17. festival Arsana
SVETOVNA GLASBENA DOŽIVETJA
14. 6.–29. 8. 2025 | Ptuj, Slovenija
Foto: Albin Bezjak
Over sixteen years, the Arsana International Music Festival has presented more than 1,100 events, welcomed 11,000 internationally acclaimed artists, attracted half a million 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 16th season of the festival will showcase 400 local and foreign artists representing classical, jazz, ethno, world, rock, and popular music genres through over 50 captivating events at the splendid locations of Ptuj’s historic city between 14 June and 29 August. The festival also caters to a younger audience, offers children’s activities, and a vibrant accompanying program.
OPERA NIGHT ON PANORAMA HILL
An introduction to the festival summer which has been attracting a record number of visitors from both near and far for several years. Beneath the stars and surrounded by the picturesque scenery of the Ptuj Castle, attendees will have the opportunity to listen to renowned works from the opera’s rich repertoire, performed by the SNG Maribor Symphony Orchestra, Opera Choir, and soloists.
FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS
GIBONNI
Gibonni stands out as a symbol of outstanding quality and extraordinary musical accomplishments. For over 25 years, he has masterfully fused rock, pop, and Dalmatian ethno music. His impressive collection of 30 Porin awards, the highest honour in Croatian music, speaks to his talent. Each of his concerts transforms into an emotionally charged experience, captivating audiences time and again.
GALA VEČER SLOVENSKE POPEVKE
One of the highlights of the year is the Gala Evening of Slovenian Evergreens, a celebration of the most cherished songs from the vast collection of Slovenian popular music. This special night features esteemed Slovenian artists, accompanied by the RTV Slovenia Symphony Orchestra and the Big Band under the direction of Patrik Greblo, promising an enchanting evening filled with timeless melodies
AKADEMSKA FOLKLORNA SKUPINA FRANCE MAROLT: ZGODBE V KORAKU
The France Marolt Academic Folklore Group stands as one of Slovenia’s longest-established and most esteemed folklore ensembles, passionately committed to the preservation and revival of folk traditions for an impressive seventy-seven years. Their program, Stories in Step, presents enchanting tales from across various Slovenian regions.
VLADO KRESLIN, MALI BOGOVI & LEOPOLD I. IN DRÜGI
For more than fifty years, Vlado Kreslin has been a cornerstone of the Slovenian music landscape, enchanting audiences with his timeless melodies and authentic interpretations of folk music from the Prekmurje region. His distinctive sound, which artfully merges rock and folk with a deep-rooted connection to his homeland, has made him a vital cultural icon.
On the rise in the Slovenian music scene, Leopold I. stands out among the younger generation of artists. Known for his sharp social commentary and clever lyrics, his performances are amplified by his Gornja Radgona accent, adding a unique flavour to his music.
MAKSIM MRVICA (HRV)
Piano virtuoso Maksim Mrvica is one of the most successful crossover pianists in the world.
In Ptuj, he will perform as part of his SEGMENTI World Tour, accompanied by a 10-piece ensemble. The album of the same name features iconic compositions by ABBA and Queen, alongside timeless classics by F. Chopin, P. I. Tchaikovsky, and S. Prokofiev. He will also perform some of the biggest movie hits, including Exodus, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Game of Thrones.
VEČER FADO GLASBE: CUSTÓDIO CASTELO & ANA PAULA GONÇALVES (PRT), TEO COLLORI & MOMENTO CIGANO (SVN)
The passionate spirit of Portuguese fado will be brought to life by Custódio Castelo, one of the greatest masters of the Portuguese guitar and head of the world’s only university dedicated to fado in Lisbon. He will be joined by the expressive voice of Ana Paula Gonçalves. In the second part of the evening, the lively rhythms of gypsy swing will take the stage, as Teo Collori and Momento Cigano return to once again captivate Arsana audiences.
AMIRA MEDUNJANIN QUARTET (BIH)
Amira Medunjanin is a renowned singer, humanitarian, and global ambassador for the culture and music of her native Bosnia and Herzegovina. She has been described as one of the great voices of her generation by The Observer, possessing a captivating sound that blends Eastern and Western influences.
TADEJ TOŠ – STAND UP SHOW
Tadej Toš is an actor and stand-up comedian who captivates audiences across Slovenia with his candid and humorous approach. His performances are filled with heartfelt and amusing stories.
