International competition for Wind Orchestras in concert performance

Every third year, Slovenian Fund for Cultural Activities and Slovenian Wind Orchestras Society organize an international competition for wind orchestras in concert performances and until now the competitions have been in Koper, Velenje, and Novo mesto, with participation of 41 Wind Orchestras from 9 different countries. The Jury members have been renowned experts: Nikolaj Žličar, Simon Robinson, Alojz Zupan, Reinhold Rogg, Evžen Zamečnik, Tomislav Fačini, Trevor J. Ford, and Isabella Ruf-Weber. Competitions are under the patronage of CISM (Confédération Internationale des Sociétés Musicales).

The Republic of Slovenia lies at the heart of Europe where the Alps and the Mediterranean meet the Pannonian plains and the mysterious Karst. Slovenia has a population of 2 million and its capital city is Ljubljana. The official language is Slovene, one of the South Slavonic languages.  In Slovenia, the sun shines approximately 2000 hours per year. And yes, there is plenty of snow in winter. As a small, beautiful and picturesque country, Slovenia makes a great tourist destination. Mountains, lakes, waterfalls, forests, caves, hills, plains, rivers and the sea - you name it, you can find it all within a modest 20.273 km2, as well as many natural and landscape parks. You can ski in the morning and surrender yourself to the luxury of the Adriatic Sea in the afternoon. Slovenian national character is firmly rooted in culture. Choral singing and brass bands have long and prolific tradition. There are 135 active wind orchestras in Slovenia now. Quality of Slovenian Wind Orchestras is outstanding.

Velenje is a modern mining town in Northeastern region of Slovenia. Coal deposits are known from the 18th century, while commercial excavations began two centuries ago. Artificial lake, suitable for water sports, is a by-product of industrial mining. Gorenje, the biggest Slovenian home appliances manufacturer is the other major source of town’s prosperity. Old castle on a hill overlooks the city of contemporary architecture and lifestyle. Wind Orchestras of the Coal Mine Velenje and School of Music are among the pillars of municipal culture.