CONCERT OF BANDS AND MUSIC TRAINEES OF THE SUMMER MUSIC SCHOOL 

At 7.00 pm, Slovenski trg square, Admission free

Performing: Summer music school participants

After last year’s successful concert of the bands, we can expect that this year’s conclusion of the Summer Music School will be full of positive energy, relaxed atmosphere and striking music points, performed by the workshop participants. The novelty of this year’s Summer Music School is the “little music school (trial school)” for the youngest. At their final concert, they will warm us up with their singing, dancing, playing and making music with the help of xylophones, bells, various percussion instruments and other musical instruments.

RAIVEN: DOLOROSO (elektro-opera) 

At 9.00 pm, muziKafe Home of Culture, Price: 15€

Performing: Raiven – vocals, harp, ZanB – cello, Luka Beljan – violin

Raiven, an academically educated musician, nurtures a passion and love for opera singing and also for her authorial involvement in popular music. After completing her master’s degree in opera singing at the Ljubljana Academy of Music, she devoted herself to studying female characters whose fate was shaped by pain. By embracing the stories of the opera protagonists, she formed an opus of arias. Doloroso – electro-opera is a comprehensive musical experience beyond the usual limits, where the grace of classical and opera singing merges with pop music.

 CONCERT OF SUMMER MUSIC SCHOOL VOCALISTS

At 7.00 pm, Slovenski trg Square, Free admission

Performing: Summer music school participants

The traditional concert will round up the week-long creation and work of the Summer Music School vocalists. The promising young singers will perform in solo and group songs, in which they will prove themselves with polyphonic singing. The performance will show the power of co-creation and cooperation between the young singers. We are looking forward to an evening full of good music and youthful energy.

VLADO KRESLIN, MALI BOGOVI & BELTINŠKA BANDA 

At 8.30 pm, Courtyard of the Minorite monastery: 18€, 20€, 25€

Performing:  Vlado Kreslin – vocals, guitar

Mali bogovi: Iztok Cergol – violin, Mileta Grujić – keyboards, Tonč Feinig – keyboards, Matej Sušnik – guitar, Luka Jerončič – bass guitar, double bass, Luka Ovsec – percussion instruments, Gašper Peršl – drums

Vlado Kreslin’s performances in various ensembles and with a wide range of guest musicians are a welcome regular at the Arsana Festival, and always enchanting. This year he will perform in the company of the Mali bogovi (Little Gods) and the musicians from his birthplace, Beltinci, Beltinška banda (Beltinci Gang) with whom he managed for a breakthrough of Slovenian folk/ethno music and the Prekmurje dialect which he brought closer to all generations with his personal touch. There are not many people in Slovenia who wouldn’t remember his first biggest hit “Od višine se zvrti” (Height Makes Your Head Spin), and the legendary song “Tista črna kitara” (That Black Guitar) which carry messages of timeless wisdom.

ASTRID-

At 9.00 pm, Bodi Coffee Shop, Price: 10€

Performing: Astrid Kljun – vocals, harp, Tomaž Zupančič – guitar

Astrid Kljun is a versatile artist with MA in opera singing, a harpist, lyricist, dancer, and visual artist. Domen Bohte is a bassist, producer, and arranger of a refined neo-soul project, which he has been co-creating with singer Martina since 2021. They will present material from Astrid’s upcoming album, with the addition of submitted songs from the winter season and a set of arrangements by well-known Slovenian authors.

A PIECE OF MAGIC

At 11.00 am, City Market, Free admission

Performing: Tina and Matjaž Kekec

Only a bit of magic is needed to transform the city into a real stage, full of music and street art. The technically sophisticated tricks, innovative approaches and an abundance of good are only a hint of the Arbadakarba circus performers will conjure in their interactive and didactic performance. 

OPEN KITCHEN

At 11.00 am till 9.00 pm, Town square

We will once again host the Open Kitchen at the town square, to enable the festival visitors to take a gourmet stroll through delicacies from various Slovenian regions and world cuisines.

