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

As one of Slovenia’s most iconic singer-songwriters, Jan Plestenjak has built a treasury of timeless melodies that connect with three generations of fans. With over fifteen albums to his name, his discography is filled with hits that have deeply shaped Slovenian music culture. Fans describe his live shows as “experiences that go straight to the heart,” and this upcoming concert is guaranteed to deliver exactly that.

OPERA NIGHT IN PTUJ

Opera Night at Panorama Archaeological Park is an annual highlight—not just as one of the festival’s main events, but as a spectacular kickoff to the new season. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Ptuj Castle, the evening’s timeless music reaches far beyond the city, attracting visitors from Slovenia and beyond. Conductor Simon Krečič and the SNG Maribor ensemble, joined by renowned opera soloists, will return to enchant the audience at this beloved gathering. Expect a masterful performance filled with famous operatic excerpts and some of the most celebrated melodies in music history.

THE GALA EVENING OF SLOVENIAN EVERGREENS

The Gala Evening of Slovenian Evergreens is a beautiful tribute to the greatest hits from Slovenia’s rich popular music history. Under the baton of conductor Tadej Tomšič, the RTV Slovenia Symphony Orchestra and the RTV Slovenia Big Band will join forces with a lineup of renowned soloists, bringing Slovenia’s musical treasury to life through stunning, unique interpretations. This unforgettable event is more than just a treat for fans of classic pop—it is a heartfelt celebration of the melodies that have shaped the nation’s culture for decades. A beloved staple of the festival that consistently draws audiences of all ages, the concert will also be recorded and later broadcast by RTV Slovenia.

JOSS STONE (UK)

Grammy-winning superstar Joss Stone is a truly world-class artist. Her incredibly versatile, genre-spanning sound has cemented her status as a global icon, leading to unforgettable collaborations with music legends like James Brown, Stevie Wonder, Mick Jagger, Carlos Santana, and John Legend. Seamlessly blending R&B, pop, reggae, hip-hop, and world music, her albums have captivated fans across the globe. During her ambitious Total World Tour (2014–2019), she made history by performing in nearly every country on the planet—including North Korea, Syria, and even Antarctica. Now, this powerhouse vocalist, who has graced the world’s biggest stages from Glastonbury and the Royal Albert Hall to massive U.S. festivals, is bringing her magic here. As part of her Soul in Full Bloom international tour, she arrives backed by a spectacular nine-piece band for an unforgettable night of music.

JOŠT LAMPRET: NOMAD feat. URŠKA CENTA, WIYAALA & THE YAGA YAGAS (GHA, SLO)

“Nomad” is a captivating original project by bassist Jošt Lampret that masterfully blends the fiery rhythms of flamenco with the creative freedom of jazz and improvisation. Joining him on stage is special guest Urška Centa, who breathes fresh life into classical flamenco with her refined, deeply expressive dance. The performance reaches even greater heights with the addition of the spectacular Wiyaala—famously known as “The Lioness of Africa.” A powerhouse singer and dancer, Wiyaala seamlessly fuses Ghanaian folk songs and Afropop with an infectious, high-energy stage presence. (Her recent collaboration with the Slovenian group The YagaYagas even led to the acclaimed joint album Segerige and a triumphant tour across Ghana!) Bass grooves, flamenco passion, African rhythms, and unstoppable dance energy—prepare for an unforgettable evening where the world comes together in a single, spectacular explosion of sound and movement.

GREGOR RAVNIK

Special guest: RAIVEN

Gregor Ravnik is fast becoming one of Slovenia’s most versatile and exciting solo vocalists, seamlessly bridging the worlds of pop and opera. Backed by rigorous classical training from the Academy of Music in Ljubljana, his exceptional vocal range and technical mastery allow him to command the contemporary pop stage with breathtaking ease. His acclaimed debut album, Med nama, showcases his incredible breadth as a songwriter, featuring brand-new tracks alongside hit compositions that have taken top prizes at numerous music festivals.

