Slovene Octet launching Plečnik & A-cappella project
Ljubljana, 11 September - The Slovene Octet, a group founded at the initiative of Slovenian immigrants living in the US, will give a concert at the Ljubljana National and University Library on Friday evening. The concert will lift the curtain on Plečnik & A-cappella, a series of events dedicated to architect Jože Plečnik (1872-1957) and vocal music.
Ljubljana
St. Michael's church by renowned architect Jože Plečnik.
Photo: Daniel Novakovič/STA
Fusing music and architecture, the project will bring five concerts of acclaimed a cappella groups to five Plečnik's sites in the capital until 8 October, said the organisers, who wish to attract people to visit less famous works of the esteemed architect.
The Slovene Octet, led by baritone Jože Vidic, will be the first group to perform, presenting their take on the works of composers whose likings have been captured in busts created by Plečnik in the 1930s and displayed in Vegova Street.
The octet was established in 1951 and is deemed the most famous Slovenian all-men vocal chamber music group.
On 17 September, a concert by singer Nuška Drašček and Bee Geesus, the first Slovenian gospel group, will be held at the Parish church of St Cyril and Methodius in the Bežigrad area of Ljubljana.
Group Jazzva, led by Jasna Žitnik, will follow a week later, performing their blend of pop, rock, jazz and folk songs in the garden in front of the Plečnik House.
On 1 October, the Church of St Francis of Assisi in the Šiška borough in the capital will see a performance by chamber group KGBL, which is led by composer and conductor Ambrož Čopi and explores chamber music from the Renaissance to present times.
Ingenium Ensemble, conducted by Blaž Strmole, will wrap up the series of events by staging a concert in Plečnik's Church of St Michael in the Ljubljana Marshes on 8 October. The group focuses on classical chamber as well as contemporary works.
All the setlists of the performers have been inspired by the venues. The events will serve as a prelude to Europa Cantat 2021, an international choral festival held in Ljubljana next year, said the organisers.