SOUNDSKETCH (SLO, ESP)

At 8.00 pm, Hotel Mitra, Price: 12€ 

Performing: Katarina Samobor – vocals, Jordi Roviro – trumpet, Jure Pišek – guitar, Tjan Šoštarič – bass, Gaj Bostič – drums

The students of European music academies, known as the Fridas Jazz Quartet, will perform at the Arsana Festival with a fresh and expanded ensemble. They will present original music and carefully prepared interpretations of legendary jazz standards.

BIG BAND RTV SLOVENIJA WITH SOLOISTS 

At 9.00 pm, Courtyard of the Minorite monastery, Price: 18€, 20€, 25€

Performing: Big Band RTV Slovenika, Soloists Klemen Slakonja, Amaya, Eva Hren, Lado Leskovar

Conductor: Lojze Krajnčan

Big Band RTV Slovenija is one of the oldest bands of its kind in the world. It has been performing continuously since 1945. Bojan Adamič is most closely associated with the first period, conducted by the Radio Ljubljana Dance Orchestra (PORL) until the early 1960s. He was succeeded by Jože Privšek, who brought the ensemble into the highest quality class and consolidated its fame in the former Yugoslavia and beyond. According to Privšek, the Big Band RTV Slovenija was managed by Lojze Krajnčan, Petar Ugrin, Milko Lazar, Emil Spruk, Tadej Tomšič, Patrik Greblo and others. Under the guidance of Lojze Krajnčan, the excellent performers of all generations will lead us into a summer night imbued with Slovenian song and world’s greatest soul and jazz hits: Eva Hren, Maja Keuc, Klemen Slakonja and the legend of Slovenian pop songs – Lado Leskovar.

LITTLE CINEMA GARDEN: Sing 2 

At 10.00 am, Ptuj City Cinema, Price: 3€

Singing talents who are written in our memory with their exceptional voices are now returning to the big screen in an even bigger spectacle. Big hits and even bigger dreams await us, as Buster Moon the koala with his chosen team of singing talents, prepares to open his most dazzling and extravagant show to date. But there is one problem – they must first convince one of the world’s loneliest rock stars to join them.

MUSICAL YOGA

at 11.30 am, Ptuj City Cinema, Free admission

Performer: Eva Hrastar

After the film, there will be a creative workshop by Eva Hrastar, a yoga mentor and musical teacher, where children can test themselves in the performing role and learn how to prepare for a real performance in front of an audience. By relaxing, learning breathing techniques, singing and preparing a choreography, they will look into  their body and voice awareness, cultivate respect for each other and test themselves in group improvisation.

BALKAN FEVER (MAK, SRB, BUL): VLATKO STEFANOVSKI, MIROSLAV TADIĆ & THEODOSII SPASSOV

at 8.30 pm, Courtyard of the Minorite monastery, Price: 18€, 20€, 25€

Performing:  Vlatko Stefanovski – guitar, Miroslav Tadič – guitar, Theodosii Spassov – kaval

The BALKAN FEVER project is a collaboration of three world-renowned virtuosos. Macedonian guitarist Vlatko Stefanovski, Serbian guitarist Miroslav Tadić and Bulgarian cavalist Theodossi Spassov have woven an attractive musical composition, combining elements of jazz, rock, classical and folk music, performed on the world’s most prestigious stages, including the Royal Albert Hall in London, the Musikverein in Vienna and the Congress Square in Ljubljana. The concert will officially open the 14th Arsana International Music Festival.

WHEN THE SAINTS WERE VISITING, AND WHERE THEY PUT THE SALT 

At 5.00 pm, St. Peter and Paul Monastery Music School, Free admission

Performer: Liljana Klemenčič

Performing: Pupils of the private music school at the St. Peter and Paul Minorite Monastery   

Do you know which instrument is also called the little man’s piano?

