Je”, in which he blends genres such as pop, rock, and soul. 

Matija Cvek is one of the most recognisable musicians of the younger Croatian music scene. The author of hits such as “Ptice”, “Visine”, “Nasloni Se” has received the Porin Award for Best Pop Album and Best Male Vocal Performance. He has collaborated with top music artists, including Marija Šerifović, Tony Cetinski, Massimo, and Nina Badrić, further confirming his musical excellence.

CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL

The Children’s Festival is the core of musical activities for the youngest audience. Through interactive concerts, creative workshops, musical fairy tales, music yoga, and cinema, children will engage with music and discover musical instruments in a fun and educational way.

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