August

ISSN 1854-0805
politicsenvironment
culturebusinesssports
8
August 2007
Slovenian Popular Folk Music
Interview: Lučka Kajfež Bogataj
Idrija Landscape Park
sinfo august 07
SLOVENIAINFIGURES
Lifelong Learning
Polona Prešeren, Source: Statistical Office of the Republic of Slovenia
Although the academic year has just come to an end, and pupils
and students are off on a deserved holiday, we should mention
those Slovenes who, in addition to their daily commitments, have
decided to continue their education. We can thus report with
pleasure that more and more Slovenes are learning foreign languages. In the 2005/2006 academic year, the number of people
on language courses in Slovenia increased by 6% over the previous academic year.
Russian, Czech, Hungarian, Danish, Portuguese and Swedish,
and even Japanese, Chinese and Arabic, somewhat more exotic
programmes. The majority of continuing education courses were
provided by organisations specialising in adult education.
In 2005/2006, there were 357 continuing education providers,
registering 301,790 students. Most of these (235,608) were in
non-accredited programmes, while most of the latter, 81%, in
professional programmes, and only 16% in programmes for general needs and leisure time.
Learning foreign languages on the increase
One of the best investments is still investment in knowledge. The
Slovenian market has a wide range of educational services. In
the 2005/2006 academic year, continuing education providers
ran 4,011 language courses, with 27,438 participations, 6% up on
the previous year. The majority of students took English; the second most popular language was German. There was more interest in learning French compared to the previous year, and Italian is also popular. There were also courses in Italian, Spanish,
Driving schools had the largest attendance among accredited
programmes
There were 38,744 adult participations in accredited programmes, predominantly training courses for which no prior education is required, and qualification courses after elementary
school. As many as 83% were on courses related to services,
which includes driving.
Providers of lifelong education, number of participations in verified, non-accredited and language programmes, Slovenia, 2005-2006
301,790
30,546
79,441
15,809
113,143
Participations
in non-accredited
programmes
235,608
22,098
52,146
10,735
110,528
Participations
in accredited
programmes
38,744
2,192
12,456
3,561
217
Participations
in language
programmes
27,438
6,256
14,839
1,513
2,398
2
9,647
9,647
0
0
11
75
20
9,304
20,216
23,684
7,352
0
23,102
0
20,216
102
1,952
0
480
Continuing education
providers
Number of
organisations
Number of
participations
Total
Public adult education institution
Other specialised institutions
Parts of schools
Parts of enterprises
Educational centres at the
chambers of commerce and craft
Vocational and professional associations
Driving schools
Other
357
34
130
49
36
Participations in language programmes by languages, Slovenia, 2004/2005 in 2005/06
sinfo august 07
Editorial: Government Communication Office, Director: Anže Logar, MA, Gregorčičeva 25, 1000 Ljubljana, tel. +386 (0) 1 478 2636, fax +386 (0) 1 251 2312, www.ukom.gov.si
Editor-in-Chief: Sabina Popovič, sabina.popovic@gov.si, Editor: Polona Prešeren, MA, polona.preseren@gov.si, Editorial board: Andreja Šonc Simčič, Vesna Žarkovič, Anja Lorenzetti,
Jože Osterman, Albert Kos, Nataša Pavšek, Production editing: Nataša Simsič, Translation: U.T.A. Prevajanje Miha Žličar s.p., Printed by: Tiskarna Pleško d.o.o., Number of copies printed: 3.500
Available also at: http://www.ukom.gov.si/eng/slovenia/publications/sinfo
Sabina Popovič
NA GOLICI POLKA
8-14 WHAT MAKES THE NEWS
The cover story focuses on musical production this time.
Popular folk music has more than fifty years tradition in
Slovenia, and more than five hundred groups are playing
and signing in this genre. The music of the Avsenik band
has long since exceeded Slovenian national borders and
has taken Slovenian music into the world; Avsenik’s Na Golici
polka, which is the most played post Second World War
instrumental on European airwaves. This is most definitely
interesting data which shows that this music has left a mark
in our time and space and has contribution to promotion of
Slovenia.
the MAIN SLOVENIAN AIRPORT HAS A NEW NAME AND IMAGE
FOREIGN MINISTERS OF MEDITERRANEAN COUNTRIES MEET
AT THE SLOVENIAN COAST
THE EVOLUTION OF THE SLOVENIAN PENSION SYSTEM
15-18 INTERVIEW
LUČKA KAJFEŽ BOGATAJ
In the interview we talked with Professor Lučka Kajfež
Bogataj from Biotechnical Faculty in Ljubljana, who examines
climate change and global warning and is convinced that
climate change, despite what most Slovenes think, will affect
Slovenia to the same extent as other countries, therefore
the issue has to be addressed and we must change our
everyday habits.
Also interesting are the work and intellect of Avguštin
Penič from Celje, was first and foremost a violinist. It was
merely by chance that he became an entrepreneur whose
products can be bought all around the world. He makes
violin shoulder rests, a shapely and above all practical
wooden product and a delight for all who play this beautiful
instrument.
22-26 COVER STORY
SLOVENIAN POPULAR FOLK MUSIC
Summer is the time for travelling and having fun. Zgornja
Idrijca landscape park and Divje jezero are very fascinating
places to explore, as the whole area is exceptionally rich
in flora and fauna. Only a stone's throw away lies Idrija,
where the traditional Idrija Lace Festival takes place every
year. You can also visit Franja Partisan Hospital, one of few
preserved partisan hospitals.
34-35 MADE IN SLOVENIA
The Slovenian Stradivarius
This issue also features articles on adrenalin sports,
a favourite pastime of many Slovenes, 'Believe in Your
Basketball' movement which seeks to renovate and build
basketball courts across Slovenia, nature reserve Iški
morost, a bird-friendly habitat, and many other interesting
topics.
31-39 THIS IS SLOVENIA
The Zgornja Idrijca and
Divje jezero Landscape Park
Slovenian Castles: Pobrežje and Vinica
43-45 SPORT
Enjoy your summer read.
SLOVENES ARE A TRUE “ADRENALINE JUNKY” NATION
BELIEVE IN YOUR BASKETBALL
IVO DANEU IN THE HALL OF FAME
Cover photo: Branko Ceak
Government PR and Media Office: www.ukom.gov.si
Government Institutions: www.gov.si
Slovenian Tourist Board: www.slovenia.info
Slovenian Chamber of Commerce and Industry: www.gzs.si
Slovenian Chamber of Craft: www.ozs.si
Public Agency of the RS for Entrepreneurship and Foreign Investments: www.japti.si
Ljubljana Stock Exchange: www.ljse.si
Statistical Office of the Republic of Slovenia: www.stat.si
State Portal of the Republic of Slovenia: http://e-uprava.gov.si
sinfo august 07
Monthly Report
Vesna Žarkovič, source: STA
Slovenia celebrated 16 years of independence. Photo: Primož Lavre/Salomon 2000
Janša: EU Summit Clears Ground for
Slovenian Presidency
He is upbeat about Slovenia's spell as EU president, saying
the optimistic scenario is the country can look forward to
"cheerful working atmosphere in the EU, where the main
problem will have been solved".
Brussels/Ljubljana, 23 June
Prime Minister Janez Janša has welcomed the compromise
on a reform treaty EU leaders reached, saying it is good for
Slovenia in particular because it in a way clears the ground
for its presidency next year.
Agreement has been reached on a reform treaty and thereby
a decision for an intergovernmental conference. This will be
called by the Portuguese presidency as foreseen on 23 and
24 July and the work on the text will start at once," Janša
said after two days of tough talks in Brussels. "The mandate
is theoretically closed so that the conference is expected to
complete its work by the end of 2007 at the latest." Janša
added that the Portuguese presidency would try to have the
work finished at the informal summit on 18 and 19 October.
In Janša's words, the compromise means the EU is getting a
"content that is not essentially different from the constitutional
treaty". Slovenia is one of the 18 member states to have
endorsed the treaty and has consequently advocated
keeping as much of its content intact.
"All key institutional solutions remain, the treaty keeps the
entire value foundations of the EU," Janša said and added
that "some symbolic elements will be cleared up and some
formulations toned down". Even the compromise reached
with Poland "does not take the key weight away from the
EU". The compromise with Poland means the principle of
double majority will not be put into effect until 2014, while
even beyond that date, any member state can request
decision-making on the basis of the Nice Treaty should it
find it necessary to do so, Janša explained.
sinfo august 07
Janša: Slovenia is in Good Shape
Ljubljana, 24 June
Slovenia experienced rapid development in the past year,
it is in good shape and has strengthened its international
position, PM Janez Janša said at central ceremony marking
16 years of Slovenian independence.
Janša said in Ljubljana's Trg republike square that the eve
of National Day, marking the anniversary of 25 June 1991
when Slovenia was declared a sovereign state, presented
an opportunity to feel proud of a job well done. "A lot had to
happen for the drive towards freedom to mature and finally
materialise. This fact was not mentioned very often in the
past 16 years," Janša said, pointing out that Slovenians were
"an active factor of change".
Highlighting three events and individuals contributing
importantly to Slovenia's independence, Janša enumerated
the 57th issue of the dissident Nova revija magazine, which
in 1987 openly discussed Slovenia's independence, the
Territorial Defence forces, and dissident Jože Pučnik (19322003). According to Janša, Pučnik was the "central figure
of Slovenia's independence policy, the one who stayed the
course towards independence, which was a patriotic and
not an ideological project". While saying that Slovenians still
had difficulties acknowledging good things, Janša pointed
to the excellent economic results the country had recorded
Monthly Report
recently. "The credit for this developmental leap achieved in
the past two years goes above all to our entrepreneurs and
our workers," he said, while also acknowledging the efforts
of parliament.
"New opportunities lie ahead. Slovenia is in good shape,
it has the wind in its sails and the rudder set in the right
direction," Janša said.
"It has a good team on board. The international seas are
calm, only the home waters are seeing some artificial waves
and clouds. Yet the horizon of the nation's future is clear as
never before. The current generation and the ones to come
have a happy journey ahead. This was made possible by the
decision taken 16 years ago. The decision was a right one,"
Janša concluded.
Apart from the central ceremony, which delighted with a
rich cultural programme, the anniversary of the country's
independence was also honoured by a ceremonial
parliament session and a Mass "for the country" celebrated
by Ljubljana Archbishop and Metropolitan Alojz Uran.
Asked about Slovenia's stance on an-European oil pipeline
connecting the Romanian port of Constanta and Italy's port
of Trieste, Turk said that "all offers need to be examined and
Slovenia's geographical position needs to be used, however
not without also considering environmental protection".
He highlighted the connections between energy and
environmental protection as put forward by the Lisbon
strategy. "This is about having a big opportunity to use
technological development to move patterns of energy use
and patterns of economy towards smarter energy," Turk
said.
Prime Minister Says Visit to Ukraine
Focused on EU Issues
Kiev, 28 June
Prime Minister Janez Janša told the press in Kiev that the
focus of his talks with Ukrainian officials over his two-day
visit was Ukraine's accession to the EU and NATO and the
early general election. The discussion also revolved around
the European dimension and possibilities of Ukraine getting
an official invitation for EU membership in the near future.
According to Janša, now is the key moment for the EU to
take a step forward and encourage pro-European forces
in Ukraine with concrete measures. He emphasised the
finalisation of negotiations on a special agreement between
Ukraine and the EU, which can be "more than just a free trade
agreement". He emphasised that the Ukrainian economy
was in good shape, and that Ukraine was a country of great
potential, with which Slovenia had very good relations.
According to Janša, it is "wise to invest in the expansion of
formal framework for the cooperation as well as in specific
connections".
Turk: Energy an EU Presidency Priority
Zagreb, 24 June
The Zagreb meeting brought a timely demonstration of a
political will to create a basic framework for global energy
security," Turk assessed. He added that Slovenia was
ready to accept its role in the energy community. He sees
a possibility for Slovenia to confirm this by organising an
international gas forum or through the establishing of a
regional market with energy products that would operate in
line with exchange principles. Turk said after the conference
that the meeting of state representatives from SE Europe
did not aim at discussing specific positions of individual
countries with regard to energy projects in the region.
Prime Minister Janez Janša and Ukrainan Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych. Photo: Srdjan Živulovič/BOBO
sinfo august 07
Monthly Report
Slovenian GDP at 87% of EU Average
Luxembourg, 30 June
Slovenia's per capita gross domestic product (GDP)
measured by purchasing power parity stood at 87% of the
EU average in 2006, data from Eurostat shows.
According to figures released this week by Eurostat, Slovenia
is in 16th place in the 27-member EU in terms of its per capita
GDP, behind Greece (89%) and Cyprus (94%).
Topping the list by GDP in the EU in 2006 was Luxembourg,
whose per capita GDP amounted to 280% of the EU
average. Luxembourg is followed by Ireland (144%) and the
Netherlands (131%). Standing on the other side of the scale
are the most recent newcomers to the EU, Bulgaria (37%)
and Romania (38%).
Lenarčič: Presidency
Preparations Going Well
Ljubljana, 3 July
Slovenia will be ready to take over at the helm of the EU
by January 2008, European Affairs State Secretary Janez
Lenarčič said. The presidency is estimated to cost EUR 62m,
however, it is guaranteed to raise the country's visibility.
The latest estimate of costs stands at EUR 62m, EUR 5m more
than the original assessment, due to an increased number of
events that are to take place during the presidency, Lenarčič
said.
Janez Lenarčič, European Affairs State Secretary.
Photo: Stanko Gruden/STA
Farwell to Archbishop Šuštar. Photo: Grega Wernig/Salomon 2000
However, experience shows that profit generated by the
economy during the presidency exceeds the costs. And a
successful presidency improves the country's reputation."The
presidency will increase Slovenia's popularity in the EU, and
the other way around, since the Slovenian public will probably
be more interested in EU issues during the presidency,"
Lenarčič said.