ValoVIBE: FED HORSES, KOKOSY, ALO!STARI
ValoVIBE is a movement, an explosion of energy and creativity from the new wave of Slovenian music. It brings a fresh, youthful pulse that will delight music lovers and those seeking inspiring experiences. The term “wave” (or “val”) symbolizes movement and dynamics—a flow of creativity that expands and excites—while the term “vibe” represents energy and feeling, creating a relaxed and youthful atmosphere that connects and nurtures the creative spirit. This year’s inaugural edition will feature performances by Fed Horses, Kokosy, and Alo!Stari.
MAGNIFICO
Magnifico is a versatile composer and musician who transcends established musical frameworks. With his unique musical style, he has made a significant impact, breaking many stereotypes and becoming one of the most recognizable performers in the former Yugoslavia and beyond.
ORKESTER SLOVENSKE FILHARMONIJE
The Slovenian Philharmonic Orchestra brings together top domestic and international musicians and performs at prestigious music festivals around the world. On this occasion, the orchestra will be conducted by Davorin Mori, one of Slovenia’s most accomplished younger-generation conductors. It will also feature performances by winners of multiple international competitions Marta Sesar (flute) and Manja Slak (violin).
SIDDHARTA (akustično)
Siddharta, one of the most influential, powerful, and beloved bands in Slovenia, is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2025. It is a phenomenon that blends rock and roll with authentic musical expression, sonic and visual creativity, and spectacle. At the upcoming 17th Arsana Festival, Siddharta will showcase their music in an acoustic version.
SILENCE
Duo Silence is one of Slovenia’s most original musical formations, comprising Primož Hladnik and Boris Benko. They have released five studio albums and composed music for more than seventy theater, puppet, and dance performances, leaving a notable mark on contemporary performing arts. Duo Silence’s artistic journey is closely linked with the legendary Laibach.
DENISE DANTAS QUINTET (BRA, SVN, ITA)
Brazilian singer Denise Dantas is recognized for her talent in blending Brazilian musical genres with world music. Her accompanying musicians come from diverse cultural and musical backgrounds, which enriches her performances. This multicultural approach allows Denise to explore a wide range of sounds, from Brazilian popular music (MPB) infused with jazz nuances to international folk music.
FAKE ORCHESTRA
Fake Orchestra is a musical collective that brings together top Slovenian musicians to explore various styles of popular music. The band will showcase a fusion of ethno-jazz, funk, and drum and bass at this concert.
MOJCA BITENC
Soprano Mojca Bitenc, currently a soloist of the SNG Opera and Ballet Ljubljana, is one of the most esteemed Slovenian opera singers. Accompanied by pianist Simon Dvoršak, she will perform excerpts from famous opera works by G. Puccini, R. Wagner, R. Simoniti and others.
MUSIC IN THE CITY
Music in the city remains a welcome and regular feature of the festival program. Under this section, two events will take place in Ptuj: Panorama High School Night and Infinitus (a choir and orchestra of Ptuj’s youth). In guest performances in Ljubljana, Roland Abreu Trilogy (Cuba, Croatia/Netherlands, Slovenia) and Romano Drum (Hungary) will perform.
CLASSICAL MASTERS
The classical cycle of the festival partly takes place outside the main festival period and partly within the main festival program (featuring Mojca Bitenc), in the ceremonial hall of Ptuj Castle.
STAGE OF THE YOUTH
The Youth Stage has, for several years now, provided a platform for young and high-quality performers. At the free events, held at the MKC Stara steklarska and Hotel Mitra, performers will include the vocalists from the Summer Vocal School, Kéquetz, Stanovnik Trio, EVA, Pižoni, Instinkt, Teja Ovčar Trio, and Od5 Quartet.
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.
ACCOMPANYING PROGRAM
The festival offers a rich supporting program, which includes the Summer Museum Night, a hip-hop workshop for children, a storytelling evening for adults, culinary events (Open Kitchen Street Food Market), and festival after-parties with DJs at Kavarna Bodi.
Program details are available at www.festivalarsana.com. For additional information, you can reach us at 05 995 50 41 (between 9 AM and 5 PM) or via email at info@arsana.si.
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