Adding to the magic of the evening is special guest Raiven, widely celebrated as one of the most distinctive and visionary creators in modern pop. Sharing Ravnik’s prestigious classical background—having also studied solo singing and harp at the Academy of Music—Raiven captured international attention with her unforgettable performance at the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest. Together, these two powerhouse artists promise a captivating night of unparalleled vocal brilliance.

TADEJ TOŠ: Seriously? No way!

Acclaimed actor and stand-up comedian Tadej Toš has spent years captivating audiences across Slovenia with his irresistible charisma, sharp wit, and trademark sincerity. Masterfully weaving honest and hilarious stories, he tackles the absurdities of everyday life, diving into relationships, family dynamics, and modern social quirks. Armed with his signature directness and a brilliant eye for observational comedy, Toš effortlessly connects with his crowd, guaranteeing a thoroughly entertaining evening packed with roaring laughter and unforgettable moments.

NEW YORK VOICES (USA)

Two-time Grammy Award-winning vocal quartet New York Voices stands as one of the most influential and iconic names in the world of vocal jazz. Renowned for their masterful multi-part harmonies, refined improvisation, and breathtaking musicality, the group has graced the world’s most prestigious stages—from Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center to the Kennedy Center and the legendary Blue Note. Across a brilliant career, they have released over 14 acclaimed albums and collaborated with music legends like The Manhattan Transfer, Ivan Lins, George Benson, the Count Basie Orchestra, Paquito D’Rivera, and the WDR Big Band. Now, they are bringing their unmatched vocal magic to the Arsana Festival as part of their bittersweet farewell tour, The Grand Finale. Don’t miss this rare and incredibly special opportunity to experience one of their final concerts together!

LUKA ŠULIĆ

World-renowned cellist Luka Šulić has completely redefined his instrument for the modern era. As the co-founder of the global phenomenon 2Cellos, he has captivated millions with his bold energy and revolutionary approach to the cello. Having conquered the world’s most iconic stages—from the Royal Albert Hall and Madison Square Garden to the Sydney Opera House—he is now blazing an exciting solo trail. In this thrilling new chapter, Šulić masterfully blends classical virtuosity with expressive modern arrangements and grand orchestral projects. He continually dazzles audiences by fusing the timeless works of Vivaldi, Bach, and Mozart with cutting-edge production and his own visionary arrangements. Renowned for his jaw-dropping technical mastery, charismatic stage presence, and profound emotional depth, he effortlessly shatters genre boundaries. His highly anticipated Ptuj concert promises an unforgettable evening, featuring a dynamic mix of original compositions, classical masterworks, and massive rock and pop hits reimagined in his signature crossover style.

SLOVENIAN PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA

With a proud heritage dating back to 1701, the Slovenian Philharmonic Orchestra stands as a true pillar of musical excellence. Uniting the finest Slovenian and international musicians, the ensemble boasts incredible versatility, breathing life into everything from 18th-century classics to contemporary masterworks. Over the decades, its world-class sound has been shaped by legendary resident conductors like Samo Hubad, Uroš Lajovic, and Marko Letonja, alongside a host of internationally renowned guests.

For this spectacular evening, the orchestra will perform under the baton of the dynamic Davorin Mori, one of Slovenia’s most exciting young conductors. The program promises an unforgettable musical journey, anchored by Antonín Dvořák’s majestic Symphony No. 9, “From the New World.” Adding to the brilliance of the night, rising Slovenian star and multi-award-winning pianist Nejc Kamplet will take the stage for Sergei Rachmaninoff’s legendary Piano Concerto No. 3—widely celebrated as one of the most breathtakingly demanding and virtuosic works in the entire piano repertoire.

PRIFARSKI MUZIKANTI

Guest: BERNARDA FINK

Beloved ethno-music ensemble Prifarski muzikanti has been delighting Slovenian audiences for an incredible 38 years. Passionately dedicated to preserving the nation’s folk songs and musical traditions, they breathe vibrant life into Slovenia’s rich cultural heritage. Their live performances are defined by sweeping vocal harmonies beautifully supported by tamburica, violin, accordion, and other traditional instruments, creating a warm, authentic, and instantly recognizable sound. Beyond their cherished folk repertoire, the group seamlessly weaves in international evergreens and Slovenian pop classics, honoring the originals while adding their own distinctive artistic flair.

Joining them for this very special performance is world-renowned guest artist Bernarda Fink. Born in Buenos Aires and trained at the prestigious Instituto Superior de Arte del Teatro Colón, she has built an illustrious career across Slovenia and Europe. A true musical powerhouse, she has performed with the world’s leading orchestras under legendary conductors, recorded over 50 albums, and earned multiple Grammy Awards. Together, they promise a deeply moving evening of breathtaking musicality and heartwarming tradition.

TONY CETINSKI & MATIJA CVEK (CRO)

Tony Cetinski stands as one of the most beloved Croatian musicians of his generation, captivating audiences across the region and beyond for over three decades. Throughout his spectacular career, he has taken home countless awards and delivered an endless string of anthems—including massive hits like “Blago Onom Tko Te Ima,” “Umirem 100x Dnevno,” and “Onaj Ko Te Ljubi Sretan Je”—while masterfully blending elements of pop, rock, and soul. Sharing the spotlight is Matija Cvek, undeniably one of the brightest standout stars of the modern Croatian music scene. Known for chart-topping singles like “Ptice,” “Visine,” and “Nasloni Se,” his incredible artistry has earned him the prestigious Croatian Porin Award for both Best Pop Album and Best Male Vocal Performance. Regularly collaborating with regional music royalty such as Marija Šerifović, Massimo, Nina Badrić, and Cetinski himself, Cvek continually proves his exceptional musical brilliance. Together, these two remarkable talents promise a phenomenal night of Croatian pop at its absolute finest.

MUSIC IN THE CITY

Music in the City remains a welcome constant of the festival program. This year’s edition will take place at Old Glassworks, Youth Culture Centre, MuziKafe Home of Culture, and Panorama, which will host the second edition of Panorama High School Night. Other  Music in the City performers will include Oollim Trio (울림) (KOR, SLO), Satori, Lori Williams Band (USA, AUT, SLO), Zvezdana Novaković ZveN, Adi Smolar, and Infinitus. ValoVIBE will also return, featuring performances by Koala Voice & Okú.

CLASSICAL MASTERS

The festival’s classical music series will partly take place outside the main festival program (Inara Duo, the Concert of the Symphony Orchestra and the Dolcezza Girls’ Choir of the St. Peter and Paul Music School), and partly within the central festival program (Lovorka Nemeš Dular & Jasmina Trajcheska (SLO, MKD), Vocal Group Plamen) in the ceremonial hall of Ptuj Castle.

A special part of the series will also take place in Ljubljana, where the Youth Symphony Orchestra Hamburg (DEU) will perform. The concert is organized in cooperation with EMARS.

YOUTH STAGE

For many years, the Youth Stage has provided a platform for young and high-quality emerging artists. At free events held at Old Glassworks, Youth Culture Centre, audiences will hear vocalists from the Summer Music School, winners of the ŠOUROCK youth competition – Kreera, finalists of the Špil Liga festival – Stone Head, and two Ptuj-based bands, Rockmantika and Resonare.

CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL

The Children’s Festival represents the core of the festival’s musical activities for the youngest audiences. Through Adi Smolar’s family concert, creative workshops, musical fairy tales, music yoga, a dance workshop, puppet performances, and cinema screenings, children will engage with music in a fun and educational way while also discovering musical instruments.

ACCOMPANYING PROGRAM

The festival also offers a diverse accompanying program, including a storytelling evening for adults, culinary events (Open Kitchen), morning exercise sessions in the park, and festival afterparties (DJ Rosso, DJ Mean Dean, DJ Ribi).

The accompanying program also includes numerous events co-organized by Imago Sloveniae that will be taking place in Ljubljana. Performers will include Diego Caetano, Misato Hanawa, Lana Kuščer (BRA, JAP, SLO), the Youth Symphony Orchestra Hamburg (DEU), and the Yaremi Kordos Cuban–Jazz Evolution Trio (CU, CRO, NL).

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