Musikverein is considered one of the most prestigious and symbolic venues for classical music in the world, which is traditionally reserved for the greatest – from Brahms to Muti – and now also for a Slovenian conductor whose artistic work has transcended borders for over two decades.
Živa Ploj Peršuh performed as part of the Wiener Konzertverein and Salieri 250concert series, in which Riccardo Muti also conducted this season. The programme featured works by Antonio Salieri, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Franz Xaver Süssmayer and the world premiere of a piece by contemporary Czech composer Tomáš Ille, written specifically for this occasion.
The soloist of the concert was Sebastian Breit, principal oboist of the Vienna Philharmonic.
With this exceptional performance, Živa Ploj Peršuh was was officially invited to sign the Golden Book of the Musikverein – an honour reserved exclusively for conductors performing with the resident orchestras of this prestigious venue. This is not only a personal achievement but also a symbolic milestone, signifying the breakthrough of Slovenian musical excellence to the highest level of European concert artistry..
The invitation was the result of a long-standing dialogue and trust, which began in 2022 when the artistic director of the Wiener Concert-Verein visited Ljubljana and was impressed by a concert of the Slovenian Youth Orchestra and the artistic philosophy that Živa also pursues in her work with young musicians.
For Živa Ploj Peršuh, this was her first performance at the Musikverein, but at the same time a natural consequence of her years of dedication to connecting art, education, and cultural diplomacy.
The Connection with Vienna Continues
This bond with Vienna will deepen further. On 23 October 2025, ART BSA returns to the Austrian capital with the conductor and young musicians, to the Wiener Konzerthaus, where the international initiative SIT DOWN – a musical manifesto that addresses key global challenges through the eyes of children and youth will be presented.
This year, our long-standing project by the of the Slovenian Youth Orchestra – POK25 (Summer Orchestra Camp 2025) is part of the broader cultural and diplomatic initiative SIT DOWN, through which young artists from various countries are sending a message to world leaders: it's time to sit down with us and listen to our visions for the future.