He emphasised the presidency "is a great opportunity and
a great honour for Slovenia, since a nation of two million will
be at the helm of the most important global association with
500 million citizens."
Lenarčič anticipates that the preparations in the last six
months will focus on the guidelines of the presidency,
and said that the "atmosphere will be more relaxed" given
the agreement reached at the EU summit in June on the
reformed constitutional treaty.
Since the final draft of the treaty is due to be adopted at an
inter-governmental conference in the second half of 2007, it
is expected the members will start ratifying the agreement
during Slovenia's presidency. According to Lenarčič,
Slovenia's presidency is to focus on four major issues:
review of the Lisbon Strategy, the Western Balkans, energy
and climate change, and inter-cultural dialogue.
sinfo august 07
Monthly Report
president of the first Slovenian government with which Šuštar
cooperated during the struggle for independence.
Janša highlighted Šuštar's efforts in the field of human rights
and his nation-building contributions. The prime minister
said that after independence Šuštar continued to strive for
reconciliation within the Slovenian nation after half a century
of division.
"Even during his lifetime he came to be a symbol of kindness
and wisdom," Janša said.
Janša: Climate and Poverty
to Feature at EU-LAC Summit
Lisbon, 4 July
PM Janez Janša has said that the summit between the EU
and Latin American and Caribbean countries set to take
place during Slovenia's presidency of the EU is likely to be
topped by climate change and the fight on poverty. Janša
made his comments following EU-Brazil summit in Lisbon,
which largely defined the topics for the EU-LAC summit.
According to Janša, the first-ever summit of the EU and
Slovenia Bids Farewell to
Archbishop Šuštar
Ljubljana, 2 July
Retired Archbishop Alojzij Šuštar, who died on 29 June, was
buried in Ljubljana on 2 July after a requiem mass given
by Cardinal Franc Rode and attended by relatives, friends,
Church dignitaries from Slovenia and abroad, as well as
several eminent political figures.
Rode thanked the late archbishop for his faithful service
at the helm of the Ljubljana archdiocese and the Church
in Slovenia, as well as for setting an example as a noble
Slovenian.
Šuštar opened Slovenian "politicians many doors to world
centers of power, helping independence efforts", Rode said.
But the developments that followed independence were
often in opposition to his expectations, saddening him and
making him feel as if the authorities were not taking him
seriously. Addressing the mourners on behalf of the Church
in Slovenia was Ljubljana Archbishop and Metropolitan Alojz
Uran, while addresses at the funeral ceremony were also
held by Prime Minister Janez Janša and Alojz Peterle as the
EU-LAC Summit. Photo: Kristina Kosec/BOBO
Brazil is the beginning of a strategic partnership between
the bloc and the most populous latin American nation. In his
opinion Brazil is a country that is increasingly important on
a global scene.
Slovenia's EU presidency in the first half of 2008 will be an
opportunity to make at least a few meaningful steps forward
in terms of realising the European future of the countries of
the Western Balkans, Janša said. "Now that the EU has made
a step forward in achieving compromise with regard to its
new treaty, it can also dare to take some bolder steps when
it comes to the European prospects of the Western Balkan
countries", Janša said.
sinfo august 07
WHAT MAKES THE NEWS
The Main Slovenian Airport Has a New Name and Image
Photo: Stanko Gruden/STA
Nataša Marvin, Polona Prešeren
After the government renamed Ljubljana's airport Jože
Pučnik International Airport, the airport was given a complete
'makeover' in July, when a new modern passenger terminal
built to the latest international standards was opened. This
is only phase one of the plan to make it the most important
airport in the region.
The Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, Janez Janša,
opened the first phase of the new passenger terminal at
Ljubljana airport. In his speech the PM noted the important role
played in the independence process by both the airport and
Dr Jože Pučnik, and stressed the development achievements
of the airport in recent years, with the new premises being
only the first step towards greater modernisation.
Dr Jože Pučnik played important role in the independence process.
Photo: Primož Lavre/Salomon 2000
The Minister of the Interior, Dragutin Mate, agreed that the
modernisation of the infrastructure was necessary. "Now
we will be able to separate Schengen and non-Schengen
flights, which was one of the deficiencies mentioned by the
evaluation committee when they inspected the airport last
year. A re-evaluation was carried out at the beginning of July
and according to the first response, we are ready to introduce
the Schengen regime at the airport, that is, the air border."
The first phase of the new terminal is a great asset for
Slovenia, as it meets the Schengen standards for separating
passengers. The EU evaluation commission inspected the
airport one week ago, but has not published a report yet.
Despite that, the PM said he shared the confidence of the
airport management that the report would be positive and
that the EU would approve of the airport’s establishing the
Schengen regime in March 2008.
Janez Božič, the Minister of Transport, did not hide his
enthusiasm. He said the government fully supports the
airport's development plans, which reflect the needs of
customers and international trends. He said that the Ministry
has several development plans which it intends to implement
with the national budget and European funds, citing a railway
connection to the airport and the main road from Kranj to
Brnik as examples.
The new facilities are not only an asset with regard to the
enlargement of the Schengen area, but also offer more space
for passengers, and introduce new standards and technology,
said Zmago Skobir, President of the Management Board.
According to Mr Skobir, the construction of a completely
new terminal, which will begin in the second half of 2008 and
be completed by 2010, will be an even greater asset for the
airport and passengers.
With the new facilities, which together with boarding bridges,
cost €17 million, the waiting areas for passengers were
enlarged from 800 to 5,000 square metres. When the terminal
is finished, capacity will be 850 passengers per hour, double
the current number. Thus the airport, which is recording a
continuing growth in passenger and cargo volumes and
therefore lacks space, will be able to handle up to 2.5 million
passengers annually.
The Aerodrom Ljubljana company has already prepared new
investment plans to be implemented after this investment
– by 2015 it is to became a true 'airport town' and the leading
airport in the region. The new terminal will introduce different
working procedures, air traffic controllers and airport workers,
as the planes will be parked differently.
sinfo august 07
WHAT MAKES THE NEWS
Foreign Ministers of Mediterranean
Countries Meet at the Slovenian Coast
Photo: Domen Grögl/STA
Polona Prešeren
On 5 and 6 July the Slovenian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr
Dimitrij Rupel, hosted an informal meeting of foreign ministers
of Mediterranean EU members. Romania and Bulgaria were
participating for the first time.
control and the readmission of illegal immigrants, but also the
protection of refugees and prevention of human trafficking.
The ministers welcomed the compromise reached at the June
2007 European Council on the treaty reform process and
expressed support for the Portuguese Presidency convening
of the Intergovernmental Conference later this month, which
should be concluded by the end of this year. They stressed
the need to remain engaged in the Western Balkan region
and make its EU perspective a reality. With regard to Kosovo,
the ministers reasserted that the unity of the European Union
is of the utmost importance.
At informal discussions the ministers focused on
Mediterranean issues relevant to the EU and the wider
international community. On the first day they discussed
the Middle East peace process, while on the second they
addressed the European neighbourhood policy, the situation
in the Western Balkans, migration and the future of the EU.
The participants issued a concluding statement and agreed
that the best way to support moderate Palestinian forces is to
provide a political solution and resume peace talks as soon
as possible in order to make the two state solution a reality.
The participants reiterated the usefulness of such informal
consultations, agreed to meet in Cyprus on 17 and 18 January
2008, and welcomed the proposal by Cyprus to invite the
Secretary-General of the Arab League to that meeting.
The ministers reaffirmed the great importance of the European
Neighbourhood Policy and agreed that Mediterranean and
Eastern European partners should be actively involved in
dialogue on issues of mutual concern, such as economic
integration, energy, transport, migration, intercultural dialogue
and the strengthening of the human dimension.
Against the backdrop of the meeting, Slovenian Prime
Minister Janez Janša met the French Minister of Foreign
and European Affairs, Bernard Kouchner. They agreed
that relations between the two countries were positive,
developing extremely well and maintaining a high level
of dynamics, particularly in the economic field. They
went on to focus on current European issues. Mr Janša
stressed the positive role of France during the last
European Council, when a compromise on the new EU
treaty was reached. They agreed that in the light of their
consecutive presidencies in 2008, Slovenia and France
must maintain intensive contacts and regular political
dialogue. The main focus of the meeting was the situation
in the Western Balkans, which will be among the priorities
of both Presidencies. They emphasised the significance
of a united position in seeking a solution for the status of
Kosovo. They stressed the need to maintain stability in the
region and agreed that a compromise on the modalities
of the final status must be reached this year.
Slovenia presented its proposal for a Euro-Mediterranean
University, which is aimed at closer cooperation in higher
education and greater student mobility in the region. The
initiative was welcomed and supported by all the ministers.
"This is an important step forward through a cooperation
network of existing universities. Its creation could significantly
contribute to the enrichment and strengthening of intercultural
dialogue in the Mediterranean basin and elsewhere," the
concluding statement says.
With regard to migration policy the ministers agreed that
the EU must consider all aspects of migration in order to
strengthen the Union’s internal security and respect for
human rights. Such a comprehensive policy should include
not only the management of legal migration, effective border
sinfo august 07
WHAT MAKES THE NEWS
The Evolution of the Slovenian
Pension System
Aleš S. Berk
A weak financial position of many pension funds has
highlighted the need to secure financial resources and
improve risk management practices to meet retirement
needs, triggering a variety of reform efforts. Governments
should seek to encourage and influence market
developments in this area, and policymakers may need to
reconsider appropriate risk sharing mechanisms between
the public, private and households sectors. In Slovenia,
current supplementary system which was introduced at the
beginning of the decade, does not offer reasonable, sound,
effective and competitive a possibility to save for retirement.
Despite welcome first steps when funded pension system
was first born, administrative barriers and obstacles, coupled
with specific behavior of financial institutions that were
allowed to manage assets of pension funds in an isolation
of the financial system, are still predominant characteristics
of the system.
of finance for new investments. In Slovenia where government
is committed to privatize some enterprises, demand from
pension funds would well balance the supply of new
stocks, if only privatization would be designed in a way of
establishing diversified ownership structure. Very important
implication of a developed financial system is that it provides
the least distortions in labor markets which improves labor
mobility, even across wider economic area. Besides that it
strengthens asset management culture and lowers cost of
capital in the economy which as a consequence results in a
higher economic growth.
Slovenian pension system as a whole should therefore evolve
through achieving structural change. Traditional first pillar,
which is under a serious demographic attack and is about to
cause fiscal imbalances should be diminished. The optimal
solution for Slovenia would be to erect sound framework for
providing funded pensions which would besides solving the
pension problem of ageing Slovenian population promote
financial system and economic growth. This framework has to
promote professional asset management, competition, cost
efficiency, simplicity, transparency, regular reporting and has
to allow flexible product design based on prudent investor
principles. Optimal financial vehicle to do this task well is
mutual fund-like structure – at best with umbrella structure
(i.e. umbrella fund which offers sub-funds with different
investment policies suited for various desired strategic asset
allocation or for various age cohorts). Pension funds should
provide fair and timely information to all beneficiaries.
Mandatory minimum guarantees are keeping providers of
pension schemes away from strategic asset allocations that
would be reasonable for the beneficiaries. Especially young
members of the system are thus bearing the opportunity
loss as they are forced to allocations that are not yielding
otherwise achievable rate of return. For the long run, stocks
compared to bonds are far more suitable vehicle for longterm saving (i.e. provide higher return) and are even less
risky. Current minimum guarantee regulation does not even
foster professional bond portfolio management and thus
prolongs periods where pension providers are developing
in a way parallel to the financial system and are not capable
of competing with other substitute saving vehicles.
One very critical issue that must be taken care of when
designing the future pension system is awareness-raising.
Namely, educational system in Slovenia does not at all
cover issues of personal finance. Average person is thus
rather unequipped for making financial decisions about
the appropriate savings product to choose for long-term
pension saving. Many are even not aware of the fact that each
individual will have to save for her/his own pension, although
many voices are raised in the professional press addressing
that issue. Government has to promote saving in the pension
system and provide framework for forecasting the expected
pension wealth and pension annuities under separate
options available in the pension system. Precondition for
such a promotion are certainly sound financial vehicles that
are integrated into the financial system and that offer myriad
of options to the corporate sponsors on one hand and to the
individual on the other.
Reasonable orientation for designers of the future
pension system to follow in Slovenia should be directed at
strengthening the funded pillar as researchers state many
arguments in favor of such a system. However, benefits
do not come by themselves, but are conditioned upon the
ability of the legislator and regulators to create simple and
transparent environment that foster fund management with
the sole goal of creating the highest possible benefits for
included members. Developed funded pension system
can as well provide benefits for the financial system –
institutional investors cause performance improvements of
enterprises, better assert shareholder rights as they exert
corporate governance pressures. It also has benefits that
spread across financial system in terms of higher stability of
financial markets, creates saving and thus provides sources
sinfo august 07
10
WHAT MAKES THE NEWS
Bled Strategic Forum 2007 – ‘European Union 2020: Enlarging and Integrating’
Policy makers, business leaders and experts to discuss
European and global challenges in Bled
Centre for European Prespective, photo: Nebojša Tejić/Salomon 2000
At the end of August, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the
Republic of Slovenia, the Centre for European Perspective
and the Institute for Strategic Studies are hosting the
principal foreign policy event in Slovenia of 2007 – Bled
Strategic Forum.
The Forum will provide a stimulating platform for one of
the great foreign policy challenges in Slovenian history –
holding the presidency of the EU as the first among the new
EU member states in the first half of 2008 – and cover the
principal priorities of Slovenia’s EU presidency.
