Culture
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We'll start with music first, with words of Slovenian composer Marij Kogoj (1892-1956): '' There is nothing more beautiful and perfect than music. Music directs people into the depths of one's soul''. And that is absolutely true for us - Slovenians. It seems whatever we are doing there is that sound, that voice, that note that is heard all around.
Diversity (as with most things, when it comes to describing us) is, we think, the right word to tell the musical taste of our country. Have in mind that Slovenia lays between four very different countries and add the process of globalization and you'll have at least some idea what is being played here.
We have many internationally acknowledged artists playing around the world. Maybe you've heard of them. If not - maybe you should. But don't worry, we'll provide you with links to their sites just to have a glimpse of what and where they are doing.
As polka is something very close to being a Slovenian, just mention Slak or Avsenik to anyone in Slovenia and they will most certainly know of whom you are talking about. But don't be mistaken, those two are not the only two that made it. We have dozens and dozen ensembles playing around.
Than Laibach, group that is performing heavy industrial music, founded in 1980 and still sounds very fresh and modern. Their concerts are a massive show, delight for eyes as well for the ears.
Three names that are often spoken together but they really don't like that as they are much better solo are Vlado Kresiln - who never misses a student party, Zoran Predin - who is always for party and Peter Lovšin - punk singer, who will never stop believing that punk is not dead. First two are playing all year round but the third is kind of on the pause right now but still appears in the media.
Sidharta, Big foot mama, Dan D, Tide, ... and many, many more are a rock groups trying to do thair best and if we may say so, they are doing quite well.
Let's mention some artist that even Slovenians don't know that well but are very successful. These are the names as Uroš Perič, Rok Golob, Perpetuum Jazzile...
And we mustn't forget our Dj's. We'll just mention our two prominent (and hoping others won't be angry): Dj Umek and Valentino Kanzyani. They truly break space and rule the night - all night.
We mustn't forget Metelkova mesto, something special in the center of Ljubljana - autonomic zone where every day is full of different and spontaneous events. From exhibitions, concerts, classes on various subjects to parties and more.
Metelkova mesto
Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/20792787@N00/2984066975/
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And move on to architecture. We won't be staying long, just a few words. Slovenian architecture is quite modern. It's mostly from 20the century. Secession, baroque, rococo is prevailing. Old city centers have many, many years or centuries on their shoulders, especially those in Ptuj, Koper, Ljubljana, Maribor, Škofja loka.... Middle ages are fascinating and seeing those preserved buildings, castles are quite remarkable, churches and monasteries also. Very, very recommendable to visit.
Famous architects:
Predjama castle
Source: http://pixdaus.com/index.php?pageno=16&tag=architecture&sort=tag
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Art - galleries and museums are, as previously written, very welcoming, open all year round, packed with good material. They have lots of visiting exhibitions, quite well visited. They are stare funded so entrance fees are not high and plus, they are free to enter a few days a year.
Link - not in English (but very useful)
Ivan Grohar, Sejalec (Sower)
Source: http://fimuthe.blogspot.com/2008_04_01_archive.html
Modern painters are also active. You can see then on sqares, painting vividly. If you have luck and a good attitude they can even show you how to paint - like quick school of painting.
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Books - we have a few book fairs that are very well visited. It could be better but Slovenians are not really book buyers so don't be surprised if they are expensive. But that doesn't mean we are not reading much. It's quite opposite of that. We have very good libraries - public libraries, in fact a chain of libraries that are very organized. National library, University and academic libraries, special libraries, school libraries. There is really a large range of books there, but don't be surprised if something you are looking for is rented - that happens all the time. So you can always reserve. And what is best, you can search from home, as all the libraries are connected to Cobiss - virtual library of Slovenia. And book shops - don't hesitate, just go there, they have a good stock. But if you can't find what you are looking for, there is always Amazon or our Behemont - just call them, visit or send an email and they'll get it for you, as long it's in English.
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Festivals, fairs. Uf, there is so many events, we can't write about all of them. We'll list just a few. Lent - in Maribor, where you can find lots of folk groups, workshops, traditional food and drink, lots and lots of guest from all Slovenia and neighboring countries. Trnfest - in Ljubljana, very similar to Lent, just a bit smaller. Druga godba - folk festival, with artist from all around the world but always with a few from Slovenia as well. Liffe - international film festival, bigger by the year. Middle ages festival in Škofja loka - where you can dress as a knight and play as a knight. There are lots of wine fairs, yachting fair, lots of open air student parties, auto fair ...
Trnfest 2008
Source: http://www.zurnal24.si/cms/novice/slovenija/osrednja/index.html?id=79180
The fact is - you can't be bored here.
Some additional sites: