He is the first Slovenian to become a member of the prestigious Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra

A Slovenian musician has become the first representative of his country to join the prestigious Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, marking a historic milestone in the international music scene. The achievement was celebrated during a recent concert held under the auspices of the Festival Ljubljana, which brought together some of Slovenia’s top musicians performing alongside members of the Berlin Philharmonic. Among them was Andrej Žust, a hornist based in Berlin who made history as the first Slovenian to be part of this world-renowned ensemble. The concert featured a carefully curated repertoire designed specifically for the nonet, a group of nine instrumentalists. It included works written for similar formations, such as the lively Duo for Violin and Cello in D major by Gioachino Rossini, performed with brilliance by Jaka Stadler and Todor Marković. Their interpretation captured the playful character of the piece, showcasing both technical precision and musical clarity. The performance opened the evening with a vibrant and humorous tone, setting the stage for the rest of the programme. Following the opening, the audience heard the Episodi concertanti for wind quintet composed by Slovenian composer Uroš Krek, who currently resides and works in Germany. The performance, featuring Andrej Ťust, Brina Kafol Ţust, Matic Kuder, Luka Mitev, and Christoph Hartmann, demonstrated remarkable tonal balance and technical mastery. Each instrument contributed its unique timbre while maintaining harmony, reflecting the cohesive effort of the ensemble. The final work of the first half was Franz Schubert's Godalni trio in B major, performed by Jaka Stadler, Marlene Ito, and Joaquín Riquelme García. Their rendition captured the essence of Schubert’s lyrical style, blending emotional depth with refined technique. In the second half of the concert, two nonets were presented. A young Croatian composer had written Igre mora i Osora for Osor’s musical evenings, followed by the Nonet in E major, Op. 38 by Louise Farrenc. The performers, selected and rehearsed for these pieces, delivered spirited and engaging interpretations. The concert highlighted the versatility and skill of the participating musicians, many of whom have established themselves in the German music scene. The inclusion of Slovenian artists in such a high-profile setting underscores the growing recognition of Slovenian talent abroad. The Festival Ljubljana played a key role in connecting these musicians with their homeland, offering them opportunities to perform in the context of world-class artistic expression. This collaboration not only brings Slovenian musicians back to their home country but also introduces new standards of performance that can be compared and exchanged with local traditions. Festival Ljubljana, supported by the Municipality of Ljubljana and Mayor Zoran Janković as a distinguished patron, continues to play a vital role in promoting Slovenian music internationally. By integrating top-tier musicians working overseas into its programming, the festival strengthens cultural ties and enriches the national artistic landscape. Such efforts ensure that Slovenian contributions remain visible and valued within the global music community.