HOW TO MAKE A RATTLE

At 6.00 pm, Courtyard of the Minorite monastery, Free admission

Performer: Eva Vilčnik

For seven years the members of the Snop society together with the visitors have been producing original musical instruments in a joyful atmosphere. If you have not yet joined us in creating drums, maracas, trumpets, beads and other interesting musical instruments, then this year you have the opportunity to create something completely new with us. Also all those we meet every year are warmly invited. The workshop will be adapted for preschool children and children of the first three elementary school years. Eva Barbara Vilčnik, a teacher and professor of music, will be at your service.

TADEJ TOŠ – Stand up Show

At 8.30 pm, Ptuj Castle Courtyard, Price: 18€

Tadej Toš is the ambassador of Arsana festival, of Ptuj and of good will, and therefore an indispensable part of Ptuj summer festival events. According to him, laughter, fun and socializing are key factors in the recovery and normalization of society. In his performances, the actor and stand-up comedian Tadej Toš mocks the seriousness of human reality, which is one of the ways to protect oneself against the insensitive automation and robotization of life.

JAN KUS & SLAVO RICAN ENSEMBLY feat VESNA PISAROVIĆ (SLO, HR, CUB, PR)

At 8.30 pm, Minorite Monastery Courtyard, Price: 12€, 15€

Performing: Vesna Pisarović (HR) – vocals; Jan Kus (SLO) – music management, composer/editor, tenor saxophone, soprano saxophone; Gabriel Vicéns (PR) – electric guitar; Arsenije Krstić – piano, keyboards; Dan Martínez (PR) – electric bass, acoustic bass; Fernando García (PR) – percussion instruments; Žan Tetičkovič (SLO) – drums

The main mission of the  Slavo Rican Assembly ensamble is an exploration of the similarities and differences between the music of the Puerto Rican and South Slavic traditions and combining them into a cohesive, unique, and attractive sound. The band wants to draw attention to the universality of human life beyond national, political and cultural borders, illuminating the possibility of creating new “tribal” connections, that are not based on blood, but rather on spiritual kinship.

Famous Croatian vocalist Vesna Pisarović will join the band for the first time on her Summer European tour. Vesna and Jan met while studying jazz music in The Hague, the Netherlands, where Vesna was studying jazz, training in improvisation and playing ethno music. For more than 10 years, the renowned pop vocalist has been actively developing her love for the more creative music genres, and her latest album entitled Petit Standard was published in 2019 by the German publishing house Jazzwerkstatt.

WHAT COLOUR IS MUSIC? (MUSICAL FAIRY TALES)

At 5.00 pm, Ivan Potrč Library, Free admission

Performer: Liljana Klemenčič

Performing: Students of the Karol Pahor Music School in Ptuj

“Did you know that the musician’s body is their primary instrument?

Is it more correct to say “aerophone”  or saxophone?”

FAIRYTALE BLOWER (CREATIVE WORKSHOP)

At 6.00 pm, Ivan Potrč Library, Free admission

Performer: Eva Hrastar

Tones of different heights and strengths can be invited from the instruments. On this creative workshop under the guidance of Eva Hrastar, musical teacher, the children will create fairytale wind instruments and explore different kinds of sound by playing them.

NOCTURNAL FOUR (SLO, ZDA, NL, ITA)

At 8.00 pm, Hotel Mitra, Price: 15€

Performing: Ratko Zjaca – guitar, Renato Chicco – organ, Stefano Bedetti – saxophone, Marco Frattini – drums

Zjača, Chicco, Bedetti and Frattini are internationally renowned jazz musicians. Their collaboration forms an unsurpassed combination of saxophone, guitar, organ and drums, leading to stunning results in sound discovery and arrangements imbued with rhythmic ideas, texture and spaciousness. The enthusiasm, passion, intensity and warmth of these artists can be experienced at every moment of their live performance, which represents the inspiring and enjoyable power of original compositions and standards.

