Slovene Octet

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Slovenski oktet

Kulturno društvo Slovenski oktet, Krekov trg 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana

http://www.slovenski-oktet.si

info@slovenski-oktet.si

Phone386 (0) 40 555 262

Jože Vidic, President

joze.vidic@slovenski-oktet.si

Events abroad

Past Events

• 20 Dec 2018

  Montenegro Podgorica Montenegrin National Theatre

  
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  A concert by the Slovene Octet, supported by the Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia Podgorica,

  
  

  
  

  
  

• 18 Jul 2014

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  22 Aug 2014

  Croatia Dubrovnik

  
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  Concerts by the Slovene Octet, pianist Bojan Gorišek, Tartini String Quartet, and Dangerous Liaisons , produced by the Slovene National Theatre Maribor, at the 65th Dubrovnik Summer Festival

  
  

  
  

  
  

Show more

The Slovene Octet was established in 1951 under the initiative of the Slovene Emigrant Association (Slovenska izseljeniška matica). The Octet was one of the best-known Yugoslav choral groups and toured France, Belgium, Norway, Austria and Italy in the 1950s. Later it also performed in North and South America, Australia, China, Japan and Angola. The Octet is best known by its interpretation of the adaptations of the Slovene folk music.

Background

Slovenski oktet was founded on the initiative of Slovene emigrants in the USA, who wanted – having lived in a foreign land - their Slovene consciousness to be strengthened and ennobled by native Slovene song from »the old place«. On 27th September 1951, eight male singers (Janez Lipušček, Gašper Dermota, Marij Kogoj, Božo Grošelj, Roman Petrovčič, Tone Kozlevčar, Tone Petrovčič and Artur Šulc – together with the first artistic director, Janez Bole) were chosen at a demanding audition, after a tender had been put out by Ministry of Culture in cooperation with Slovene Emigration Association .

Beside folk and folkish songs from all over the world, Octet's repertory always consisted of a variety of Slovene and Yugoslav songs, as well as classical choir material from the renaissance to contemporary authors. It is well known that the ensemble has always learned also some special programme related to the musics of the country that was about to host them.

In its over 50-year-mission more than forty singers have participated in the Octet and brought them to all five continents of the world. Octet held more than 5,000 concerts in Europe, Asia, Africa, North and South America and Australia, as well as at home - in Slovenia, and among the Slovenes of Italy and Austria. They have recorded an enviable number of records, cassette tapes and CDs, as well as several TV programmes and films. In 1957 they were awarded The France Prešeren Prise, in 1964 A Reward of France Prešeren Foundation, 1966 A National Certificate of Merits and in 1996 A Gold Medal of Honor and Freedom of Republic Slovenia.

The present members of Slovenski oktet have been continuing splendid ensemble tradition and have been making efforts to keep their high quality singing and octet’s immense popularity among large audiences, who love Slovene song and harmonic singing in general.

In 1996, Slovenski oktet took a new road with an important reorganization of the ensemble. At that time the octet was also legally founded and named Kulturno društvo Slovenski oktet (Cultural Society Slovene Octet). In the year 2000, Mirko Cuderman, PhD became artistic director of the ensemble.

In the season that has brought us a new CD, Slovenski oktet has – again – often been a guest on numerous concert stages at home, as well as worldwide. Especially at home, the octet experienced a grateful embrace of their most loyal audience, which is a great joy and invaluable stimulus for the young members of Slovenski oktet.

In their 59 years of existence Octet has performed at all important stages around the world, never neglecting their fellow countrymen. Many singers took part in the group and they all shared the feeling of strong commitment to the Slovene nation.

Slovene Octet was with their quality singing and performances a shining example for many groups. During all these years over one hundred octets have been founded in Slovenia. Over forty singers participated in the Octet. Some of them were topmost musicians, performing in the biggest concert and opera houses across Europe.

Slovene Octet have been awarded several prizes: in 1957 the Prešeren Award, in 1964 the Prešeren Fund Award, in 1966 the National Certificate of Merits, in 1971 the award by Association of Slovene Composers, in 1975 Drabosnjakova Award, in 1984 Orlando Di Lasso Award and in 1996 Honourable Golden Symbol of Freedom of Republic Slovenia.

Another important milestone for Slovene Octet was the year 1991 when the entire group of singers changed. The Octet rejuvenated and started a new path to musical perfection, remaining faithful to the tradition. Their 50th anniversary concert was composed of most known songs that brought the Octet its worldly fame. They published three CDs with most beautiful Slovene songs and in 2007 a book Slovenski oktet by Boris Pangerc as a cut through all the years of Octets' activity. Slovene Octet performs at all important music festivals and stimulates young groups across Slovenia to cherish Slovene folk and artificial song.

See also

• Slovene Emigrant Association

External links

• Slovene Octet website