Bled Strategic Forum is designed as a platform for promoting
high-level dialogue between leaders from the private and
public sectors, as well as think tanks, academia and civil
society experts on key issues relevant to Europe and
the world in the 21st century. The Forum aims to develop
common integrated approaches, to discuss and resolve
the challenges the EU and the world community is currently
facing, and efficiently tackle new ones.
So this year’s discussion will include the further enlargement
of the EU and its management challenge of creating a new
institutional framework to keep Europe competitive. Since
energy and the environment are at the forefront of today’s
discussions within the EU, global warming and energy
security should not concern the EU alone, but will have to
be dealt with on a global scale. These vital challenges will
be encompassed by the four panels of the Bled Strategic
Forum 2007: ‘The Next EU Enlargement’, ‘Energy and Climate
Change’, ‘Global Preponderance’ and ‘The Future of EU
Integration Process’.
The first Bled Strategic Forum called 'Caspian Outlook 2008'
was held in August 2006. The international conference
discussing the geopolitical relevance of the Caspian
region for the European Union from economic, political and
strategic perspectives was a major success that attracted
policy-makers, business leaders and experts from Europe
and worldwide.
The Forum will also feature two round table discussions
entitled ‘Economic and Political Trends in the South
Caucasus and Central Asia: The Role of the EU and the
OSCE’, organised by the Centre for European Perspective
and ‘Turkey in Europe’, organised by the Institute for Strategic
Studies.
On 26 and 27 August 2007 Bled will become the capital of
the EU again, when the second Bled Strategic Forum opens
its doors. This year’s conference, called ‘European Union
2020: Enlarging and Integrating’, features most of the major
challenges the EU and global society face today.
More information about the Bled Strategic Forum 2007,
including a draft conference program, is available at www.
bledstrategicforum.org.
11
sinfo august 07
WHAT MAKES THE NEWS
Zmago Modic placed canvasses, his pupils and nudes in Ljubljana's Pločnik. With the help of charcoal true works of art came to
life.
Zmago Modic, a Painter:
Photo: Tomaž Berčič
Live So That You Can Look at Yourself
in the Mirror
Miša Čermak
an audience, for entrance examinations at the Academy.
Painting male and female nudes at Three Bridges is not a
provocation. It is aesthetics: it is about understanding the
human body and form, because I maintain that skin is the
most beautiful attire”, he says.
Zmago Modic, a painter who has been teaching painting to
both younger and older generations for as long as twentynine years, has moved his studio many times. This summer
he docked at the Three Bridges at Pločnik. It was there, in
the outdoors, that younger and older pupils painted male
and female nudes. It was there that smiling tourists took
photographs, bewildered by Zmago's art installations that
enrich the cultural pulse of Ljubljana. There is no rest for
this painter, who for many years has been changing the
face of Ljubljana's Old Town; for the author of the Universal
Ljubljana project who surprises us with Migule ('Movables'),
galaxies on wires, ascetic nativities, exhibitions, and lately
with the Kamenje pada (‘Falling Rocks ’) and Obleka naredi
človeka ‘Clothes Make the Man’ projects, as well as with
speed real-time painting at concerts and happenings; not
a moment's break for him or us; his one hundred and thirtyfive kilograms, with trademark grey beard are simmering
with creativity. Many smile at the mention of Zmago Modic,
thinking to themselves, "Ah, that weird man pulling crazy
stunts, the painter that sticks out, a persona who always
speaks his mind."
“There is nothing I would not want to express. In my opinion,
painting at Pločnik is the perfect opportunity for the young
to prepare, through the experience of painting before
sinfo august 07
Migule for the Freedom of the Universe
Zmago's innumerable unorthodox ideas are the reason he
has become one of Ljubljana's attractions. This was not
due to his desire to attract attention at any price or gain
visibility, or a wish to stand out. “I am what I do, that is what
I am like. I have no desire for my work to stand out; I merely
realise my ideas. If I think my idea is constructive, that it has
the potential to cause inner happiness in people and bring
about a sense of security in them, if the idea relaxes and
liberates, I decide to do it.” He is as happy as a child to see
his ideas realised and he feels like a child as well.
His playfulness and surplus of creativity continually give
birth to new ideas that become new challenges. “I have a
great many ideas. When leaping into the sea one has to get
all wet and not stick one's head out all the while. If you get
an urge, a feeling, you have to do something about it. The
Migule came about when I was helping the Urban Planning
Institute of Ljubljana out when they were at a loss for ideas.”
12
WHAT MAKES THE NEWS
Zmago devised of models of galaxies right above the heads
of the people in the city, reminding them that we are all in
the womb of the Universe. This is when the Migule came
into being. “The sphere is the most natural and the most
agreeable of all shapes. The parabolas are logical, the white
colour is associated with winter, and the Migule sway in the
wind, waving greetings to everyone. When they wanted to
take them down and replace them with flags for National
Day, I told them that flags were rags that wave greetings
to a certain regime, while my Migule are a greeting to the
Universe. They stayed up. There were fewer flags, in spite
of the fear of indignation on the part of the "liberators" but
freedom is still felt.”
proclaimed the galaxies to be spermatozoa. The association
came to me because the city workers were unable to
hang the comets up with completely straight tails, so they
looked like spermatozoa. If this is not the beginning of life,
I do not know what is.” Zmago always tries to put this belief
forward. Even when his pupils were publicly painting nudes,
he wanted to stress that the nude models are as human
as all the people walking by and watching. Apart from the
different trademarks they were wearing. When he held his
nude-painting classes in the glass Jurček show room at the
Gospodarsko razstavišče he was also deliberately making
the passing people aware of the requirements of studying
painting. “Of course, he says, the bus driver was looking a
bit more to the right. But perhaps he was not aware that he
looks the same. Had he looked in the mirror, he would have
seen the same thing. Some of the nude models were also
a few pounds heavier and of 'non-aesthetic' form, which is
to say, outside the agreed standards of beauty.” So what
is his idea of beauty? “A good person.” (laughter). “I do not
care if you have seventeen legs or one. It is a very beautiful
thing if a person can look at themselves in the mirror. My
father always said, "Live in such a way that you can look
at yourself in the mirror, and break the rules enough to be
able to see beyond it." This is something I try to live by,
because every person needs to be believed in, listened to
and caressed a lot, even criminals, who probably were never
caressed.” This is why Zmago Modic tries to call people's
attention to beauty; this is why he offers them kind ideas,
and why he caresses people. “I try to do it in such a way
that my creations, the galaxies, do not obstruct the view of
the castle, the Franciscan Church, Robba's Fountain or the
Prešeren Monument; so that they are there, but are not in the
way. This duality seems very important to me: everyone gets
to express themselves without shouting down others.”
Richness of Spirit and Heart
Zmago often hears people say that he is provocative. Some
people feel threatened, which is why he keeps quiet about
some of his new ideas. He is grateful to the deceased
Primož Lorenzo from Imago Slovenia, who understood and
supported him, and he is also grateful to the new mayor
of Ljubljana, Zoran Janković, who made his outdoor school
possible. “Primož took pains to revitalise Ljubljana. He
personally reminded waiters to relight the extinguished flame
of a candle. He observed the willow trees to see whether they
were being destroyed by street-lights.” In the same breath
he says that he gladly congratulates anyone who is doing
something and that he would like to hold an exhibition twice
a year at Gospodarsko Razstavišče dedicated to all who are
forgotten or neglected, because the quality of a good work
of art is not diminished by less successful ones hanging next
to it. “I trust in people. Even if the work did not come out as
it was imagined, it still deserves recognition. Better to have a
bad statue than someone shooting people.”
A similar idea about helping his colleagues, people in
general, and the Prekmurje region, is still forming in his
mind. “It would be an anti-Las Vegas. I want to create a
spiritual wealth, as opposed to something that is measured
in tokens and money. I do not value these things. It is difficult
to measure things in money – the ill fate of humanity. I prefer
an economy that trades in kind. Prekmurje is a region with
strong energy and is seemingly poor. This is why I would
like to set up glass cabinets on the road crossing that vast
plain that would contain artworks so that the people would
come from all over Europe to nourish their spirits on works
of art. I want low costs, unique and huge contents, and I want
people to know why they are there. Not like it is now, with
Italians coming to shoot partridges. I want them to come in
order to purchase works of art.”
Kamenje pada and Obleka naredi človeka are logical projects of
Zmago Modic's school of painting. Photo: Tjaša Pogačar
Nudes as Mirrors
He remains unconventional, brave in word and deed as
well as in artistic expression. He dares expose nudes in the
centre of Piran or behind the window of his painting school,
or paint the body part we all came from , presenting and
explaining it in such a way that does not sound vulgar, but
rather beautiful and true to life. “I appreciate each part of
the body and psyche, though the latter presents a bigger
problem. I respect nature. The very organs that create us
and hold life's beginnings are not respected enough. They
are abused. If someone paints chalk graffiti that supposedly
seems vulgar, its interpretation is our own addition. I for
one am always reminded of something beautiful. I also
13
sinfo august 07
WHAT MAKES THE NEWS
Maribor Set to Become
European Capital of Culture in 2012
Albert Kos, photo BOBO/STO
The competition was close and the outcome came as a surprise
to many: out of the four Slovenian towns which submitted
candidacies for the title of European Capital of Culture of the
year 2012 – when Slovenia will share this title with Portugal –
the town nominated was Maribor, Slovenia’s second largest city,
which is also the economic and cultural hub of north-eastern
Slovenia.
is much less developed than in the central and western portion
of the country. Also, this region seems less attractive to tourists
than certain other areas, mainly in Gorenjska and Primorska,
although perhaps unjustly so, as it does not lag behind other
regions in terms of natural resources or richness of cultural
heritage: quite the contrary, it has some clear advantages over
the rest of the Slovenia. The first breakthrough was made by
thermal health resorts and spas, of which there are many in
the region. Their visitor numbers are gradually increasing, and it
would be a sensible approach to channel this inflow of tourists
to visit the aforementioned towns, as they have much to show
to keen visitors.
The other towns competing for the nomination were Ljubljana,
Celje and Koper, but the international evaluation committee
thought that Maribor’s candidacy had important advantages
over its competitors, so they advised the Slovenian Minister
of Culture, Dr Vasko Simoniti, to propose to the Government
of Slovenia that the Municipality of Maribor be nominated
European Capital of Culture for the year 2012. The Government
has confirmed this decision, which closes the affair from the
Slovenian side, although it is the authorities in Brussels who will
have the last word; it is unlikely that they will have any hesitations
or objections to Slovenia’s decision.
Making the Capital of Culture project come to life will therefore
provide a fresh boost to the ambitions of those who see culture
as a generator of development. This claim is not unfounded, as
proven by the experience of many European towns: as Capitals
of Culture, the urban atmosphere was invigorated and did not
fade after the projects had ended, but instead left lasting traces,
which are also visible not only in culture, but in other fields. As a
consequence, the areas where these projects took place found
a new self-confidence in the planning of future developments,
both in culture and in general.
The feature that set Maribor’s candidacy apart from others is
that the proposal foresaw the inclusion of many other Slovenian
towns in the programme of this year-round European cultural
project. Apart from Maribor, these towns include Ptuj, Murska
Sobota, Slovenj Gradec, Velenje and Novo mesto, while the town
of Celje will probably also take part, since its own candidacy
was not accepted. All of these towns are important centres
of a vast area which covers most of north-eastern and southeastern Slovenia, but is also closely linked to neighbouring
regions in Austria, Hungary and Croatia. This is why the
selection committee, commenting on its decision, especially
commended Maribor’s candidacy for its strongly expressed
European dimension and its inter-regional scope. Another
key advantage of Maribor was its multi-centrically designed
conceptual point of departure, which placed a strong emphasis
on the links between culture, education, economy and tourism,
as well as between urban and rural environments, while taking
into account the vast educational potential in the field of culture
production and culture management currently being developed
by the University of Maribor.
It goes without saying that Maribor and the other towns in the
European Capital of Culture 2012 project are not starting from
scratch, as each has developed and supported numerous
cultural activities in the past and each already possesses
at least one or more cultural establishments to provide the
basis for planning the programme of events. The anticipated
EU aid will doubtless be very welcome for everyone involved:
it will allow for the restoration and completion of their cultural
infrastructure, as well as more demanding renovation of cultural
heritage; but also – and perhaps more importantly – in terms of
content, as this will provide them with the opportunity to become
more intensively involved in the European cultural scene and
to make their contribution (the more noticeable, the better).
However, this holds true not only for the towns involved and
their urban areas: in a small country like Slovenia, a European
Capital of Culture will certainly attract a lot of creative energy
and potential, not only from within the national borders, but
also from a much wider area. As a consequence, Slovenia, and
especially its eastern region, will become more prominent and
recognisable on the cultural map of Europe.
Generally speaking, the North-East is among the lesserdeveloped parts of Slovenia, as economic and social indicators
are for the most part below the national average; its potential
sinfo august 07
14
INTERVIEW
Lučka Kajfež Bogataj:
Internal instead
of external growth
Vesna Žarkovič, photo Nebojša Tejić
15
sinfo august 07
interview
Lučka Kajfež Bogataj: "Slovenes usually think
that others, most often the USA, are to blame for
climate change, and most definitely not our small
Slovenia. Therefore others should solve the
problem. They also believe that climate change
will not be extreme and will not affect us, as we
have a more environmentally-friendly attitude."
This is how Professor Lučka Kajfež Bogataj from
the Biotechnical Faculty summarised the views of
the majority of Slovenes.
But climate change knows no exceptions. If not for other
reasons, Slovenia will be affected the same because of
globalisation. Prospects are rather grim when it comes to
climate change, aren't they?
That is true. It is also not good that the majority expects the
government to take care of the problem. We should begin
to realise that we must begin with ourselves. We will have
to give up many bad habits and start adapting to different
weather. I personally think that this will not be easy, as it is
in peoples’ nature that we do not want to give up comfort
and consumerism. Most changes with regard to the climate
issue threaten our standard of living. How many people are
willing to give up their car, mass air traffic and nicely heated
or cooled flats?
Probably not many. You would begin by changing everyday
habits?
Absolutely. I believe there are three essential goals:
improving the energy efficiency of the buildings in which
we live or work, rationalising traffic and a different attitude
to consumerism. Or, more concretely: realistically, we can
improve energy efficiency by 20 per cent, drive less, with
smaller cars, more slowly and only when really necessary.
With regard to shopping our first goals should be to give
up inessential things. This will not affect our quality of life.
For example, take air-conditioning in closed spaces, which
can cause health problems. Air-conditioning wastes a lot of
energy and increases the amount of heat in cities. Instead,
we should select the appropriate construction materials,
consider the direction the buildings are facing, and the size
and position of windows. Green and wet areas also improve
welfare.
much as 0.13 degrees Celsius per decade. The upper parts
of the oceans have warmed, glaciers are retreating, the
surfaces of sea ice are shrinking, oceans are evaporating
to a greater extent, and the sea level is rising. Global rainfall
has increased in the last 100 years, although regional trends
differ. Inland there are more droughts, as western parts of
continents are becoming warmer than the eastern. The
Sahel, the Mediterranean, southern Africa and south Asia
are becoming drier, while the eastern parts of North and
South America, northern Europe, and northern and central
Asia are becoming wetter. In addition, the acidification of
surface parts of the oceans, and the salinity of seawater in
individual oceans have been recorded, as the water cycle is
changing.
In the past, the climate changed without human intervention,
due to natural variability, but in the last two hundred years
it has been influenced by human activities. What is the
greatest factor?
People have been increasingly influencing the composition
of the atmosphere. This is happening in two ways: for
centuries the earth has been changing due to land use
and deforestation. In addition, there are six times as many
people on the planet as there were in 1800, and on average
every person uses seven times more fossil energy than
two hundred years ago. Due to the burning of fossil fuels,
traffic, fertilisation, waste dumps, factory emissions and
similar activities the atmosphere contains more and more
greenhouse gasses (CO2, CH4, N2O, O3, etc.) and aerosols,
which mainly influence the Earth's radiation. Between 1906
and 2005 land and ocean temperatures have increased by
0.74 ± 0.18 degrees Celsius. The sharpest increase (twice as
much as in one hundred years) was in the last fifty years, as
sinfo august 07
What caused climate change?
Human-induced climate changes are the unintentional
consequences of three great advances in science: the
discovery of penicillin, and the invention of artificial fertilisers
and the internal combustion engine. These were very much
the reason for increased population, and seven billion
people pollute much more than a smaller number would.
Globalisation transforms people into consumers, including
the billions living in Asia who used to live in poverty. I think
that climate change will continue, as it is not very probable
16
interview
that the world’s energy consumption will decrease or that
population growth will stop.
weather changes, so that we can forecast them in time.
If we cannot prevent climate change, we can at least
prepare strategically. In this case, relying on a traditional
scientific approach is not enough. We should have a holistic
approach which comprehensively examines all aspects of
how weather influences the quality of life. A good adaptation
strategy should also consider a potential business or some
other type of opportunity. To summarise: adapting to climate
change demands an organised, systematic and carefully
conceived approach. The time is coming when the climate
issue should be institutionalised at the state level: from
establishing an appropriate government office, which would
focus exclusively on that, to support for concrete research
programme and projects. Measures, which are now in the
competence of different government bodies, but all largely
deal with the consequences of climate change, will have to
be coordinated, encouraged and financed systematically at
the level of the state.
This does not sound encouraging. Across Slovenia average
annual land and air temperatures, temperatures during
the growing season and the length of growing period are
increasing, there are fewer very cold and hotter days, so
heat waves are longer in the summer. What awaits us in the
future and are we ready?
With the estimated increase of greenhouse gasses and
sulphate aerosols, the air temperature will rise over the
whole of Slovenia. Summers will heat up the most (between
3.5°C and 8°C), followed by winters (between 3.5°C and 7°C),
springs (between 2.5°C and 6°C) and autumns (between
2.5°C and 5°C). We do not predict changes in rainfall in the
spring and autumn months, while precipitation will increase
in the winter (up to + 30%), and decrease in the summer
(by 20%). With regard to temperature, the findings are
rather reliable, while they are not so exact with regard to
precipitation. However, this all means that the temperature of
the land and sea will grow, and that air humidity, cloudiness,
the intensity of showers, and the intensity and frequency of
other meteorological phenomena (fog, snow, storms) will
change. Weather disasters, including droughts and floods,
will also be more prominent.
Weather conditions can change more than we can imagine
from our knowledge of the past. The summer of 2003 and
this year's winter, which Europe has not seen in 500 years,
can be cited as such extreme examples. We are most
definitely not ready for this – neither the people, nor the
infrastructure.
Various social and economic indicators predict that human
beings will continue to influence the environment. For more
than fifteen years, almost all industrial countries have been
running an energy policy which calls for reducing energy
consumption, but empirical data show that the use of
energy is increasing both in the industrial and developing
countries. Isn't that contradictory?
It most definitely is. Economic analysts believe that energy
consumption is linked to economic growth – the greater the
economic growth, the greater the consumption of energy.
Energy consumption growth of 2 per cent coincides with 3
per cent economic growth. This has been true in the last
twenty years. If economic growth continues at least at the
same pace, energy consumption will follow, which means
that in 20 years it will rise by almost 50 per cent. In turn,
this will continue to influence climate change. In addition,
globalisation with growing inequality, marginalisation, poverty
and changes in nutrition and health security instigates ethnic
disputes, migration and urbanisation, and increases social
vulnerability. In this century, climate change could become
the greatest risk to national security. If average temperature
growth exceeds 2 degrees Celsius in comparison with preindustrial time (we have already exceeded 1°C) the number
of risks (hunger, shore flooding, insufficient water, malaria,
etc.) will rise sharply. According to estimates, if global
temperatures rise by more than 3°C, more than 3.5 billion
people will have problems with access to drinking water.
Ecopolitical problems include conflict areas due to lack of
water, effects on fishing, deforestation and increased danger
due to tropical cyclones.
For decades, rich countries will be able to compensate
for inclement weather with irrigation, good insurance and
appropriate health care. They can also introduce new
technologies, educate the people and carry out various
preventive measures. However, the adaptive capacity of
Africa and most of Asia is minimal. People who are the least
to blame for climate change will carry the greatest burden..
Will the elderly, patients, the homeless, pregnant women
and children be able to adjust to the new conditions?
More frequent and intense heat waves will take more lives,
and storms will endanger property, health and lives more
often than they do now. Higher temperatures will enable
the spreading of tropical diseases outside the equatorial
area. Climate change will also have negative psychological
effects. It will particularly affect women, both physiologically
and with regard to their lifestyle. In less developed countries
women are often still marginalised and less educated, and
as they take care of their children and family, they are more
vulnerable.
Even though research on how climate change will influence
health is in the early stages, you say that we must
nevertheless begin thinking about an adaptation strategy.
What should this strategy consider?
Politicians should examine the possibilities of mitigating
climate change, and adaptation possibilities, which can
be based on our weather experience in the last twenty
years. We should ask ourselves how many times we were
affected by the weather, what the damage and occurrence
rate were. Such an analysis will give us the best indication
of what awaits us in the future, and even more frequently.
We first notice physical risks, but we should not disregard
the political thereat, instability, and also civil unrest. We
should also consider the legal aspect, the need for different
laws and more natural norms. Therefore we should focus
on training and staffing meteorological institutions and
conduct more research which would follow climate and
How will climate change affect agriculture?
The quality of produce, varieties and traditional agricultural
practices will change.
Plants will mature sooner, and need more water, and there will
be more pests and diseases. In stock farming there will also
be more diseases and problems with access, amount, quality,
17
sinfo august 07
interview
and the price of animal feed. In the
Slovenian forests conifers will be most
affected, particularly unmixed forest
associations and isolated forests
with poorer environment conditions.
Centres and trends of agriculture will
change. Subsidising methods will
have to change and the import and
export of food adjusted as, globally
speaking, climate change will make
farming more expensive. In the next
decades, the risks to agriculture will
grow, particularly the probability of
extreme weather conditions.
For this problem an analysis of the
vulnerability of economic and other
systems in Slovenia has to be made
as soon as possible. The country
must finally realise that climate
change threatens our everyday life.
Constant GDP growth cannot be the
only value. First and foremost we must
focus on human welfare. Gradually,
but persistently, we should change
our value system and exchange
external growth for internal.
sinfo august 07
18
BUSINESSBUSINESSBUSINESSBUSINESSBUSINESSBUSINESSBUSINESSBUSINESS
Record economic growth,
inflation jumps
In 2006 economic growth in Slovenia
stood at 5.2 per cent and in the first
trimester of 2007 it increased to 7.2 per
cent. In the same period, 3.2 per cent
growth was recorded in the EU, a 3 per
cent growth in the EMU.
In June the price of consumer goods
rose again. In comparison with May the
prices rose by 0.4 per cent and this rise
influenced inflation, which increased for
the fourth time and now stands at 3.6
per cent, mainly due to higher prices
of food and services. Annual inflation
in the 13 countries of the Eurozone
measured with the harmonised index of
consumer prices reached 1.9 per cent
in May, while it stood at 2.1 per cent in
the EU.
The Institute of Macroeconomic
Analysis and Development (IMAD)
updated its spring forecast of average
inflation from 2.2 to 3 per cent. Annual
inflation will reach 3.2 per cent and not
the previously estimated 2.5 per cent.
IMAD also revised the figures for next
year, when basic inflation is to reach
2.7 and not 2.8 per cent, while annual
inflation will rise from 2.5 to 2.6 per cent.
The current director of IMAD, Janez
Šušteršič, is leaving his position in the
autumn to begin an academic career.
Hot action at the stock exchange
More and more Slovenes are investing
in stocks, and the indexes are soaring.
In the first six months of the year the
benchmark index of the Ljubljana Stock
Exchange, the SBI 20, hit a record 65.46
per cent increase reaching 10,561.34.
The SBI 20 broke the magic 10,000mark for the first time on 19 June, and
less than a month later, on 16 July it
exceeded 11,000
Analysts have been emphasising for
some time that investors have been
buying shares due to speculation on the
offloading of 'non-strategic' government
stakes in several companies and
not because of excellent company
management. In May the Prime Minister
Janez Janša announced: "The goal of
this government is to complete the
transition and ensure that no future
government will have an influence on
the business sector." We have recently
reported unofficial statements that
the KAD and SOD funds are already
preparing valuations of 'non-strategic'
companies, which in accordance with
the government's plan should be sold
off by the end of next year, and that
they will be completed next month. In
September the funds will decide on
individual deadlines for withdrawal from
companies.
PETRA SOVDAT,
Business Daily Finance
Indexes are rising
Less than a year ago the Istrabenz
finance holding (trading as ITBG)
and the largest Slovenian beverage
corporation Pivovarna Laško (PILR)
bought former government stakes in
the leading Slovenian retailer Mercator
Indexes are rising at Ljubljana Stock Exchange. Photo: Leon Vidic/Salomon 2000 Archives
19
Istrabenz.
Photo: Leon Vidic/Salomon 2000 Archives
(MELR); now both are seeking to gain
control of the company. The CEOs of
Mercator's owners, Igor Bavčar from
Istrabenz and Boško Šrot from Pivovarna
Laško, have become adversaries, as
they failed to reach an agreement
and both seek management control of
their own companies. First, the biggest
owner of Laško, Infond Holding, sent a
bid to the state-run KAD and SOD for
their 30 per cent stake of Istrabenz.
Then the Celje retailer Engrotuš
(the company is also increasingly
focusing on telecommunications and
energy), which had recently helped
secure a management buyout for
the managers of Merkur, entered the
battle. Engrotuš is owned by Mirko
Tuš – the richest Slovene according to
Manager magazine, which is the only
institution in Slovenia to make such
rankings. A bid was also submitted by
the Serbian holding company Delta,
owned by Miroslav Mišković, which tried
unsuccessfully to establish a Balkan
retail holding company with Mercator
and Croatian Agrocor, owned by Ivica
Todorić, some years ago.
sinfo august 07
BUSINESSBUSINESSBUSINESSBUSINESSBUSINESSBUSINESSBUSINESSBUSINESS
It is not yet certain how the story will
end, as the stake of Istrabenz is not
included in the government's sale
programme, but it should be by the end
of June next year. And the government
views Istrabenz rather favourably.
an agreement, the management of
Petrol, headed by Marko Kryžanowski,
also has to face the shareholders, who
need to give the project 75 per cent
support. With Istrabenz buying shares,
this seems increasingly unlikely.
Management buyout of Merkur
Krka from Novo mesto presents the
Sinteza 4 plant
After the withdrawal of the state-run
KAD and SOD from the technical retailer
Merkur (MER), Engrotuš group, which
bought their 24.3 per cent share, sold
it to the managers of Merkur. CEO Bine
Kordež said that Merfin (a company
bringing together 65 managers) is
thinking of taking over the company. In
Slovenia, a shareholder must announce
a takeover offer after acquiring 25 per
cent.
A logistic holding company with
Deutsche Bahn is being planned
The Minister of Finance, Andrej Bajuk,
and the Minister of Transport, Janez
Božič, have been negotiating with the
management of Deutsche Bahn on
establishing a logistics holding company,
which would bring together Luka
Koper (trading as LKPG), Intereuropa
(IEKG) and Slovenian Railways. The
government is keeping silent about
the details of the deal, but according
to rumours, there are two possible
outcomes. Either the majority share in
the holding will be sold to the German
group Deutsche Bahn - which would in
turn co-finance the construction and
renovation of the Slovenian railway
infrastructure; or the company would be
established with in-kind contributions.
For several months the government and
Deutsche Bahn have been discussing
setting up a public-private partnership
worth several billion euros aimed at
constructing and modernising the
railway infrastructure on the routes of
Pan-European Corridors V and X.
Petrol. Photo: Domen Gröegl/STA
which has about 10 per cent of the
voting rights as of July. The Hungarian
Mol has also publicly expressed interest
in taking over Petrol. Some years ago,
Petrol was also interesting to other
European oil companies, including PKN
Orlen in Poland, and contact was made
with Eni in Italy.
In the middle of June, Jože Colarič,
President of the Management Board
and CEO of Krka (KRKG), and the
Prime Minister Janez Janša opened
Krka's new acquisition, the Sinteza
4 plant, which will produce active
pharmaceutical ingredients. This is one
of the biggest investments of Krka in
Slovenia, worth more than €20 million.
Krka has allocated more than 8 per
cent of its revenues, i.e. more than €60
million, to developing more than 100
new products which will be launched
this year or in 2008.
Helios acquires Belinka
Chemical producer Helios (HDOG)
and Belinka Holding (BELG) have
signed a merger contract. Last year
Helios’ revenue was €262 million, while
Belinka's was €52 million.
Petrol is also stirring up rumours
After rumours that the planned joint
venture between the Slovenia oil
company Petrol (PETG) and the Russian
giant Lukoil to sell petrol in SE Europe
will not take place, Petrol's shares have
seen an increase in trading. They are
being speedily bought by Istrabenz,
sinfo august 07
Krka presented its Sinteza 4 plant. Photo: Nebojša Tejić/Salomon 2000
The fate of the venture with Lukoil will be
known in the autumn, when valuations of
in-kind contributions will be completed.
Petrol's contribution consists of about
400 petrol stations in Slovenia, Croatia,
Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia,
while Lukoil's largely comprises petrol
stations in Serbia (Beopetrol), and
possibly in Romania and Bulgaria. If
negotiators of both companies reach
20
According to analysts, Krka's shares are
one of the few which are not overrated.
Krka is the most liquid shares on the
Ljubljana Stock Exchange, and trading
was given additional impetus when the
shareholders agreed that the company
would split shares at the beginning of
September in a 1 to 10 ratio, making
it even more liquid and accessible to
small investors, said the management.
BUSINESSBUSINESSBUSINESSBUSINESSBUSINESSBUSINESSBUSINESSBUSINESS
had not included them in the negotiations
and that no infrastructure investment
plan has been made. Nevertheless,
procedures for the biggest green-field
investment in Slovenia are running
smoothly: in the autumn the National
Assembly will discuss amendments
to the Gaming Act, which will allow
construction. The location of the centre
is not yet known, but there are several
options. The complex will include a
casino, hotels with 1,500 rooms, a
congress and event centre, health
spa, pools, restaurants, entertainment
venues, shops and sports facilities.
According to the optimistic scenario
the centre will open in three years.
In the middle of the year the strongest
Slovenian brand is Barcaffe
Electricity on free market.
Photo: Domen Gröegl/STA
Supplier of electricity
to be selected freely
From 1 July households can choose
their supplier of electrical energy
freely, regardless of where they live.
Up to now electricity prices have been
regulated by the government; now they
will be formed on the free market. On
average, electricity itself constituted
38 per cent of the total bill paid by
Slovenian households. Prices will
gradually be harmonised with market
prices; however, major increases are
not expected. Based on the experience
of other EU countries, few people will
change their supplier, but their number
should increase when more suppliers
enter the market, which will only happen
when prices become more marketoriented. Slovenia electrical companies
are still mostly owned by the state.
According to a survey made by the
company Valicon, the strongest
Slovenian brand after six months this
year is Barcaffe coffee, which managed
to keep its leading position. The coffee is
manufactured by the biggest Slovenian
food company Droga Kolinska (DRKR),
a subsidiary of Istrabenz. Milka still
ranks second, while Orbit chewing gum
made it to the third place. Milka is also
the strongest brand in the region of
former Yugoslavia.
Peter Groznik new chair of the Strategic
Council for Economic Development
At the beginning of July, the Prime
Minister Janez Janša, appointed Dr Peter
Groznik as Chairman of the Strategic
Council for Economic Development.
Groznik, Head of Asset Management
at KD and an Assistant Professor at
the Ljubljana Faculty of Economics,
replaced Dr Marjan Senjur, who remains
a member of the Council. In addition,
the term of Dr Kranjec ended on his
appointment as the new Governor of
the Bank of Slovenia.
Kranjec begins his term as the
Governor of the Bank of Slovenia
The New Governor of the Bank of
Slovenia, Marko Kranjec, officially
began his term on 16 July. He was
approved by the National Assembly on
19 June. Almost three months after the
six-year term of Mitja Gaspari ended,
and eight months after the public call
of President Drnovšek, the Bank has a
new Governor.
NLB revitalises its management
board
As of 16 July Nova Ljubljanska banka
(NLB), the leading Slovenian bank,
has expanded its management board,
which now has five members. It is
still presided over by Marjan Kramar.
Current member Matej Narat has been
joined by Claude Deroose from the
KBC Group (which owns over one third
of NLB), Alojz Jamnik and Miran Vičič,
replacing Andrej Hazabent and Borut
Stanič.
Protests against Slovenian Las Vegas
After representatives of the government,
Casino Hit from Nova Gorica and the
Las Vegas giant Harrah's Entertainment
signed a letter of intent to build an
entertainment centre worth about one
billion dollars civil society began to
protest. They say that the government
Dr Marjan Senjur and Dr Peter Groznik. Photo: Domen Gröegl/STA
21
sinfo august 07
COVERSTORY
Photo: Uroš Hočevar/Salomon 2000 Archives
Slovenian Popular Folk Music
A Phenomenon
with a European
Following
Miša Čermak
sinfo august 07
22
COVERSTORY
Over five hundred popular folk music (or
‘Oberkrainer’) groups in Slovenia, a tradition
spanning more than fifty years, which, through
the music of the Avsenik band has long since
exceeded Slovenian national borders and has
taken Slovenian music into the world; Avsenik’s Na
Golici polka, which is the most played post Second
World War instrumental on European airwaves,
all radio stations combined – surprising statistics
indeed. Encyclopaedic definitions state that this
popular folk music developed from traditional
music, while some experts tend to refute such
claims; however can dispute the data that the
music sometimes disparaged as ‘beef muzak’ has left
a lasting imprint on our time and space, as well as
helped Slovenia to become better recognised in
the world.
called ‘festivals’), radio shows (such as ‘Tuesday Night for
Traditional Songs and Tunes’), which then evolved into TV
shows. These events have a cult following and always draw
huge crowds, and the shows have excellent ratings.
The Diatonic Button Accordion and Beef Soup
The popular folk or ‘Oberkrainer’ music is by far most
widespread in Slovenia and neighbouring Austria and Italy,
as well as Germany, Switzerland and the Czech Republic.
And thanks to Slovenian emigrants, it is also quite well
known in other parts of the world. The genre developed
from Slovenian traditional music. Experts, who do not deny
it its typical ethnic character, would add that it combines
polka, jazz and the popular music of the 1950’s. The most
characteristic instrument of the music, which can most
frequently be heard at village fetes and weddings, but which
many years ago found its way into national radio and TV
programmes, as well as numerous music festivals, is the
diatonic button accordion.
Perhaps it should be noted that Slovenia boasts a large
number of accordion makers, who are constantly seeking to
outdo each other in terms of instrument tone and quality. But
the ‘Slovenian-style box’ is just one, albeit the most typical
sonic element of the genre sometimes dubbed ‘beef muzak’,
a derogatory term being explained by the fact that in the
past, it was the musical background to many a Slovenian
Sunday lunch, at which beef soup was an indispensable
dish. The typical sound also consists of guitar, double bass,
clarinet and trumpet and, of course, tuneful vocals. And
there are also the rhythmic patterns, which ‘Oberkrainer’
music has reduced to two prevailing types: the 4/4 polka for
lively, happy tunes; and the much calmer and often dreamy
3/4 sway of the waltz.
That said, the history of a musical genre which has millions
of followers around the world proves that it can be viewed
as a modern mass culture phenomenon. But not only that
– one could go as far as to say that it actually co-created
the modern music entertainment industry from the end of
the Second World War to the present day. For the musicians
who perform in this genre are very recognisable and can be
easily classified, while its listeners do not come exclusively
from rural backgrounds: the fans of these merry swaying
tunes come from many walks of life. And finally, there is
much more to the popular folk music phenomenon than
just listening experience, as this popular culture movement
implies recognisable and specific forms of dress, a certain
kind of food, special types of humour and entertainment,
etc. Due to the genre’s popularity and, consequently, wide
scope, a special type of musical event has developed (so-
Photo: Iztok Dimc
23
sinfo august 07
COVERSTORY
The Pioneers of Popular Folk Music
artists (Ivanka Kraševec, Braco Koren, Oto Pestner, Alfi Nipič,
etc.) and their tunes became so hugely popular that the
public took them as their own, so to speak. What is more,
some fans even composed their own little tunes about their
favourite performers. Avsenik’s classic polkas Na Golici, Na
Roblek bom odšel and others have practically become part
of the folklore, not to mention Avsenik’s waltzes Tam, kjer
murke cveto, En starček je živel, Slovenija, od kod lepote
tvoje; or Lojze Slak’s hit waltz V dolini tihi, which still brings a
tear to many a sentimental Slovenian eye. In brief, there are
so many beautiful tunes that to try to list them all would be
virtually impossible.
The precursors of popular folk music are not traditional
folk music and musicians. In fact, it grew out of the popular
taste in music in the years following the end of the Second
World War. The most typical local groups from that period
were the so-called Vaški kvintet and Beneški fantje. The true
precursors of the ‘Oberkrainer’ style were those individual
instrumentalists, groups and singers who played folk songs
differently, adding new instrumental and rhythmic details. But
it took a few innovative composers and arrangers (who were
for the most part classically trained) to see the potential and
appeal of these new renditions to the public, so they added
instrumental parts. And when talented singers were added
to the formula, the national Radio Slovenia opened its doors
wide – were it not for the radio’s programme named ‘Tuesday
Night for Traditional Songs and Tunes’ there would probably
be no such thing as popular folk music. Until 1953, the radio
played only traditional folk songs. One could say that the
true history of popular folk music started with a bang in 1953,
when the legendary, genre-defining group called Avseniki
appeared on the scene. Their creativity, and instrumental
and vocal styling have inspired many musicians, while
throughout their career, they took their form of expression
to a considerable level of quality and to this day set the
standard all other ‘Oberkrainer’ musicians have to measure
up to.
It goes without saying that such mass popularity is due to
electronic media: were it not for LP’s, audio cassettes, radio
and television, the sound of the ‘Oberkrainers’ would never
have reached large cities and millions of their inhabitants, who
would presumably only get to hear the very best and most
popular compositions. That said, one should nevertheless
mention those musicians who, through their creative output,
paved the way for the budding popular folk music: Miško
Hočevar, who played original tunes in a folk style; Avgust
Stanko, a chromatic accordion virtuoso; the Fantje na vasi
vocal quartet; the female duo Rezika in Sonja, the natural
singing talents Danica Filiplič and Franc Koren, as well as the
aforementioned Beneški fantje and Vaški kvartet.
Records, Tapes and People
Avseniki – the Phenomenon of the Original and
Best Popular Folk Group
Following the success of the Avsenik group and its music,
many things changed. Groups such as Avsenik, Slaki,
Henček, and, more recently, Ptujskih pet, Slapovi, Fanti treh
dolin, Blejski kvintet, Alpski kvintet; as well as numerous solo
And yet, behind every success story in the music business,
there is a lot of knowledge, love and a big heart beating
just for music. The Avsenik orchestra had great creative and
performing potential. Slavko Avsenik was a genius tunesmith,
Avseniki. Photo: Miško Kranjec/Salomon 2000 Archives
sinfo august 07
24
COVERSTORY
while brother Vilko wrote excellent arrangements which
incorporated a dash of each player’s creativity to create
compositions and tracks of the highest quality. Both brothers
were folk musicians in their youth and capable of building their
musical knowledge from these humble beginnings. Vilko, a
graduate of Ljubljana’s Academy of Music, carefully analysed
what had to be done in order to achieve the desired results,
and with a bit of luck, came up with a winning combination
of instruments which had never before played together in
a band: accordion, bass, guitar, trumpet and baritone horn.
Avseniki were also very lucky in choosing the vocalists, as the
unique male-female duo of Danica Filiplič and Franc Koren
contributed greatly to the band’s recognisable, good quality
sound. Also, it seems that the Avseniki group was created at
the right time, as the years after the Second World War Years
were full of optimism, which was further boosted by the kind
of music the group played: its goal was to help people relax,
to make them happy and make them dance. The fact that
Avseniks’ music was thoroughly danceable was proven by
the brothers’ childhood friend, who set a record by boogying
to the sound of Slavko’s squeeze box for an impressive three
and a half hours. Naturally, the songs’ lyrics were of great
importance, too. The group’s first lyricist was Dr Ferry Souvan,
a bandleader himself, who knew how to work with people
and listen to their needs, but at the same time had the
knowledge and capacity to make words gel with music. And
even though it is true that Avseniki adapted to their listeners
and would change a song if it did not win the acclaim of the
audience, it is also true that they were still careful to maintain
a high level of musical quality. A few years ago, the Avsenik
band stopped recording and playing live. Alas, Slovenia has
yet to find a group to fill their shoes, and it does seem there
will never be anyone to match Avseniki. But perhaps their
musical legacy is all we ever needed anyway…
Rutar, Accordion Maker
Accordion maker Jožko Rutar lived for a while in the
trendy areas of the Italian Dolomites. He was working
in the tourist industry, and the fine views, which are
further embellished by the seemingly endless carpets
of mountain flowers in the summertime, have clearly
shaped his sense of mountain aesthetics. He also
liked to entertain his guests and friends with the
sounds of his diatonic accordion. Upon returning to
Slovenia, he embarked on his own success story, and
started making squeezeboxes which are quite typical
of our country. He set up his workshop in the family
house at Sela near Nova Gorica. Nowadays, the village
is well known to the numerous Slovenian musicians
who build their sound on the diatonic accordion
or ‘frajtonarca’, as most local people tend to call it.
These artists include Atomik Harmonik, Turbo Angels,
Boštjan Konečnik, Navihanke, and diatonic accordion
world champion Robert Goter.
The appearance of Rutar’s accordions reflects
the context of the musical genre in which they are
primarily used. The lively, simple, but powerful tunes
that the local radio stations like to play, mainly on
Sunday afternoons (and some throughout the day),
have an ideal graphic counterpart in gaudy finishes
on a wooden base, with flowery designs inspired by
real-life kitsch mountain scenes and chiselled chrome
panels as a form of distraction. So a person setting
eyes on such an instrument would be overcome with
joy. Or fall into a bad mood, depending on musical
taste. Whichever it may be, it seems that father Jožko
and son Aleks have a bright future ahead of them.
So far, they have clearly made the best of Slovenia’s
and Central Europe’s infatuation with the sound of
the ‘frajtonarca’, as you can tell from the luxury cars
parked in front of the house. And lastly, if you, dear
reader intend to buy your son, daughter, brother,
or father-in-law this distributor of happiness and
laughter with a bellow, with resonating wood hiding
a unique inner structure of hand-made reeds and
mechanisms which should last a lifetime, then feel
free to select your favourite colour combination, grab
a few thousand euros, and put your name down on
the waiting list. It will take several months before your
living quarters will begin to echo with the jolly tune of
Avsenik’s Na Golico.
Andraž Pöschl
Slaki – High above the Clouds
Besides Avseniki, the other most famous popular folk music
group was Ansambel Lojzeta Slaka. Lojze, who lent his name
to the group, played diatonic accordion, penned most of its
compositions and was the band leader. His big break came
in 1957, when he first performed as a solo accordionist on
a talent show radio broadcast. He left a lasting impression
on musical experts and the general public alike. Two years
later, the Ansambel bratov Slak was founded, with Lojze’s
brothers Tone on trumpet, Matija on clarinet, Stane on
bass playing and, Lojze, naturally, on accordion. This lineup lasted a good three years, before two of the brothers
had to leave to do their military service. But young Lojze
would not keep still. He quickly recruited three singers and
entered his band in a contest of young musical groups at
Ljubljana’s Trade Fair Park. Lojze’s composition, Domači
vasici (‘To My Native Village’) became the group’s first major
hit practically overnight. A little while later, when playing at
Radio Slovenia, as he often did, Lojze met the vocal group
Fantje s Praprotna. Apparently, the admiration was mutual
and they joined forces to become one of Slovenia’s best and
most original popular folk groups – Ansambel Lojzeta Slaka,
which recently celebrated its fortieth anniversary with a big
concert at Ljubljana’s Hala Tivoli arena.
what they have achieved, as such international recognition is
indeed the rarest of things. The good thing about Slovenian
popular folk music is that it has in some way become
Slovenia’s trademark abroad. Its only problem, however, lies
in the fact that there is a tendency to present it to international
audiences as the only original and representative Slovenian
musical genre. Musicians donning ‘national costumes’ (in
reality, their costumes are typical only of the Gorenjska
region) perform at promotional events abroad, at trade fairs,
concerts held for the Slovene diaspora, etc. Avseniki and the
(industrial music) group Laibach are Slovenia’s best musical
exports.
Both groups, Avsenik and Slak, had and still have many fans,
and their music has inspired those who wish to make good
quality popular folk music and aspire to a similar level of
international success. But it is almost impossible to best
25
sinfo august 07
COVERSTORY
Photo: Iztok Dimc
There are not many popular folk bands in the Primorska
region, but for decades the region with the fewest such acts
has been Prekmurje. This can be explained by the fact that
genuine folk music traditions are still very much alive in the
region, and also by the fact that the instrument of choice,
which gives old tunes their character, is the fiddle. While the
folk songs of the Koroška region are so beautiful and complete
that they require no accompaniment whatsoever…
Slovenian popular folk music has many fans all across
Europe, it is celebrated in the cold North and listened to
anywhere – it is even popular in the USA. Our own polka
has even found a place in the virtual domain, and in record
stores on the other side of the Atlantic you can order Avsenik
CD’s and obtain the listings of every polka party in America.
Or, in the words of an unnamed female journalist: “Polka is
cool because it lends itself well to partying. Even for city folk,
when they crave something different!”
Turbofolk
A special spin-off of the so-called popular folk or ‘Oberkrainer’ music in Slovenia is what is known as ‘turbofolk’
(music). The term was imported to Slovenia from the South-East, via the Serbian airwaves. It was actually coined by
the prominent Serbian rocker Rambo Amadeus, a clever musician with a witty and very cynical attitude. His neologism
‘turbofolk’ was an effort to describe the new bridge spanning the gap between rural and urban worlds, a type of music
which stormed the cities on peasants’ carts. And since typical Slovenian ears cannot relate to the oriental flavour of
Serbian ‘turbofolk’ tunes, Slovenian musicians found a similar musical approach based on Alpine folk. One could claim
that their biggest influence was DJ Ötzi from neighbouring Austria. Bold bellow squeezes churning out simple chords
backed with thumping beats from a drum machine, and lyrics best suited for a demanding and exhausting affair that is
the traditional Sunday lunch, bring a smile to the faces of many Slovenes, who are thus prompted to run to the nearest
CD shop. In actual fact, the biggest selection of turbofolk CD’s is usually available from stores at petrol stations. The
real boom of Slovenian turbofolk began with a quartet called Atomik Harmonik, although the pioneer of the genre is
Boštjan Konečnik from Koroška, a solo artist whose rural hit titles ‘The Inn is My Home’, ‘Let’s Down Some’, ‘Fridays,
Saturdays and Sundays’, ‘Frajtonarca Is the Real Thing’, etc. perfectly cover the parameters of Slovenian turbofolk
music. But Konečnik’s shows and image are much more modest than the image of Atomik Harmonik, which features
two busty blondes and a singer, as well as an accordionist - the key to instant, at least short-term, success, which has
already spawned imitators: the Turbo Angels group, which appeared shortly after the initial Atomik Harmonik boom.
But Turbo Angels say they are taking their sound into a more pop-oriented direction, and this summer, they are set
to please Slovenian fans of frothy tunes with their current single with lyrics that read: “Let’s go to the Bahamas, forget
‘bout our pyjamas, for all who want to know, where this verse should go…”
Andraž Pöschl
sinfo august 07
26
S
O
C
I
E
T
Y
Photo: Kino Otok Festival Archives
Jože Osterman
Isola Cinema International
Film Festival – Izola
The fourth Isola Cinema international
film festival, which is really an
international film camp held in the
Slovenian coastal town of Izola, ended
at the beginning of June. It attracted a
crowd of film making talent from mainly
independent cinemas whose work is
very different from the mainstream
films shown in popular cinemas.
There were thirty films from eighteen
countries in five film categories, mostly
screened at the Summertime Cinema
in Manzioli Square in the centre of
Izola. Thirteen film directors, who also
introduced themselves to the audience
and participated in longer debates,
attended the festival, whose slogan this
year was ‘The Persistence of Vision’.
The selection of the newest films was
made available by the guest festival
Animateka, while the film workshop
entitled Happy Camera and the Silvan
Cine School workshop on writing about
film was organised for the first time this
year.
filmmakers outside Africa, Asia, Latin
America and Eastern Europe who are
marginal in their environment and
are not given the chance to express
themselves.” The winner of the fourth
Cinema Isola International Film Festival
as chosen by the audience and the
Youth Jury was Saratan by Ernest
Abdidžaparov from Kyrgyzstan.
The festival’s programme director
Vlado Škafar said that Isola Cinema
was a festival in progress, which was
attempting to include the audience
as much as possible. With films from
Africa, Asia, Latin America and Eastern
Europe, this year’s festival expanded
its film selection. Mr Škafar explains
the reason for the festival’s concept by
saying that “Cinemas and filmmakers
are not bound to a territory. There are
Druga Godba Music Festival
Photo: Kino Otok Festival Archives
The Druga Godba Music Festival is
one of the most traditionally-oriented
and well-attended cultural events
in Ljubljana. Twelve musicians from
fourteen countries and five continents
along with Central America performed
at the twenty-second festival this year.
Due to the somewhat lower number
of visitors at last year’s festival, this
year the organisers designed a new
programme aimed at a larger audience
as well as a new image. Once again, the
Cankarjev dom cultural centre stepped
in as co-promoter of the festival, which
prioritises Afro-Caribbean music and
new musical trends.
The first highlight of this year’s festival
was the Gotan Project tango-electronic
group, who have set new trends in
electronic tango music and whose
shows are sold out around the world due
to their fresh musical mix of traditional
tango and modern genres. The other
highlight was the new Portuguese
queen of fado, Mariza. Musicians from
Belize and Thailand gave their first
ever performances at the festival. The
27
sinfo august 07
S
O
C
I
E
T
Y
of the Republic of Slovenia, Dr Janez
Drnovšek, who said: “Their intervention
has no comparison, since they
successfully completed the first ever
rescue attempt from any face of the
Himalayas. Theirs was an act of great
courage and profound altruism, which
proves that human solidarity knows
no boundaries, that it should have no
limits and that different nationalities,
distances or different religions are no
excuse for erecting barriers.”
Ljubljana Jazz Festival
Photo: Stanko Gruden/STA
opening act was the Slovenian string
quartet Godalika. The Garifunas group
from Belize, with Andy Palacio as their
singer and guitarist, and the renowned
New York musicians Balkan Beat Box,
who play Balkan music, also gave great
performances. The Spanish DJ Doctor
Batonga!, whose real name is Jordi
Urpi and who forms part of the new
Barcelona music scene, performed a
mix of Latin alternative music and other
rhythms. The festival was practically sold
out before the opening of this year’s
festival, which shows its popularity. This
year’s festival organisers were awarded
a special prize by the City of Ljubljana,
which undoubtedly boosted their
motivation.
Gratitude Expressed to Two
Brave Men
At about this time two years ago,
Slovenian and global audiences could
follow the drama of the attempted ascent
of the 8000 metre-high western corner
pillar of the Himalayas called Nanga
Parbat by the Slovenian mountaineer
Tomaž Humar. Due to severe weather
conditions and avalanches, Humar
failed to reach the summit along the
most difficult route on the Rupal face,
where he climbed to an area 6300
metres above sea level, from where he
could not descend by himself. After a
week he was rescued by two Pakistani
army helicopter pilots from the face of
this westernmost ‘eight-thousander’,
despite the huge risks involved and the
fact that the regulations do not allow for
rescues above 5000 metres.
Due to their courageous efforts in this
miracle rescue, the two Pakistani pilots
Lt. Col. Rashid Ullah Beg and Lt. Col.
Khalid Amir Rana were awarded the
Golden Order for Services, which was
conferred on them by the President
Photo: Stanko Gruden/STA
The traditional 48th Jazz Festival in
Ljubljana, which is one of the most
renowned events of its kind in this part of
Europe, has ended. The performances
by distinguished musicians were held
at different venues over the three nights
of the festival, which once again saw
high numbers of visitors. The festival
was opened by a disciple of the Polish
Jazz legend Kryzstof Komeda, Polish
trumpeter Tomasz Stanko, whose
album From the Green Hill received
the German Critics’ Prize (Deutcher
Schallplattenprize) as Album of the Year
in 2000. His performance was followed
by the American pianist Matthew Shipp’s
trio featuring William Parker, and Bill
Laswell’s Material featuring Nills Petter
Molvaer, Bernie Worrell, Ayib Dieng &
Hamid Drake. The second day of the
festival featured Slovenian musicians
Fool Cool Orchestra, featuring the
renowned Macedonian guitarist Vlatko
Stefanofski and accordion player
Simone Zanchini. They were followed by
pianist Geri Allen with her Trio featuring
Carmen Lundy, and the distinguished
octogenarian saxophone player Lee
Konitz and his New Nonet. The final
night featured the German musician of
experimental electronic music Markus
Popp, followed by the flautist Maja
Osojnik’s Sextet, who played folk songs
with a jazz twist. The performance
was followed by Chicago based Steve
Coleman & The Five Elements and
closed by Cuban pianist Omar Sosa, who
is one of the most innovative virtuosos
of Afro-Cuban music and the recipient
of many awards for his contribution to
the development of Latin music.
Tobias Putrih Represents
Slovenia at the 2007 Venice
Biennale
At the 52nd Venice Biennale, one of
the most important art exhibitions in
the world, Slovenia is represented this
year by an original exhibit which has
sinfo august 07
28
S
O
C
I
E
attracted much attention. In the central
exhibition venue of the Galleria A+A
gallery a young Slovenian artist, Tobias
Putrih, presented his project ‘Venetian,
Atmospheric’, which is exhibited on the
island of San Servolo and for which
the artist needed to acquire a building
permit. It is a project which explores
and questions the notion of space, the
relationship between scale models and
architectural space, i.e. between the
movie theatre as a place of concentrated
fiction and the screen onto which this
fiction is projected for the audience.
Putrih sees the movie theatre in itself
as an artistic project which houses a
second artistic event, with both playing
parallel roles. Through his project,
Putrih analyses John Eberson’s movie
theatres, which were constructed in
the golden age of cinema and built on
doubling the fiction which is evoked in
the moviegoer by the movie as well as
the movie theatre at the entry point.
of contemporary films exploring the
relationship between space and the
cinema screen onto which film fiction
is projected.
The project consists of a fully
functioning cinema measuring 13x8x6
metres featuring two programmes of
film projections; one is a retrospective
of cinema masterpieces of the 1960s,
while the other features screenings
The main participants at this year’s
festival were the Czech Kvelb theatre,
Dutch comedian Lee Hayes, Spanish
circus Rolabola with the clown Hugo,
the French group Compagnie Les
Passagers, and master juggler Vincent
Putrih was chosen as the Slovenian
representative of the Biennale from
seven works. The organizer of the
exhibition is Art Museum Ljubljana
with art critic Aleksander Bassin as
commissioner.
Ana Desetnica on the Streets
of Ljubljana
The Ana Desetnica International
Street Theatre Festival, whose name
represents the tenth and therefore a
neglected child of the theatre, attracted
some extraordinary street theatre artists
and proved that it is an event which has
become one of the central summer
cultural events in Ljubljana, attracting
wide audiences and theatre critics.
T
Y
de Lavenere, who will also give
performances in other Slovenian towns.
Every year the Ana Desetnica festival
has to deal with problems resulting from
lack of space, which it always solves
successfully. This year a multicultural
city quarter with a square and streets
abundant with stalls of various cultural
societies based in Slovenia was erected
in front of the Modern Gallery at the
edge of Tivoli Park. There was a wide
variety of musical, folklore and culinary
feasts which attracted enthusiastic
crowds, making the tenth Ana Desetnica
International Street Theatre Festival the
most successful to date.
A blockbuster is set to be
filmed in the Soča valley
The River Soča with its green waters and
pristine environment is certainly one of
the most beautiful sights Slovenia has
to offer. In July it is to be the location
for the final scenes of The Chronicles of
Narnia: Prince Caspian film spectacle. It is
the biggest project Walt Disney Studios
and Walden Media have undertaken
this year. They chose locations in five
different countries, including Slovenia.
Photo: Iztok Dimc
29
sinfo august 07
S
O
Director Andrew Adamson from New
Zealand, producer Mark Johnson and
a team of 1100 people are filming the
scenes of the dramatic climax – the
retreat of the cavalry and foot soldiers
over
wooden bridge. The bridge
has been constructed from over 300
cubic metres of wood. A large part of
the team comprises an entire army of
mainly Czech extras who have spent
several weeks in training for the scene.
Adamson directed the first of The
Chronicles of Narnia films entitled The
Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe, which
grossed 745 million dollars at the box
office alone, making it one of the most
successful films in the business.
Both Johnson and Adamson are
Academy Award winners. They are
thrilled about the warm welcome and
gorgeous landscape that, according
to the director, shares many similarities
with New Zealand.
The nearby town of Bovec sees the
cooperation with the film crew as a great
opportunity. Since the crew has filled
the tourist capacity usually occupied by
visitors from the nearby Italian town of
Trbiž and the famous alpine ski resort
in Kranjska Gora, it is as yet hard to tell
how much Bovec is profiting financially,
but things are not looking bad at all.
When the filming is finished, Bovec and
the surrounding area will be restored
to their original state. However, the
townsfolk want to keep parts of the
wooden bridge and other stage props
and set up a type of media-park where
a documentary on the making of the film
would be shown. This is still a matter of
negotiation with the studios. They are
also trying to hold the Slovenian, if not
the European, premiere of the film, set
for May 16 next year, in Bovec. (STA)
‘Iški morost’:
A Bird-Friendly Environment
Anja Hreščak
A nature reserve situated on the
Ljubljana Marshes named ‘Iški morost’
was officially opened in the middle
of June at the urging of the Slovene
Association for the Observation and
Study of Birds (SAOSB) to protect the
corncrake (Crex crex), an endangered
species in Slovenia. The 65-hectare
area, located between the villages of Ig
and Podpeč on both banks of the Iška
River, is one of the country’s largest
unbroken areas of marshy meadowland,
the primary habitat of the endangered
bird and the most important corncrake
sinfo august 07
C
I
E
nesting site in Slovenia. It is also is
one of twenty-five specially protected
areas in Slovenia, part of the European
ecological territory network known as
Natura 2000. “The ‘Iški morost’ Nature
Reserve has finally become what we
have been striving to make it for a long
time – a bird-friendly nature reserve
which appeals to humans, too,” reads
the statement of SAOSB members
issued upon the reserve’s inauguration.
The ‘Iški morost’ Reserve features a 1300
metre long ‘Corncrake Learning Trail’,
which is equipped with a bird-watching
cabin and panels providing information
on the corncrake and other animal
species which live or used to live on the
Ljubljana Marshes and the meadows
of Iški morost. They also tell you the
most corncrake-friendly haymaking
techniques. At the beginning of the trail,
a pocket guidebook is also available to
all visitors who wish to know more about
the Reserve and the corncrake.
At the same time, the Reserve is an
experimental farm where the SAOSB, in
association with local farmers and using
their own farming machinery, study and
demonstrate ecological, bird-friendly
farming. Ljubljana – a place where
all of Europe meets
Anja Hreščak
“Ljubljana is a diverse cosmopolitan
town, which is reflected in the slogan
‘Where All of Europe Meets’, while our
identity is embodied in the logo,” said
Barbara Vajda, the Managing Director
of the Ljubljana Tourist Board.
In the middle of June the Ljubljana
Tourist Board presented Ljubljana’s
new logotype, which was selected in
a closed competition from among four
Slovenian and two foreign advertising
agencies. The judging panel chose
a logo designed by the John Morgan
advertising agency from the UK. The
logo consists of the lettler L rotated at
45 degrees in which the name Ljubljana
is spelled out in smaller letters. The logo
is completed with the slogan ‘Where
All of Europe Meets’. The agency also
designed a typeface called ‘Ljubljana
bold’, which will be included in all
promotional materials on Ljubljana as a
tourist destination. All three constitute
the Ljubljana brand, which will go live at
the beginning of 2008.
The logo comes in three colours (red,
blue and green), can be included
in an advertisment, and used as a
photograph, picture or document
holder. The most original application of
30
T
Y
the logo is in Slovenian fricatives and
affricates š, ž, č, when it is used instead
of the diacritic caron . Words used
include the names of Slovenian historic
personalities such as Prešeren, Plečnik
in Žižek and are presented as a positive
aspect of the local character, rather
than as an disadvantage of Slovene,
which is usually the case. The logo
will be featured on brochures, bags,
posters, in advertisements, and on the
web sites of the City of Ljubljana.
THISISSLOVENIA
The Zgornja Idrijca and
Divje jezero Landscape Park
Kornelija Ajlec, photo: Darinka Mladenovič
The Zgornja Idrijca Landscape Park extends along the upper
course of the Idrijca River: from the sources of this clear
mountain river which lies below the settlement of Mrzla Rupa
on the fringe of the Vojskarska Plateau to the town of Idrija.
It also includes the valley of the Belca Stream and areas on
the rim of the Vojskarska and Trnovski gozd Plateaus. The
vast landscape park is almost 30km long and has a total of
some 200 inhabitants living in Čekovnik, Idrijska Bela and
Mrzla Rupa. In 1992, this area, where the natural and cultural
heritage are closely intertwined, was declared a landscape
park by the municipality of Idrija and protected accordingly.
The park covers 4230 hectares of varied terrain, but one of
its salient features is that much of it – 4105 hectares – is
covered by generally rich and well-maintained forests, the
only non-forested areas being found around local farms.
Just a stone’s throw from the town of Idrija, near the 400year old unique Rake Promenade, the old mercury mine
pump known as Kamšt marks the beginning of a natural
history learning trail, a popular walk, abundant in plants.
Underneath the so-called Jožef’s mine shaft, old mine train
locomotives (with different types of motive power) are on
display where they once entered the mine. Nearby is the old
žehtnica washbasin, where the miners’ wives used to do their
laundry in the cold waters of the Idrijca River. From Divje
jezero and the Kobila river dam, a picturesque valley named
Strug opens up, which attracts, especially in summer, lovers
of nature and recreation. The beautiful Strug Valley boasts
clear waters, numerous ponds that the locals call ‘žobfe’,
suspension bridges and rocky cliffs. One cannot overlook
the monumental barrages referred to as ‘klavže’, built around
1770 to enable the accumulation of huge amounts of water
used for the floating of timber towards Idrija. The confluence
of the Idrijca and Belca rivers attracts numerous visitors
during warm months: the Lajšt baths have been well known
and popular since time immemorial.
The area of the landscape park comprises many geological,
geo-morphological, hydrological, botanical and zoological
features of interest. It also abounds in fossil deposits which
demonstrate the geological variety of the Idrija area. Also,
the park is home to many endangered plant and animal
species. As much of it is on Karstic terrain, many smaller
caves, sinkholes and chasms of the ‘deep Karst’ can be
found. The local flora is very attractive and varied, as it is
part Mediterranean, part Dinaric and part sub-Alpine. Certain
parts of the park, due to difficulty of access, are almost
intact: they are therefore under more strict environmental
protection and are classified either as natural monuments
or natural reserves.
In the higher area of the park, Krekovše above Bela, with
the well-known forestry and research facilities, deserves
special attention. Standing on Hudo polje Field, on the way
towards Mrzla Rupa, is a monument commemorating the
Pavla Partisan Hospital, which offered medical assistance
to approximately one thousand wounded during the Second
World War. Reminders of the distant past are the alleged
remains of the Roman limes. In the fourth or fifth century
31
sinfo august 07
THISISSLOVENIA
Divje jezero.
CE, it is thought that a defence system was erected in the
area which was intended to control the passage from the
Idrijca Valley into the Trebuša Valley and on to Italy. A special
natural curiosity is the Bukov vrh, a virgin forest of mighty
trees growing in a large sinkhole situated between Hudo
polje and Smrekova draga. The surface area of the forest is
more than nine hectares, at an altitude of 1314 metres above
sea level. As for the Smrekova draga forest, which is already
part of the Golaki Forest Reserve, its claim to fame comes
from an unusual thermal inversion which turns vegetation
layers upside down.
exactly it actually leads to remain shrouded in mystery. Most
of the time, the surface is idyllically calm, but things can
change pretty fast after a few days of heavy rainfall, and the
lake fills up with massive quantities of water: the surface level
can vary by as much as two to three metres. The average
temperature is 9.5 degrees Celsius, and in summer, it rises
to 17 degrees near the surface and only to 12 degrees at a
depth of 15 metres.
Divje jezero is also a vauclusian spring, as the water flows from
a very steep passage. This spring then feeds the Jezernica
River which is the shortest surface river in Slovenia, as it
flows for a mere 55 metres before draining into the Idrijca
River. The Jezernica changes constantly: there is no water
in dry periods, while abundant rainfall transforms it into a
real river which boasts a higher discharge than the Idrijca.
It was estimated years ago that the lake was accumulating
underground waters from the vast areas of the Črni Vrh
Plateau and the karstic underworld of the area around the
village of Javornik. Nowadays, it has been proven that the
watershed of Divje jezero and the nearby springs covers
roughly 125 square kilometres.
Also within the Zgornja Idrijca Landscape Park, only some
two kilometres south of the town of Idrija, lies Divje jezero
(‘Wild Lake’), one of the gems of Slovenia’s natural heritage,
and therefore protected as a natural monument since 1967. In
1972, the Lake was opened to the public as the first Slovenian
open-air museum. Due to the fact that the Alpine type of lake
is prevalent in Slovenia, a visit to this karstic phenomenon is
all the more interesting.
Divje jezero is a tiny lake at the bottom of a cauldron-like
rock formation surrounded by 100m high cliffs. The 65 metre
long and 30 metre wide lake, the apparent surface of a
karstic siphon, is in fact a spring trapped in the form of lake,
surrounded by a rocky amphitheatre. It is fed by the water
rising from a steep flooded passage which runs into depths
yet to be determined. In 1981, divers, who are drawn to the
lake like moths to a flame, explored the slanted siphon along
a length of 200 metres, 83 metres below surface. In 1995, they
reached a depth of 124 metres, which is the national record
for speleological diving. But the passage does not seem to
end anywhere near that depth, so its total depth and where
sinfo august 07
The Lake and its surroundings are exceptionally rich in flora
and fauna. The Lake is home to brown trout, while the siphon
accommodates numerous small cave creatures, including
the celebrated olm (Proteus anguinus). Atmospheric and
other conditions in the immediate surroundings allow for a
great variety of plant species: some of these are typical of
Alpine areas, but have survived the end of the last glacial
period in cooler and shadier spots. Among the botanical
features, we have to mention the Carniolan Primrose, as it
is endemic to Slovenia and has been known to our people
32
THISISSLOVENIA
as kranjski jeglič for more than two hundred years. Many of
these reddish violet flowers on slender stems, which bloom
at the end of April or the beginning of May, can be easily
spotted growing from crevices on the cliffs surrounding the
lake. Experts have found that some 150 species of fern and
seed plants grow in the area, which explains why it has for a
long time attracted well-known local and foreign botanists. A
botanical learning trail has been set up in the lake area.
the school’s very first lace-making instructor who
deserves significant credit for its creation and subsequent
development. Her ideas and hard work left a lasting imprint
on this institution, which has had a positive impact on the
economy of Idrija and its surroundings. Mrs Ferjančič was
exceptionally talented, and completed training courses
abroad, so when she returned to her hometown, she
introduced new lace patterns, which she started making with
her sister and brother. The new products proved successful
and really put Idrija on the lace-making map of the world.
Progress in other areas seemed to follow.
Divje jezero is well worth a visit, as it is located sufficiently
far from the hustle and bustle of major tourist attractions to
enable visitors to enjoy the peace and mystic atmosphere
of the place.