PRIFARSKI MUZIKANTI with guests: Nuška Drašček & Anja Bukovec  

At 8.30 pm, Minorite Monastery Courtyard, Price: 12€, 15€, 18€

Performing: Martin Marinč, Mitja Ferenc, Valentin Južnič, Tonči Obranovič, Uroš Obranovič, Jernej Pečak, and Dejan Šuštar

Nuška Drašček – mezzo-soprano, Anja Bukovec – violin

PRIFARSKI MUZIKANTI come from Fara and have been performing on stage for 34 years. The seven-member group began their musical journey as an interpreter of folk songs from Kostel and the surrounding area, but today they do not hide from any musical genre. They perform everything from folk music, evergreen melodies, pop songs to many songs of other nations. Prifarski muzikanti band is led by Martin Marinč, and their most famous name is Mitja Ferenc, guitarist and singer.

NUŠKA DRAŠČEK is a soloist at the SNG Opera and Ballet of Ljubljana, who, in addition to opera and classical concert repertoire, also enjoys in other musical genres. At concerts, she performs Slovenian pop songs and folk songs, gospels, songs from musicals and the French chansons.

ANJA BUKOVEC is an internationally recognized and most successful classical violinist in Slovenia. She performs as a soloist in a variety of genres and makes an impression on audiences all over the world.  Anja Bukovec plays the violin of Katharina Abbuehl.

FRIED PIES QUINTET

At 10.00 pm, Slovenski trg Square, Free admission

Performing: Nuša Bezjak – vocals, Luka Gašparič – guitar, Sanja Kopše – saxophone, Tjan Šoštarič – double bass, Niko Kostanjevec – drums

“Fried Pies Quintet” is a fresh band from Ptuj, bringing together talented young musicians. The founding member is the Styrian guitarist Luka Gašparič, who is enthusiastic not only about classical, rock and blues music, but also about jazz and funk as well as the guitar giants such as Django Reinhardt and Wes Montgomery.

SHIP THAT SAILS BY SEA AND BY LAND / ITALIAN FOLK FAIRYTALE / MUSICAL FAIRY TALES

At 5.00 pm, Karol Pahor Ptuj Music School Hall, Free admission

Performer: Liljana Klemenčič
Performing: Students of the Karol Pahor Music School in Ptuj

“Can a piano player also be a pianist?

Is tomtom really a musical instrument or is it just a verbal noise?”

RAINBOWS, UNICORNS & LITTLE HOUSES (CREATIVE WORKSHOPS)

At 6.00 pm, Karol Pahor Ptuj Music School Hall, Free admission

Performer: Mojca Grula

When we decorate a room or some other corner of the home with beautiful objects that we have created ourselves, we feel even more at home and comfortable there. At this workshop, we will make interior decoration from cardboard. The motifs will be little houses, rainbows and magical unicorns, and we will decorate everything with colourful summer colours.

P’JAYS 

At 9.00 pm, Bodi coffee shop, Price: 15€

Performing: Tomaž Gajšt – trumpet, Vid Šketa – trumpet, Matej Kužel – alto saxophone, Lenart Krečič – tenor saxophone, Blaž Avsenik – keyboards, Mark Žakelj – electric guitar, Jošt Lampret – bass guitar, Gaj Bostič – drums

The P’Jays brings together the strongest representatives of the younger generation of musicians on the Slovenian jazz scene. Moving borders, mixing different musical genres, eclecticism and exceptional creativity are just some of the attributes to describe this extremely promising Slovenian collective. The first album Pijammies is a trophy of youthful and energetic fusion jazz and was followed by an album titled Raconteurs, a proper upgrade and expansion of horizons with the inclusion of a string quartet.

– “I still insist that P’Jays, a very young Ljubljana jazz, fusion and funk collective, are our best band! “Matjaž Ambrožič, 24UR.com.

VOCAL WORKSHOP WITH NEW YORK VOICES 

10.00 am – 9.00 pm, Karol Pahor Ptuj Music School Hall

Vocal master class is intended for students, high school students, professional musicians, vocal groups, professors and anyone who wants to improve and develop knowledge in jazz music performance.

