The Harlem Gospel Choir, better known as the Harlem Gospel Choir, is a renowned gospel choir from Harlem, New York. It was founded in 1986 and has become one of the most famous gospel choirs in the world. The choir is composed of talented vocalists and musicians who perform energetic and inspirational gospel music, blending traditional gospel elements with contemporary musical approaches. The Harlem Gospel Choir is known for its dynamic concerts and performances worldwide, often featuring songs by famous artists such as Whitney Houston. Throughout the decades, they have enthralled audiences worldwide with their music and messages, spreading love and hope through the power of gospel music.
 

Souad Massi, lead vocals, guitar; Malik Kerrouche, guitar; Guy Nsangue, bass; Maamoun Dehane, drums; Mokrane Adlani, violin

Slovenian audiences have encountered Algerian music mainly through big celebrities who keep alive the tradition of folk music known as rai, including Khaled, Cheb Mami and Rachid Taha. Among the female artists, only the player of traditional desert tunes Hasna El Becharia performed live in Slovenia, while the urban folk tradition of singer-songwriters was largely omitted. And if the late Idir was the biggest name among male performers, Souad Massi qualifies as the best-known Algerian female artist.

Massi was born in Algiers, to a poor family of seven children. She began studying music at a young age, singing and playing guitar.  In the early 1990s, Massi joined the Algerian political rock band Atakor. Because of the band's political lyrics, Massi became the target of a series of death threats. In 1999, she left the band and moved to Paris, where she soon attracted widespread attention and landed a recording contract with Island Records. In 2001, she released her solo debut album Raoui, which became a critical and commercial success in France, and raised Massi’s international visibility. Eight more albums followed. She again rose to international stardom with her most recent release, Sequana (2022). Her burgeoning reputation resulted in invitations to perform in prominent venues; this coming October, Messi is thus playing Philharmonie Köln. The album has won widespread critical praise, both from international music magazines and daily newspapers (“an outstanding return to form” The Guardian).

Still considered as the most beautiful female voice of North Africa, Souad Massi's songs, driven by a strong belief in freedom and justice, convey messages of love, altruism, and bravery, while also advocating for tolerance and understanding. Known as Tracy Chapman of Maghreb, Massi also embodies the charisma of Jane Birkin. And if she were born in Slovenia's Prekmurje region, she would be seen as the female counterpart of Vlado Kreslin.
 

Maja Rivić, Marta Kolega, Dunja Bahtijarević, vocals; Nika Bauman, flute; Jelena Ilčić, oboe; Marko Lucijan Hraščanec, alto, soprano saxophones; Vojkan Jocić, tenor saxophone; Marko Gudelj, baritone saxophone; Leo Beslać, synths, keyboards, flute, recorder; Zvonimir Bajević, Valdemar Kušan, trumpets; Matija Mlakar, trombone; Jurica Rukljić, valve trombone, tuba, electronics; Joe Kaplowitz, tuba; Josip Šustić – electric & classical guitar; Viktor Slamnig, electric bass; Nenad Kovačić; Mario Petrinjak, drums; Mateo Patekar, sound design, electronics; Mak Murtić, conductor, composer

Maja Rivić, Marta Kolega, Dunja Bahtijarević, vocals; Nika Bauman, flute; Jelena Ilčić, oboe; Marko Lucijan Hraščanec, alto, soprano saxophones; Vojkan Jocić, tenor saxophone; Marko Gudelj, baritone saxophone; Leo Beslać, synths, keyboards, flute, recorder; Zvonimir Bajević, Valdemar Kušan, trumpets; Matija Mlakar, trombone; Jurica Rukljić, valve trombone, tuba, electroAfter captivating the audiences six years ago at Kino Šiška (performing at a concert to mark Radio Študent’s anniversary), Mimika Orchestra is returning to Ljubljana to play an even larger venue. And deservedly so, as Mimika is one of those rare ensembles with a highly original musical concept, combining traditional music with contemporary jazz techniques and superb orchestration, with original compositions and a show that delivers an ecstasy of rhythms and emotions.

Mimika Orchestra was formed in London in 2010 by multi-instrumentalist/composer Mak Murtić and vocalist Maja Rivić. Former members of the band include some of London's highly prominent musicians, including Nubya Garcia, Jamie Benzies, Tila Gichigi Lipera and Theon Cross. Today, Mimika's line-up consists of some of the region's most notable musicians in jazz and other styles. With their new album, this world jazz crossover orchestra takes you on a journey into the lost soul of the Mediterranean, and “old Slavic rituals”.

