An Exceptional Concert at the Romanian Athenaeum: Slovenian Youth Orchestra

On 7 August 2024 at 19:30, the Romanian Athenaeum will host the Slovenian Youth Orchestra (SMO), under the baton of the talented conductor Živa Ploj Peršuh, with violinist Rok Zaletel Černoš as soloist. Founded in 2019, SMO brings together young Slovenian musicians and offers a complete experience of professional musical life. The programme includes works by Johannes Brahms, Ludwig van Beethoven and P. I. Tchaikovsky.

Slovenian Youth Orchestra

The Slovenian Youth Orchestra (SMO) was founded in 2019 as a unique project in Slovenia, combining cooperation, enthusiasm and a clear vision for the future. It gives the country's most promising musicians, aged 16 to 26, the opportunity to achieve the highest results while building musical, cultural and social bridges with determination, courage and will.

The orchestra's projects bridge the gap between formal education, focused on technique and theory, and the realities of the music profession. SMO is the only project of its kind in Slovenia that offers young musicians a complete experience of professional life: from auditions and project selection to rehearsals and performing on the most prestigious stages. It brings together Slovenian musicians, both those who have trained and work in Slovenia and those who have trained and work abroad.

International opportunities and successes

Every year new members are invited to join the orchestra, taking part in residencies of several days alongside top professional musicians. These exceptional young people prepare a programme which they then present in concerts, while also acting as dynamic musical ambassadors. Since its founding, national and international collaborations have shown that SMO is on the right track. In June 2022 the orchestra was accepted as a full member of the European Federation of National Youth Orchestras (EFNYO), marking an important step in the recognition of Slovenian musical excellence at European level.

The orchestra's artistic committee includes renowned figures: Prof. Janez Podlesek, Prof. Maja Marija Rome, Prof. Gal Faganel and the conductor and artistic director Živa Ploj Peršuh. Under their leadership, the Slovenian Youth Orchestra has quickly built a solid reputation, becoming a trusted partner in local and European projects and establishing itself as a leading cultural representative of Slovenia.

The programme for the evening of 7 August

The programme of the concert on 7 August 2024 promises to be varied and captivating, including landmark works from the classical repertoire:

• Johannes Brahms – Variations on a Theme by Haydn, Op. 56: A work full of elegance and complexity that will open the evening on a refined note.
• Slavko Osterc – Religioso: A profound and evocative piece, adding an element of introspection and solemnity to the evening.
• Ludwig van Beethoven – Symphony No. 3 in E flat major, Op. 55, “Eroica”: One of the most revolutionary and influential symphonies of all time, the “Eroica” will close the concert on a triumphant and profound note.
• P. I. Tchaikovsky – Violin Concerto in D major, Op. 35: The soloist Rok Zaletel Černoš will bring this virtuosic and moving concerto to life, showcasing his technical mastery and expressiveness.

An event not to be missed

This concert is a unique opportunity to discover the talent and passion of young Slovenian musicians in a prestigious setting. Don't miss the chance to enjoy the remarkable performances of the Slovenian Youth Orchestra, in a programme that promises to take you through a wide range of emotions and soundscapes. We look forward to welcoming you to the Romanian Athenaeum for an unforgettable musical evening!