Ljubljana, 23 June - The Slovenian Youth Orchestra (SMO) under the artistic direction of Živa Ploj Peršuh is reviving this year with the support by the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs (MZEZ) and in cooperation with international partners, the legendary musical Peace Child. After 40 years, the musical will once again unite young artists with a message of peace, cooperation, and intercultural dialogue.

As Nataša Kos, Head of the Cultural and Scientific Diplomacy Sector at the Ministry, pointed out at today's press conference, this year marks two important anniversaries – 80 years since the end of World War II and 80 years since the founding of the United Nations (UN), both reminding us of values that must be preserved.

The Ministry felt there was no more authentic way to commemorate this than through the voices of young people and culture. Moreover, as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, Slovenia has a duty to highlight these values. According to her, the project is a concrete expression of Slovenia’s commitment to fulfilling its obligations as a member of the international community. It also demonstrates how culture and diplomacy go hand in hand.

According to Živa Ploj Peršuh, the artistic director of SMO, the project spreads a message of peace and tolerance and extends a welcome to many from conflict zones who are in distress.

Peace Child, which is part of the broader international campaign SIT DOWN, looks to the future and presents a vision of life, freedom, and a selfless world without weapons and conflict. It calls for peace. Through this musical, young people will become acquainted with the UN and its work, and will use music to express that Slovenia is a country where culture is the most valuable currency. The musical includes text, music, choral elements, and narration.

Participants come from various countries – Romania, the United Kingdom, Turkey, Italy, Hungary, Japan, Spain, Slovakia, Germany, the USA, and Iceland. They aim to support the participation of young people from conflict areas and are expecting young Ukrainian musicians again this year. Efforts are also being made to include a children’s choir from Palestine.

The project, involving more than 200 young artists, is also being developed in collaboration with the Peace Child International and the Cultural Institution ART BSA. David Woollcombe, President of Peace Child International, emphasized the important role of culture in building peace, as artists and children often have access to places diplomats cannot reach, and can say things that diplomats cannot.

He also noted that the musical aims to project a vision of the world. When the musical was first performed, there was a belief that by 2025 the world would be one of peace and sustainable development. Today’s reality is different. He stressed that peace requires constant effort—something the participants will come to understand.

Tamara Zajec Balažič, Acting Director of the Spirit Slovenija Agency, said that as part of the project, three business events will be organised: a business forum on 23 August in Ljubljana, a digital transmission of the business forum at Expo 2025 on 24 August, and another forum in Vienna on 23 October.

The project will take place from 14 to 23 August at Brdo pri Kranju and in Ljubljana. The final concert will be held on 23 August at Križanke as part of the Ljubljana Festival, 23 October, the eve of UN Day, the musical will be performed at the Wiener Konzerthaus.

Source: summarised by sta.si