Youth - A Blessing

Mladost je velika prednost At 37 years old, Nejc Avblj has taken charge of one of Slovenia’s most prestigious cultural institutions, the Slovenian Philharmonic. His career path has been anything but linear, weaving together music, law, business studies, and cultural management. Today, these diverse experiences converge in his new role as director, where he brings a unique perspective shaped by both the concert hall and the administrative office. Unlike many who ascend through traditional career ladders, Avblj’s journey has been marked by intersections, crossroads where different disciplines meet and merge into a singular vision. Avblj’s leadership began with a clear sense of purpose. He has already made appearances representing the Slovenian Philharmonic at international stages such as the Salzburg Festival, while also engaging with other major Slovenian cultural entities including the Slovenian National Theatre Opera and Ballet in Ljubljana. These roles have given him insight beyond mere institutional oversight. To him, the orchestra is not just an organization to manage, it is a living entity composed of individuals, talents, relationships, ambitions, and daily work. While numbers, organization, and strategy remain essential, they all depend on people. Trust, he insists, is one of the core values guiding his approach. His transition to this new position was seamless, marked by calmness and maturity. When asked to describe his career in one word, whether curiosity, ambition, or restlessness, he responded with certainty: “Persistence is certainly the most important.” This persistence has led him to a place where his varied expertise converges. The Slovenian Philharmonic, with its over three centuries of tradition, presents both challenges and opportunities. As its new leader, Avblj faces the question of what to preserve and what to allow to change. He emphasizes the importance of respecting the institution’s historical legacy, which forms part of its identity. At the same time, he acknowledges the necessity of looking forward, fulfilling the Philharmonic’s mission in the most honorable manner possible. He believes history is being created here and now, every day. For Avblj, excellence is central to the Philharmonic’s identity. He sees it as the primary value driving his activities. His goal is to ensure that the Philharmonic Orchestra and Choir continue to grow artistically in the coming years. Simultaneously, he aims to transform the institution into a more open and relevant one, especially for younger generations. Among the decisions he will make, some may not be universally accepted. In such moments, he stresses the importance of how these decisions are approached, not with arrogance, but with respect and reasoning. He himself prefers another approach, one grounded in clarity of values. If someone holds firm beliefs, even difficult decisions can be made without discomfort. Before becoming the Philharmonic’s director, Avblj served as deputy director, handling general administrative, financial, and personnel matters. Yet, he does not view leadership merely as an organizational challenge. For him, the key lies in establishing trust between musicians and the leadership. This trust, he believes, is crucial for fostering collaboration and innovation within the institution. His approach reflects a deep understanding of both the artistic and managerial dimensions of running a cultural organization. It is a balance he has worked toward throughout his career, and now, as director, he is putting it into practice.