In the words of the composer Mak Murtić, their last album, Altur Mur (2022), is “a vision of a non-existent place in the Mediterranean, where cultural and personal reinventions overlap”. For the lyricist Marta Kolega, “the creation of the texts and lyrics for the album was a journey across the islands of the Adriatic sea, their atmospheres, the way people interact, the languages, the lifestyles and the worldviews of their inhabitants, a story about a lost soul that echoes that of the Odysseus.”

At a concert that promises to be a feast for the eyes and ears, the orchestra will premiere new material as well as older compositions. 
 

Cristina Branco, voice; Bernardo Couto, portugal guitar; Luís Figueiredo, piano; Bernardo Moreira, bass

Cristina Branco is a critically acclaimed Portuguese fado artist who has mesmerized audiences worldwide with her soulful voice and profound musicality. With a career spanning over two decades, Branco has released numerous successful albums, captivating listeners with her unique interpretations of traditional fado and her exploration of contemporary musical expressions. Recognized for her exceptional artistry, Branco has garnered international acclaim and established herself as a leading figure in the world of fado.

In her highly anticipated 18th album of originals ‘Mãe’ (‘mother’), Cristina Branco delivers a poignant homage to this emblematic musical genre deeply ingrained in Portuguese culture. "Mãe" represents a breathtaking musical masterpiece, where Branco lends her distinctive and expressive voice to a diverse array of renowned composers, as is her artistic tradition. This extraordinary album invites audiences on an immersive journey of rediscovery and reinvention of fado, delving into its profound emotional depths and delicate nuances.

Mãe" comes alive on stage with Branco and her dedicated trio of musicians. Bernardo Couto on the Portuguese guitar, Luís Figueiredo on the piano, and Bernardo Moreira on the double bass infuse this musical masterpiece with vibrant energy, creating an immersive sonic journey.

Tartini String Quartet 
Miran Kolbl, violin; Romeo Drucker, violin; Aleksandar Milošev, viola; Miloš Mlejnik, cello
 

Programme:
André Caplet, Conte Fantastique pour harpe et quatuor a cordes
Marius Constant, Harpalycé 
Louis-Claude Daquin (transcription: Henriette Renié), Le Coucou
Franz Liszt (transcription: Henriette Renié), Le rossignol
Mili Balakirev (transcription: Mikhail Glinka), The Lark
Henriette Renié, Légende  
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Paul Hindemith, Sonata for Harp 
Gabriel Fauré, Une châtelaine en sa tour, Op.110
Marcel Tournier, Vers la source dans le bois
Claude Debussy, Danse sacrée et danse profane
 

Emmanuel Ceysson, winner of some of the world’s most prestigious competitions (USA International Harp Competition, ARD competition in Munich, etc.), a former principal harp at Opéra National de Paris, and the legendary New York MET Opera Orchestra, is the new Los Angeles Philharmonic principal harpist. Emmanuel Ceysson is a leading exponent of the harp, sweeping away all the clichés associated with his instrument as an angelical but marginal orchestra instrument: His infectious enthusiasm reveals the harp in all its sparkling splendour, as an expressive vehicle for a broad spectrum of emotions and colours.

The versatile virtuoso will be accompanied by the Tartini String Quartet (Godalni kvartet Tartini), Slovenia’s first truly representative ensemble of its kind that is celebrating its fortieth anniversary in 2023. The stylistically varied and carefully chosen programme navigates a less familiar musical terrain, luxuriating and losing itself in contemplation of nature with a view to finding a way into the light. 
 

One of the best actors in former Yugoslavia, a world-class performer enjoying legendary status, a director, poet and musician Rade Šerbedžija and his band Zapadni kolodvor are making a return visit to Ljubljana’s Gallus Hall this November, playing a concert titled Eto pjesma (Here’s a Song) and featuring the legendary Istrian musician Livio Morosin.

In addition to his greatest hits, Ne daj se Ines, Imam pjesmu za tebe, Barbara…, Rade will perform songs from his latest album Ne okreći se sine, made in collaboration with some of the leading figures in the Balkan music scene, including Husein Hus Hasanefendić, Damir Urban, Miroslav Tadić, Gabi Novak, Matija Dedić and many others. 

