SIT DOWN
INTERNATIONAL PROJECT
2025
POK25 (Summer Orchestra Camp 2025) presents the musical Peace Child – the largest youth arts project of the year, connecting Slovenia with the world through music, theatre, and collaboration, and addressing the United Nations.
The international musical Peace Child brings together 200 young artists from Slovenia and abroad in a music-theatre spectacle for peace and dialogue. Partners include Peace Child International, the Cultural Institution ART BSA, and the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia. The honorary patron of the project is Tanja Fajon, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia.
Under the artistic direction of Živa Ploj Peršuh the Slovenian Youth Orchestra is preparing the largest youth artistic project in Slovenia this year – the musical Peace Child, which will take place as part of POK25 (Summer Orchestra Camp 2025) from 14 to 23 August 2025 at Brdo pri Kranju and in Ljubljana, culminating in a grand final concert on 23 August at 20:30 at Križanke , as part of the Ljubljana Festival.
The project marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and the founding of the United Nations. It is held under the honorary patronage of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon.
On stage, around 200 young performers aged 12 to 22 will join forces to portray a vision of a world that builds bridges instead of walls. Applications are already open to anyone involved in music education or singing in a choir.
“The Sit Down Initiative – Peace Child, which unites youthful energy, art, education and culture, is a remarkable contribution to international cultural dialogue. It highlights values such as peace, multilateralism, and cooperation. This project puts us on the global map as a country that builds bridges and gives voice to youth – including those from crisis regions. I am convinced this event will create lasting connections among young creators, artists, and cultural institutions worldwide. “
“I am therefore delighted to serve as the honorary patron of this important initiative and am confident its impact will resonate in Slovenia and beyond,”said Minister Fajon.
At the heart of this year’s summer orchestral camp is the international musical Peace Child – a moving story about the power of collaboration, art, and youth seeking answers in a divided world. For the first time in the history of the Summer Orchestra Camp, a symphony orchestra, choir, and actorswill unite to create a powerful musical-theatre spectacle.
The project is part of the broader international initiative SIT DOWN, which uses art to open up space for reflection on peace, sustainability, and the future. This year’s camp will also feature an educational programme on the work of the UN, allowing participants to learn about international cooperation and diplomacy.
"Peace Child is not just a musical – it’s a movement that gives young people the chance to speak out with heart, creativity, and passion about the world they wish to live in,,” says Živa Ploj Peršuh, conductor and artistic director of the Slovenian Youth Orchestra.
POK25 (Summer Orchestra Camp 2025) will be truly international this year – with young musicians from Slovenia, Ukraine, and – hopefully – Palestine, as the Slovenian Youth Orchestra is preparing a fundraising campaignto enable their participation. Special emphasis is also being placed on including children from underprivileged backgrounds.
The highlight of the summer will be the concert at Križanke, but the long-term vision goes even further – all partners are working towards ensuring that in October 2025, the message of the performance and its young creators will be heard by decision-makers and shapers of the future, both in Europe and around the world, on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations.
More information and applications:
https://smo.ngo/poletni-orkestrski-kamp/
PARTNERS
