From Visionary Andromeda to Flight to the Plant

The 74th edition of the Ljubljana Festival is set to begin on June 21, 2026, with a performance of Giacomo Puccini's opera Turandot staged by the Opera and Ballet of the Slovenian National Theatre Maribor. The opening will take place on the Congress Square in Ljubljana, but should weather conditions be unfavorable, the premiere will be postponed until the following evening. This marks the first time since its inception that the festival has moved its opening date due to potential rain. The production of Turandot, directed by Italian director Filippo Tonon, was originally created for the Maribor stage in 2016 and has been performed multiple times since then, primarily in Italy. For this occasion, the production has been adapted specifically for the Congress Square, offering a fresh interpretation of the classic work. The cast includes notable performers such as mezzo-soprano Rebeka Lokar, who will portray the title character, along with Sabina Cvilak, Darko Vidic, Dušan Topolovec, Martin Sušnik, and guest artist Jusif Ejvazov. The performance promises to showcase the strongest voices from the Maribor ensemble.

Following the opening night, the festival will continue with a series of performances and concerts throughout the summer. One highlight will be a concert by the band Neisha on June 26, which will mark the 20th anniversary of her debut at the Križanke venue. Neisha, known for her evolution from a young musician with a modest repertoire to a more mature artist, plans to present a compilation of all her previous albums during the performance. She will be accompanied by the Symphony Orchestra of RTV Slovenia under the baton of conductor Patrik Greblo. Another significant event will be the performance by Miha Kralj, a pioneer of electronic music in Slovenia, scheduled for June 28. Kralj, whose career began in the late 1970s with his unique sound that influenced both domestic and international audiences, will celebrate the 60th anniversary of his musical journey with a special performance at Križanke. His show will feature ambient-scenic music and visual elements, aiming to bring back the sounds of the 1950s and 1960s through collaborations with members of the bands Dekameroni and Prah.

In addition to these performances, the traditional Summer Night event on June 30 will pay tribute to Ot Pestner, one of the legends of Slovenian entertainment music. The event will feature a selection of songs he performed, composed, and interpreted, as well as compositions he created for others. According to conductor Patrik Greblo, the repertoire is extensive enough to fill two evenings, highlighting the breadth of Pestner’s contributions to Slovenian music. The performance will include interpretations by exceptional artists, some of whom will offer fresh arrangements of the songs.

Another major attraction of the festival will be the musical Evita, based on the life of Argentine First Lady Eva Perón. The production, originating from the Maribor Opera House, will be performed by Sabina Cvilak, who will take on the role of Evita. Directed by Svetlana Dramlić, this will be the director’s debut in this particular genre. The play had previously enjoyed great success in Maribor, where ten shows were sold out, and now it aims to replicate that success in Ljubljana.

The festival also features a special weekend promotion for attendees interested in attending Miha Kralj’s performance. From June 19 to June 21, visitors can purchase one ticket and receive another free, allowing them to experience both the electronic music spectacle and other festival events without additional cost. Tickets can be purchased online, at the Križanke box office, or at various Eventim locations. Members of the Ljubljana Festival Club are eligible for a 10 percent discount on tickets, though this does not apply to co-productions.

As the festival approaches, anticipation continues to build among music lovers and cultural enthusiasts alike. With a diverse lineup spanning classical opera, contemporary music, and historical tributes, the 74th Ljubljana Festival promises to deliver an unforgettable summer of artistic expression and celebration.