“These are songs about love, friendship, and emotions,” says Šerbedžija. 

Programme: 
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Piano Sonata No. 12 in F Major, KV 332
Tilen Slakan: New work
Igor Stravinsky: Three Movements from Petrushka 
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Salvatore Sciarrino: Notturno No. 3
Franz Liszt: Sonata in B minor, S. 178

Pianist Urban Stanič is the winner of the Slovenian selection for the 2014 Eurovision Young Musicians competition, and the runner-up at the final contest in Cologne. Winner of many other national and international competitions, Stanič has performed as a soloist with some of the most prominent Slovenian orchestras, including the Slovenian Philharmonic Orchestra and the RTV Slovenia Symphony Orchestra. In addition to pursuing an artistic career, he is studying in the class of Prof. Stefan Vladar at the mdw University for Music and Performing Arts Vienna. He is a teaching fellow at the Academy of Music of the University of Ljubljana.
 

The Ukrainian National Folk Dance Ensemble Virsky is notable for its innovative approach to the art form. Virsky's aim is to create shows that embrace historical Ukrainian dance traditions as well as showcase dances that are innovative and progressive.

Their dance spectacles feature elements from different regions of Ukraine, exploring the various styles and traditions of folk dance. The ensemble's repertoire spans a wide gamut of dance styles, from energetic dances of the Cossacks to lyrical and sweet-toned dance numbers. Their choreographies often combine intricate footwork, acrobatic elements and coordinated group formations, performing visually stunning and dynamic dance steps on stage.

The company that Pavel (now called Pavlo) Virsky founded in Kiev in 1937 with Mikola Bolotov is made up of professional dancers with а great deal of ballet training. Any dance lover will appreciate the eye-opening level of technique that has remained undiminished since the 1970s. Vigour and power go hand in hand with amazing lightness.

The Virsky Ensemble has toured countless countries and participated in prestigious dance festivals and competitions around the world. They have performed in more than 87 countries, including Europe, the US, Mexico, Canada, Venezuela, Brazil and Cuba, Vietnam, India, China and Japan (which they have recently toured).

The Ukrainian National Folk Dance Ensemble Virsky’s Slovenian tour is represented by ARTentainment, a promoter that has already showcased the Ukrainian Classical Ballet and Georgian National Ballet Sukhishvili at Cankarjev dom. The sold-out shows received standing ovations.

Soloist: Christian Li, violin

Programme

TCHAIKOVSKY: Violin Concerto

MAHLER: Symphony No. 9

Following a programme dedicated to the anniversary of Programme Ars and dominated by works by Slovenian composers, we rediscover the beauty of some of the most popular works of European orchestral music from its golden age – the Romantic era.
The life and work of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky were strongly influenced by his thirteen-year friendship (1877–1890) with the wealthy landowner and benefactor Nadezhda von Meck. As well as providing the composer with friendship, she also supported him materially, which enabled him to devote himself entirely to music. In 1878, Tchaikovsky created some of his most original works, which continue to be immensely popular today: the opera Eugene Onegin, the Fourth Symphony and his only Violin Concerto, which still occupies an esteemed place in the violin repertoire. On this occasion, the concerto’s solo part will be interpreted by the young Australian virtuoso of Chinese descent, Christian Li, who was born in 2007. At just ten years of age, Li became the youngest winner in the history of the Yehudi Menuhin International Competition for Young Violinists. He also became the youngest musician ever to be signed by the record label Decca Classics when he released his first single in 2020 at the age of twelve. Christian Li studies at the Australian National Academy of Music in Melbourne.
The Ninth Symphony is the last completed symphony in the oeuvre of Gustav Mahler, the great symphonist and conductor of late Romanticism. He created it two years before his death, shortly after his daughter passed away and after the onset of his fatal illness, at a time when he was increasingly consumed by the idea of transience. Some observers interpret Mahler’s Ninth Symphony as the composer’s conscious farewell to life, although the last two years of his life were marked by extraordinary creativity and numerous successes. Whatever the case may be, the Ninth Symphony is certainly one of the most multifaceted, colourful and substantial works in the symphonic repertoire, which still today provides orchestras and conductors with an opportunity to show off their performance skills. Our orchestra will be guided through the challenges of the Tchaikovsky concerto and the great Mahler symphony by the superb Bulgarian oboist and conductor Rossen Milanov, in his fifth season as our chief conductor.