Lauren Kinhan, Darmon Meader, Peter Eldridge and Kim Nazarian are the members of the NEW YORK VOICES vocal quartet and recipients of 2 Grammys. They will lecture on vocal technique, vocal jazz improvisation (scat), interpretation of jazz standards, group polyphonic singing and answer questions from participants.

The master class will be held in two parts. In the morning, there will be a group workshop from 9.00 am to 1.00 pm. In the afternoon, there will be individual lessons with NYV members available to all participants for passive participation.

THE NUMBER OF ACTIVE PARTICIPANTS IS LIMITED, SO HURRY UP WITH THE REGISTRATION!

KALIOPI & EDIN KARAMAZOV : OBLIVION (MAK, HR)

At 8.30 pm, Minorite Monastery Courtyard, Price: 18€, 20€, 25€

Performing: Kaliopi – vocals, Edin Karamazov – guitar, lute, Damjan Stanišić – guitar

OBLIVION is an exclusive musical project of the Balkan diva Kaliopi and one of the best lute players and guitarists in the world, Edin Karamazov. The most famous Macedonian pop-rock star Kaliopi and Edin Karamazov, who collaborated with the legendary Sting, Andreas Scholl and Stefan Milenković, will play music from different periods, cultures and traditions. They say Oblivion is a musical project that makes you dream with your eyes wide open. On this special occasion, they will be joined on stage by the famous guitarist Damjan Stanišić.

FREEKIND

At 9.00 pm, muziKafe Home of Culture, Price: 15€

Performing: Sara Ester Gerdelj – vocals, piano, Nina Korošak Serčič – drums

Freekind writes a new chapter of regional neo-soul, standing out considerably from the average. The ensemble is composed of Croatian pianist and vocalist Sara Ester Gerdelj and Slovenian drummer Nina Korošak Serčič and is fuelled by the creative philosophy of “be free, be kind”. Their cogent lyrics with strong messages come to life on the wings of the rhythms and melodies of soul, R&B and jazz.

HGS

At 8.00 pm, Slovenski trg Square, Admission free

Performing: Teja Ovčar, Pia Krajnc, Neža Angel, Zaja Postružnik

The HGS vocal quartet consists of four excellent singers who want to diversify the youth music scene with their originality and wit. Teja Ovčar, Pia Krajnc, Neža Angel and Zaja Postružnik, winners of international singing competitions, interpret well-known popular songs and create original music in their youthful way.

NEW YORK VOICES feat VOX ARSANA

At 8.30 pm, Minorite Monastery Courtyard, Price: 18€, 20€, 25€

Performing: NY VOICES: Kim Nazarian, Lauren Kinhan, Darmon Meader, Peter Eldrige, VOX ARSANA: Barbara Grabar, Ana Delin, Samo Ivačič, Mladen Delin

New York Voices, a two-time Grammy-winning vocal quartet, is renowned for its excellence in jazz and the art of polyphonic singing. The album “Reminiscing In Tempo” celebrated their 30th anniversary. “The flawless vocal interpretations justify the reputation of the most exciting vocal ensemble on the planet. Gathering of such unique voices in one group is extremely rare, and their masterful intertwining of colours is unique…” are the words of BOSTON HERALD. Since their beginnings, they have released as many as 14 albums and performed on the world’s most prestigious stages, such as Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Kennedy Center and the famous The Blue Note. They have collaborated with big names from the world of music: Manhattan Transfer, Ivan Lins, George Benson, Count Basie Orchestra, Paquito d’Rivera, WDR Big Band, etc. They are ambassadors of the Arsana Festival and great friends of Ptuj, with which they have been connected already since 2014 when they visited our ancient city for the first time and placed it on the world map of music.

This time they will be joined on stage by the group VOX ARSANA, with which they will present new interpretations written only for this occasion. You are invited to the vocal climax of the summer of 2022.

