Ljubljana once again presents itself as one of Europe’s key cultural hubs with the 74th Ljubljana Festival, where outstanding achievements in global music and performing arts converge in the capital. As the presale period ends today, culture lovers have a final opportunity to secure tickets for selected events at reduced prices. Exceptional audience interest signals a vibrant festival summer ahead—from operatic highlights and ballet interpretations to thoughtfully curated domestic chamber ensembles and guest appearances by leading symphony orchestras. Together, they reveal a wide spectrum of musical expression, ranging from bel canto and Baroque heritage to the monumental symphonic works of the 19th and 20th centuries.
THE BEGINNING OF THE FESTIVAL SUMMER
The 74th Ljubljana Festival will open on 21 June with Turandot by Giacomo Puccini at Congress Square. Performed by Opera Ballet SNG Maribor, the role of the Chinese princess will be sung by Rebeka Lokar, alongside Jusif Ejvazov as Prince Calaf.
On 7 July, Terence Blanchard and Ravi Coltrane will appear at the Križanke Summer Theatre with original interpretations marking the centenary of Miles Davis and John Coltrane, paying tribute to their artistic legacy.
On 9 July, Charles Dutoit will conduct a concert performance of Samson and Delilah by Camille Saint-Saëns at Cankarjev dom. The biblical story unfolds through rich orchestral colour, choral scenes and emotionally charged solo parts, featuring Nicole-Marie Lemieux as Dalila and Nicolai Schukoff as Samson.
Another concert performance will follow on 17 August at Križanke with the “tango operita” María de Buenos Aires by Astor Piazzolla.
FILM STORIES AND CONCERT EVENINGS AT KRIŽANKE
The Kino Križanke programme will feature selected films, including Belo se pere na devetdeset, Tajni agent, and Ohcet. The programme is complemented by the premiere of Gajin svet 3, bringing a new coming-of-age story of courage.
On 19 August, Momento Cigano Extended will present vibrant, melodic gypsy swing, characterised by a distinctive blend of guitar, strings and vocals.
The Križanke Summer Theatre will also welcome Rade Šerbežija with his ensemble Zapadni kolodvor. At the concert Jesen stiže, dunjo moja on 22 August, he will be joined by Miroslav Tadić, Livio Morosin and Yvette Holzwarth.
FROM BEL CANTO TO BALLET TRAGEDY
The opera and ballet programme at Cankarjev dom continues with outstanding works of music theatre. On 15 and 16 July, the renowned Teatro La Fenice from Venice will present The Barber of Seville by Gioachino Rossini—a comic masterpiece that, despite an initially reserved reception, quickly conquered the world’s stages.
On 24 and 25 August, one of the most iconic ballets of the 20th century, Romeo and Juliet by Sergei Prokofiev, will be staged in a new artistic vision by Spanish choreographer Asun Noales, accompanied by the ADDA Symphony Orchestra under Josep Vicent. The orchestra will also perform on 27 August with violinist Pinchas Zukerman and cellist Amanda Forsyth.
CHAMBER DIALOGUES OF PAST AND PRESENT
The festival’s chamber programme offers diverse sound worlds interpreted by exceptional Slovenian and international artists, with Ensemble Dissonance standing out. On 27 July, they will perform at the Union Hall with violinist Vadim Repin and pianist Peter Laul, presenting a programme that intertwines works from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
On 27 August, the Slovenian Philharmonic will host Timeless Bach, featuring violinist and conductor Sergej Krilov. The evening will combine works by Johann Sebastian Bach and Alfred Schnittke, concluding with Esoconcerto by Ezio Bosso. The venue will also host the Munich Chamber Philharmonic dacapo under Franz Schottky, joined by young Italian cellist Ettore Pagano.
SYMPHONIC HIGHLIGHTS OF THE FESTIVAL
The Wuxi Symphony Orchestra from China will perform on 20 August at Cankarjev dom under Daye Lin, with soloists Xue Haoyin and Zhang Qianyuan.
For the first time, conductor Sir John Eliot Gardiner will appear at the Ljubljana Festival with his new ensemble, The Constellation Orchestra. Their concert on 26 August will continue his renowned exploration of music across different periods.
The London Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Antonio Pappano, will give two concerts. On 2 September, pianist Bruce Liu will join them, while on the following evening soprano Maria Bengtsson and contralto Noa Beinart will perform alongside the orchestra and the Kaunas State Choir.
On 7 September, the Staatskapelle Dresden—one of the world’s oldest orchestras, founded in 1548—will perform under Daniele Gatti.
GRAND FINALE OF THE FESTIVAL SUMMER
The 74th Ljubljana Festival will conclude on 8 September with the Baltic Sea Philharmonic, conducted by Robert Treviño, featuring violinist Lana Trotovšek. The orchestra brings together musicians from ten Nordic and Baltic countries and is among the most recognisable ensembles within the European Federation of National Youth Orchestras.
More information about the 74th Ljubljana Festival programme is available at www.ljubljanafestival.si
Members of the Ljubljana Festival Club receive a 20% discount during the presale and 10% during regular sales. Membership is free.
