Concert with SMO and Lauri Porra
Križanke, Ljubljana
21 of August 2024
The Slovenian Youth Orchestra, known for providing invaluable opportunities to young talents, including their ongoing support to include and integrate young Ukrainian musicians from the Music for the Future project, once again delivered an unforgettable performance.
On 21. 8. 2024, the Križanke stage at the Festival Ljubljana hosted a captivating musical experience that thrilled a sold-out audience with a repertoire transcending generations, borders, and genres. Under the skilful direction of conductor Živa Ploj Peršuh, the Slovenian Youth Orchestra took the audience on an emotional journey through unforgettable film melodies. The programme featured beloved pieces that evoked vivid memories of joy and sorrow, with works from Tom and Jerry, Kekec and The Godfather.
As an exciting surprise of the evening, Finnish soloist Lauri Porra took to the stage to perform his piece Entropia – Concerto for Electric Bass Guitar and Symphony Orchestra.His innovative composition, blending classical and modern elements, brought a fresh and electrifying energy to the concert. The evening was masterfully narrated by Marcel Štefančič, whose storytelling style added a rich layer to the experience.
The impact of their music was evident – not only in the audience but also on stage, where the musicians were visibly moved, with some shedding tears of joy as they received well-deserved standing ovations.
The diverse concert programme also included lively performances of Leonard Bernstein’s Mambo, Tchaikovsky’s The Waltz of the Flowers, and many other classics. Each piece was performed with passion, showcasing the orchestra’s versatility and the deep connection between the musicians and their audience.
Programme
S. Bradley, arr. P. Tovornik: Tom & Jerry
P. I. Tchaikovsky: Waltz of the Flowers from the ballet The Nutcracker
P. Mascagni: Intermezzo from the opera Cavalleria Rusticana
L. Porra: Entropia – Concerto for Electric Bass Guitar and Symphony Orchestra
J. Golob: Let Us Have This World from the film A Real Pirate
J. Golob: Summer in a Shell
L. Bernstein: Mambo from the musical West Side Story
N. Rota, arr. M. Peternel: Selection from The Godfather
R. Pešut – Magnifico, Schatz!, arr. M. Krečič: Break the Dawn
M. Kozina, M. Vodopivec, arr. N. Bečan: Kekec Medley
Performing Artists
The Slovenian Youth Orchestra
Electric bass guitar: Lauri Porra
Moderator: Marcel Štefančič
Conductor: Živa Ploj Peršuh