From 30 June to 2 July 2016, the Office of the Government of the Republic of Slovenia for Slovenians Abroad, together with NGOs Emigrants Association Slovenia Abroad, World Slovenian Congress, Rafael’s Association, Slovenian Emigrant Association and City of Ljubljana, prepared the sixth traditional gathering of Slovenians from all over the world.
There was organized the main event on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of independent Slovenia with the participation of Slovenians from all over the world, Pan-Slovenian symphony orchestra conducted by Simon Krečič, and there were also 24-hour Slovenian cultural marathon and different sport events organised.
Mixed choir “Davorin Jenko” and Children Folklore Group of the Association of Slovenians Triglav Banja Luka took part in the programme of Dobrodošli doma /Welcome home/ event.
Following the arrival and accommodation in the hostel of student centre Poljane in Ljubljana, we went to the designated area. Folklorists went to the Office of the Government of the Republic of Slovenia for Slovenians Abroad and choir “Davorin Jenko” to the building of Slovenian Philharmonic. Preparations for the performance followed the schedule.
Weather was not on our side, it was hot as hell, particularly for folklorists, who were first to perform at the Pan-Slovenian gathering. They danced Slovenian national dances in front of the National Assembly, thus welcoming all gathered Slovenians who came from other countries but also by-passers who, despite the burning sun, stopped to watch the dance of our folklore group.
At 19.00 hrs, on the occasion of 25th anniversary of Slovenian independence and Dobrodošli doma event a concert of Slovenian Philharmonic and guests took place. Symphony orchestra was conducted by Simon Krečič. In the big hall, which was full of people, there were also president of the Republic of Slovenia Borut Pahor, Minister for Slovenians Abroad Gorazd Žmavc, who also welcomed the attendees, and many leading people of Slovenia and abroad.
As an introduction, the orchestra played the Slovenian national anthem, and then followed performances by Slovenian Mendoza Octet /Octeto Esloveno de Mendoza (Argentina)/, sopranist Theresa Plut, harpist Tina Žerdin, Pan-Slovenian Symphony Orchestra and choir “Davorin Jenko” conducted by Dušan Urošević. All the performers played and sang Slovenian national songs and songs of countries from which they come. A surprise for the end of the concert was the performance by Slovenian Octet.
Our choir “Davorin Jenko” and their conductor Dušan Urošević were honoured to take part at the concert in the big hall of Slovenian Philharmonic in Ljubljana. For all of us who were present at the concert it was a beautiful, unforgettable evening; the evening that awakens our emotions and memories of our homeland.
Nataša Kajmaković
