Interview with Ms Mojca Menart, General Manager of the Slovenian Philharmonics
On 25 September, the Slovenian Philharmonics celebrated the 300th anniversary of its predecessor Academia Philharmonicorum Labacensis. General Manager of the Slovenian Philharmonics Mojca Menart and President of the Republic Milan Kučan officially then re- opened the renovated 110-year old building. The country's main music institution is the foundation stone of both the cultural and national identity, says Mojca Menart, therefore culture must be provided with the best conditions for its development.
What could lovers of good music enjoy on the opening evening?
Mojca Menart: We started the celebration in front of the building. Fanfares were playing in the small hall. The guests entered the lobby, now adorned by a plaque bearing the names of honorary members, where the Slowind quintet played. As the honorary patron of the jubilee - 300 years since the foundation of Academia Philharmonicorum Labacensis - President Milan Kučan officially reopened the building with an old key to the entrance door, which he gave over to the orchestra's concertmaster Miran Kolbl. In his speech, the President stressed the significance of the rich, 300-year tradition. Nevertheless, two issues remain to be arranged - the instruments and the financial status of musicians. We have done a lot, however we have started a donation campaign for the instruments so we will also be able to "sound good" in this building.
"Two issues remain to be arranged - the instruments and the financial status of musicians."
Mojca Menart: The initiators of this campaign are the President of the Republic and the Minister of Culture. The first donors are the publishing group Gospodarski vestnik and Studio Koda, and the company Lek. Another media donor is RTV Slovenija. In other countries, there are national collections of string instruments or the state buys them, while in Slovenia musicians must buy them themselves. Renovation of the building took one year and also involved the Ministry of Culture, while within the public tender 'Ljubljana My Town' we were also aided by the City Municipality of Ljubljana.
Despite the problems with instruments and financial status, the Slovenian Philharmonics enjoys a good reputation in European expert circles.
Mojca Menart: Absolutely. However, it is extremely difficult to break through as, despite the rich tradition, the trademark of the Slovenian state is only ten years old. Sometimes it is very difficult to promote the orchestra abroad, even though people are surprised by our history everywhere. When they hear the orchestra on stage, the reviews are extremely good.
"Sometimes it is very difficult to promote the orchestra abroad, even though people are surprised by our history everywhere."
Mojca Menart: It is difficult to succeed because the market is saturated with orchestras from Eastern Europe working for very low prices, which we do not accept. We have also been accepted by the most famous concert agency for orchestras, the Schmidt agency from Hanover, meaning we do receive invitations to important festivals.
What novelties are on offer in the 300th season of the Slovenian Philharmonics?
Mojca Menart: The Artistic Director of the Orchestra Marko Letonja and the Artistic Director of the Slovenian Chamber Choir Dr Mirko Cuderman have linked the tradition and the vision in carefully choosing works from the past as well as novelties for the concert programmes. Performances will be given by the most distinguished soloists, including three ladies - Marjana Lipovšek, Dubravka Tomšič and Irena Grafenauer, and three soloists from the orchestra Tibor Kerekeš, Miran Kolbl and Aleksander Milošev. Some pieces by members of the Ljubljana Philharmonic Society from 200 years ago will see their premiere performance, as only now will they be transcribed. In addition to these concerts, we have prepared an extensive exhibition together with the Musicological Institute of the Research Centre at the Slovenia Academy of Arts and Sciences and the National University Library, to be opened on 25 October.
"Our cultural identity and national programme, in which the Slovenian Philharmonics must have a fundamental place, will help us preserve the identity."
Mojca Menart: On 22 November, on the 300th anniversary of the Philharmonics' regulations, the book From Academy to Philharmonics will be published, while in January there will be an official event celebrating 300 years since the first documented concerts. Then, the new organs will also be officially opened.
What is your vision for the Philharmonics' next 300 years?
Mojca Menart: Our cultural identity and national programme, in which the Slovenian Philharmonics must have a fundamental place, will help us preserve the identity. Culture has helped us survive during all maelstroms. I believe that quite a few people are already aware of the significance of heritage and the future of culture, which must be provided through optimum conditions for development. Therefore, the requirement of quality musicians is also highest with us. The state must decide that the Slovenian Philharmonics is the foremost national music institution. With the support of instruments and stimulative personal income it will have to ensure that any musician will strive to be accepted in the orchestra. The quality use of spare time will become increasingly important, and the Philharmonics will always find its place in people's lives.
Slovenia Weekly, No. 34, October 2, 2001