A BIRDLAND: STHENGE

At 10.00 pm, Bodi coffee shop, Free admission

Performing: Nejc Rac – vocals, guitar, Vane Skubic – vocals, guitar, Jernej Fortuna – vocals, keyboards, Luka Petrovčič – drums, Martin Gantar – bass guitar

Birdland are a bassist-friendly band from Logatec. Since 2019, Nejc, Vane, Martin, Luka and Jernej have been playing mostly soft rock, which is distinguished by Slovenian lyrics, (too)long guitar solos with a vintage touch.

MAGIC BLUES – MAGIC BOOK (INTERACTIVE THEATER PERFORMANCE)

At 11.00 am, Ivan Potrč Library, Free admission

Production: Magic Blues / Gamayuna Institute, Performers: Alja Bulič, Sabell-Christina Fabian, Inti Šraj 

The Magic Book is a play about seeking for lost joy. When a mysterious mist descended on the magical city of Flame, everyone fell fast asleep and the witch named Dragon’s Feather missed the dragon flower, which blooms only one night every 300 years. She was so disappointed that her joy vanished into the unknown, and the witches named Frog Tooth and Night Dawn helped her look for it. They carry with them a giant magic book in which spells, potion recipes, and other secrets are written.

Sound image: Januš Aleš Luznar

SIDDHARTA acoustic & JOKER OUT

At 8.30 pm, City market, Price: 20€, 25€, 30€

The legendary Siddharta reigning on the musical stages for more than a quarter of a century, and the young music group Joker Out will conjure up an epic conclusion to the summer events at the new venue of the City market. After more than twenty-five years of musical creation, Siddharta has the position of one of the leading and most popular music bands in Slovenia and Europe. The rich repertoire of their greatest hits will be performed a little more intimately, in an acoustic skin.

The Joker Out, their creativity and striking shagadelic rock & roll as well as the aesthetically sophisticated videos, is breaking new ground in the world of band music and is considered to be the hottest band at the moment. After a year and a half of waiting, in October last year they played a concert in Ljubljana’s Cvetličarna for two nights in a row and presented their long-awaited debut Dirty Thoughts.

MUSIC IN THE PARK

7.00 pm, Sunny Park, Price: 15€, 12€ (students)

SOLOISTS of the singing department of the Karol Pahor Music School in Ptuj in collaboration with the Department of Popular Music and Jazz.

Performing: Nina Horvat, Kaja Maroh, Eva Tilli, Lina Vaupotič, Jure Kekec, Kristijan Jurič, Stane Hebar – guitar, Samo Ivačič – piano, Luka Herman Gaiser – bass, Jože Zadravec – drums

The singing department of the Karol Pahor Music School has been headed for 20 years by Samo Ivačič, an academic musician and professor. In each student, he tries to find what best suits his natural singing voice, talent and, of course, personality. At the concert, we will be able to hear an extremely diverse program, from jazz, pop, blues to rock music. The singers will perform in the company of the school teachers who are active musicians and perform in a variety of projects.

WCKD NATION

at.8.30 pm

Wckd Nation explores new forms and sounds of jazz pop and combines it with modern forms of soul, experimental R&B and a guitar background that draws inspiration from the sound of funk of the 1970s. The radio stations and music enthusiasts quickly labeled them one of the most exciting young domestic bands. In their first year, they went on tour in the Baltics, were nominated for the HEMI Music Awards and became the winners of the Golden Flute in the Newcomers of 2020 category.

MRFY

at.10.00 pm

MRFY is a fourfold band from Novo mesto creating indie rock music. In 2018, they released their debut at SonicTribe entitled Story. The album was well received by the audience, and the group released a total of nine singles and videos, which were supported by numerous performances throughout Slovenia.. The band regularly collaborates with experienced music producer Žare Pak, and their hits on the online platform Youtube are racing towards 200,000 views. A loyal fan base was recently honored with a happy go lucky single Prjatučki (Little Friends), which became a hit last fall. Later this year, a third single is expected to announce a second album with the title Use, and you will be able to hear it for the first time on the stage of the Kino Šiška Cathedral.