The 15th edition of the World Music Festival, this year's theme "Peacemakers", begins.

The Arsana Festival concluded its central programme with a performance by internationally renowned cellist Luke Šulić, marking a highlight of this year’s cultural events in Ptuj. The festival, which has grown significantly since its inception, attracted around 18,000 visitors, including approximately 3,000 international attendees from 17 different countries. This figure underscores the increasing global appeal of the festival, which continues to position Ptuj as a key destination for high-quality musical experiences. The central part of the festival was marked by a series of concerts featuring top-tier artists and diverse genres, ranging from classical and jazz to contemporary projects and international collaborations. Among these, Šulić's concert stood out as one of the festival's crowning moments. Known for his technical mastery and charismatic stage presence, Šulić performed with his latest project, blending original compositions, reinterpretations of well-known melodies, and crossover pieces that fused classical music with rock influences. His performance included direct engagement with the audience, spoken words, and ended with a standing ovation. As a co-founder of the globally recognized duo 2Cellos, Šulić demonstrated once again why he is regarded as a master of both technique and emotional expression. The festival's organizers emphasized that Arsana has evolved beyond being just a local event, aiming to transform Ptuj into a place where people come for exceptional musical experiences while discovering the city's cultural heritage and surroundings. The attendance figures and the composition of the audience, comprising locals and international visitors, confirm that the festival is on the right path toward achieving this goal. In addition to Šulić's performance, the festival featured other notable acts such as British soul singer Joss Stone, whose appearance had been anticipated for nearly seven years. Originally scheduled for the main square, her concert was moved to the Arena Campus Sava Ptuj due to adverse weather conditions. Despite initial reservations from some members of the audience, the change did not detract from the energy of the performance. Stone delivered a powerful set spanning her extensive career, showcasing a blend of soul, rhythm and blues, funk, pop, and reggae. Her vocal range, supported by a nine-piece backing band, created a rich soundscape that captivated the audience. Some attendees reportedly paid up to €360 for tickets, underscoring the demand for her performance. Another standout moment came from the collaboration between Gregor Ravnik, Raiven, and Eva Boto at the Minoritski Monastery. Ravnik, known for his versatile talent combining opera and pop music, performed alongside Raiven, a multifaceted artist who blends pop, electronic, and classical elements, and Eva Boto, a prominent Slovenian singer celebrated for her warm vocals and heartfelt interpretations. Their combined efforts created a unique atmosphere that resonated deeply with the audience. The festival also saw the presentation of a special thank-you plaque to Mladen Delin, the artistic director and a key creator behind the festival. Delin received the award from Albert Kekc, president of the Styrian Economic Chamber, recognizing his contributions to the development of festival tourism. The recognition highlighted the long-term efforts of the team that transformed Arsana from a local event into a project with growing international significance and impact on Ptuj's cultural and tourist profile. As the central part of the festival drew to a close with Šulić's performance, the event continued with additional activities, ensuring that the festival's mission of bringing together music, community, and culture remained active throughout the week.