The people of Idrija honour their lace-making tradition
of over three centuries by organising the now traditional
international Idrija Lace Festival, the main folklore and tourist
event of the town. Idrija comes alive during the Festival,
which has established a good reputation both home and
abroad, attracting increasing numbers of visitors each year.
In the space of a few days, numerous exhibitions and other
cultural events take place at several venues across the town:
naturally, all the events have something connection with
Idrija lace.
Vauclusian spring – a type of a karstic spring named
after the spring at Fontaine-de-Vaucluse in the Vaucluse
Department, in historic Provence, in the south of France,
some 25 kilometres east of Avignon. It one of the deepest
springs of its kind, and has been explored to a depth of
315 metres. A typical feature of vauclusian springs is that
the water under pressure flows from great depths through
vertical or very steep passages to the surface.
The traditional Idrija Lace Festival takes place annually over
a long weekend in summer - since 2006, in June. This year,
the festival officially began on 21 June with the opening of
some Idrija lace exhibitions. The central event of the Festival,
very popular with visitors, especially lovers of lace, is the
State Lace-Making Competition. Lace-makers from different
parts of Slovenia, as well as from other countries, adults and
children alike, take part in this thrilling contest.
The area around the town of Idrija is also known for its lacemaking, which has for centuries been an important activity.
The oldest source attesting to lace-making in the Idrija area
dates back to the remote year of 1696.
Lace made in and around Idrija is of the bobbin type
(klekljane čipke in Slovene). The bobbins (kleklji in Slovene)
are small wooden cylinders around which cotton or flax
yarn is wound. Originally, the traditional art of lace-making
was usually handed down from one generation of women
to another. Later, due to an increasing market demand for
good quality lace, lace-making courses were introduced
and vocational schools were founded, where lace-makers
could perfect their craft, resulting in products of superior
quality for the international market.
During the Festival, the Lace-Making School remains active:
they provide regular guided tours of lace exhibitions,
displaying works by the school’s students. It also organises
several lace-making workshops.
The official closing ceremony of this year’s festival will be
on 26 August. This is when the lace exhibitions close, and
the Festival Banner is traditionally lowered from the mast in
Idrija’s Town Square.
The Idrija Lace-Making School was founded in 1876 and
has remained active to this day. It is Mrs Ivanka Ferjančič,
The Idrijca River.
33
sinfo august 07
A Desire for Perfection and Aesthetics
Shoulder rests – a Slovenian product available for purchase both in Tokyo and New York
Jože Prešeren, photo: Auguštin Archives
In his youth Auguštin Penič from Celje was first and foremost
a musician, a violinist. Later, he taught violin. It was merely
by chance that he became an entrepreneur whose products
can be bought all around the world. He makes violin shoulder
rests, a shapely and above all practical wooden product and
a delight for all who play this beautiful instrument.
the world. Apart from shoulder rests, they also make violins,
high quality speakers with original designs, and other items.
All the products come from a deep desire to attain perfection
and from a profound love of music.
“When I was studying, we did not have actual shoulder rests.
All we had were simple cushions and it was very hard to
balance the violin. When I was teaching violin to the young this
deficiency became even more apparent to me. I discovered
a plastic gadget made by a foreign manufacturer. A friend
of mine who was a carpenter made a similar product for
me out of hickory wood. Once it was finished, everybody
liked it. The music teachers were especially appreciative
of it. This is how it all began and this is how a desire to
help young violinists steered me towards entrepreneurship,”
relates Auguštin Penič. He adds that all this was going on
at a time when mere enthusiasm was giving birth to several
ideas, when economic gain was not a priority. It all started
in the former Yugoslavia, from where many orders for the
product came. Later, the social system changed. In 1991
Slovenia gained independence and conditions became
fiercer…New markets had to be found, new products made.
It was necessary to learn how to be an entrepreneur.
In spite of his growing success as an entrepreneur, Auguštin
Penič remains romantically infatuated with the instrument
of his livelihood. Familiar with the century-long search for
the perfect violin, conscious of the many theories on the
most appropriate types of wood and different chemical
techniques that aid in the making of the perfect instrument,
Mr Penič is aware that the path to perfection will be long
and hard. He expects it to be littered with failed attempts
and knows that the search for appropriate materials is of
the utmost importance. His life’s greatest challenge is to
discover the perfect violin to equal the famous Stradivarius.
At present Penič is cooperating with the Hungarian luthier
Laszlo Lakatos, whose approach to constructing violins is
traditional. Penič, with the cooperation of the Biotechnical
Faculty of the University of Ljubljana, is responsible for
the analysis and enrichment of materials. This summer is
witnessing the official birth of a specialised laboratory for
the acoustic analysis of materials, the only one of its kind in
the world. This project is financially supported by the Ministry
of Higher Education, Science and Technology.
The Slovenian Stradivarius
Soon it became evident that top-level products alone, without
a good business strategy, were not enough. Even though
his company was well established, and despite the fact his
products sold well, Mr Penič’s company went bankrupt due
to certain bad business decisions and debts. It took him
quite a long time to recover. The lesson was certainly costly,
but it also had some positive effects. He became more
cautious in managing his company. He paid all the debts
he had accumulated; he beat off all the attempts to steal his
intellectual property, copyrighted his products, and formed
new business partnerships. Business started to flow. Today,
Auguštin Penič and his poetically named company: VIVA LA
MUSICA is the third biggest shoulder rest manufacturer in
sinfo august 07
Penič relates that the wood that was used by Stradivarius
can no longer be found. This is why several tests and the
chemical treatment of various kinds of wood are necessary.
He and his colleagues will attempt to find the ideal wood in
individual regions of Slovenia and in other countries, looking
especially at highland growth areas. At the same time, they
will be trying to create the optimal type of chemical treatment
of wood that penetrates the inner layers fastest and fulfils its
purpose as well as possible. The search for the best violin is
undoubtedly a challenge occupying the thoughts of Auguštin
Penič and the other experts working with him.
34
“The first things we plan to work on in the new laboratory
are the acoustic properties of the wood that is currently
accessible on the world market,” says Auguštin Penič. “We
expect that at least one out of the three different woodtreatment procedures will prove successful. We are basing
our optimism on the initial positive results of the analysis
of instruments made from modified wood…All the famous
masters were revolutionary geniuses, and in many ways
the source of the wonderful sound of their violins remains a
mystery to this day. This is why I do not occupy myself with
determining how everybody else makes violins. A good violin
can only be made through examining its sound and beauty.
As far as violins are concerned, I became a practical man:
the only way to compete against the Chinese is to improve
the look, shape and sound of a child’s violin. You can not
compete with them on price, but only on quality.”
Auguštin Penič is taking a modern approach: he wants to
make an electric violin with the measurements identical
to that of the classical violin, and retain the latter’s sound
quality. He is certain that he and his associates will succeed
in inventing a material with better acoustic properties then
any other. There is an ever growing number of discoveries
in the world and the universe. Why would it not be possible
to invent a violin better than all the violins that have come
before? According to Auguštin Penič the world is changing
so quickly that people will become more and more open
spiritually. So why not seek the perfect instrument and the
perfect sound?
The desire for the perfect sound is a lifelong challenge, as is
the quest for the perfect violin, or the construction of speakers
that make people stop and take notice as they pass by at a
fair. The same goes for the aiding product, the shoulder rest
that, among other things, helps young musicians grow to love
the instrument while learning it. At first glance it seems that
there are not many opportunities for new discoveries in the
world. But one soon realises that the search for quality and
perfection yields many opportunities. Of course, this kind of
work demands a great deal of knowledge, commitment and
love.
More information is available at: www.vlm-augustin.com
35
sinfo august 07
THISISSLOVENIA
Red strawberry soup
To make soup:
500g [1lb] strawberries
200ml [4/5 cup] white wine
500ml [2 cups] stock
60g sugar
salt
fresh lemon balm
150g toast
Cook strawberries in the mixture of stock and wine, add
sugar and salt. Boil for 10 minutes, allow to cool, and purée
with a mixer.
To make bread:
500g [1lb] flour
1 egg yolk
1 sachet dry yeast
300ml [1 1/5 cup] lukewarm milk
120g [4 1/5oz] sugar
60g [2oz] butter
2 tbsp rum
a pinch of salt
Knead the dough for bread, let it rise, knead again and roll
out the dough with a rolling pin. Cut into bands and form a
braid. Let it rise for another 30 minutes, brush with beaten
egg yolk, and bake for about an hour at 180ºC [356ºF].
When cool, dice the bread about 1cm [2/5in] thick, and
brown the croutons in the oven.
Serve with chopped lemon balm and croutons.
Fig balls
Ingredients:
500g [1lb] dried figs
150g [2 1/3oz] almonds, chopped
1 egg white
20g [4 1/2 tsp] grated orange zest (1 orange)
50ml [3 1/2 tbsp] rum
Remove stems, halve the figs and put them
in a blender. Add egg white, orange zest
and rum, and mix well. Stir in almonds, form
balls the size of a walnut and place them in a
refrigerator for a few hours. Roll in icing sugar
and serve.
sinfo august 07
36
THISISSLOVENIA
Pearl barley salad
Ingredients:
160g [5 3/5oz] pearl barley
16 olives
100g [3 1/2oz] canned corn
100g [3 1/2oz] lentils
100g [3 1/2oz] fresh peppers
salt, pepper, parsley
olive oil, vinegar
Cook pearl barley and lentils separately,
and allow to cool. Add finely diced peppers, olives and maize. Season with salt,
pepper, oil and vinegar and add parsley,
toss well and place in a refrigerator for a
while to allow flavours to blend.
Almond cake with strawberries
Ingredients:
6 eggs
180g [6 2/5oz] sugar
100g [3 1/2oz] flour
100g [3 1/2oz] almonds, finely
ground
100g [3 1/2oz] butter
500g [1lb] strawberries
1l [4 cups] cream
strawberry liqueur
syrup
Gently whisk the eggs, warm them
and put them in a blender. Add
sugar and flour, and blend for 15
minutes. With hands slowly stir in
ground almonds and melted butter.
Pour the batter in a round baking
tray (ø26cm), covered in baking
paper. Bake for about an hour at
160ºC [320ºF]. Allow to cool and slice
in half. Soak both halves in syrup
with a dash of strawberry liqueur.
Brush one half with whipped cream,
garnish with strawberries and add
another layer of whipped cream.
Place the rest of the dough on top,
brush with cream, and place the
cake in a freezer for a few minutes.
Add another layer of whipped cream
and garnish to taste.
Photo: Tomo Jeseničnik
Food prepared by: Peter Lenče
37
sinfo august 07
THISISSLOVENIA
Slovenian Castles:
Kornelija Ajlec, photo: RIC Bela krajina
In the previous issue we took a look at two castles in the Bela
krajina region. This issue features two more: Pobrežje and
Vinica castles. Bela krajina saw a hundred years of looting
and burning by Turkish armies. It was the entry point from
which the Turks ventured deep into the land of Carniola. The
land’s and emperor’s governments decided to form a ‘vojna
granica’ (March) south of the Gorjanci hills. The March was
designed specifically to shield Carniola from Turkish raids.
The defence strategy rested on a network of strongholds.
POBREŽJE
VINICA
Uskoks: people of Serbian, Croatian or Vlach descent who
were fleeing from areas under Turkish attack. The most well
known in the Habsburg Empire were the uskoks of Senj,
who settled in today’s Croatia and in Slovenia in what is now
Črnomelj in the Bela Krajina region. In exchange for feudal
privileges they performed military services.
Vinica has also changed hands many times through the
centuries, the owners usually being of the nobility. In 1882,
however, it was purchased by the Austrian Alpine Mining
Company, which sold it to Hinko Grünwald from Zagreb
six years later. He parcelled out the Castle grounds and
sold them plot by plot to various local people. In 1918, after
decades of private ownership, the building itself came into
the hands of the Mihelič family, who continue to manage it
today.
Pobrežje and Vinica
Captain Ivan Lenković, who was later promoted to the rank of
General of the March which served as a buffer zone between
the Habsburg and Ottoman Empires received the right of
fortification from the emperor, which enabled him to build
a tower and a fort in Pobrežje. This marked the beginning
of the construction of the Castle above the River Kolpa on
a rocky cliff where it was strategically positioned to protect
both the ferry and the ford. By 1557 a mighty renaissancetype fortress with thick defensive walls and round towers
had been built. At the same time a large protective camp
was erected as a haven for the local people. The camp was a
hamlet, with dwellings built against the defensive walls. This
is where the soldiers called uskoks were settled. The Castle
and the adjacent camp successfully held back Turkish raids
and protected the ford.
Down the centuries the Castle changed hands many times,
and by the end of 19th century it was abandoned and in a
sorry state. Twice during World War II it was burned by the
Germans because it was the seat of the Karlovški resistance
detachment.
The ruins of the Castle’s core extend two stories high and
house a beautifully shaped portal from the late Gothic
period, as well as a few bricked up gothic windows. Little of
the defensive wall has survived.
One of the newer edifices has been preserved and even
roofed. Standing in the castle’s vicinity is a chapel dedicated
to St. Florian. It once houses the Castle crypt. All that
remains is the ruined church tower, which is protected by
the Association for the Protection of Cultural Monuments of
the Republic of Slovenia.
sinfo august 07
Vinica Castle is also positioned on a steep terrace above
the River Kolpa, next to the Slovenian-Croatian border. The
historical record of the castle’s ownership is ambiguous.
There are several villages of the same name. It is known
that in 1040 the village in question was part of an extensive
Ribnica demesne that the Patriarchs of Aquilea granted to
the free lords of Auersperg as a fief. After 1248 it was passed
on to the Counts of Ortenburg.
It is possible that it was the lieu of a tower court as early as the
13th century and it is quite probable that the core building of
today’s Castle was finished in the 14th century, since at that
time the church of St. Cross is certain to have already stood
in Vinica. As a consequence of constant Turkish raids the
market town soon received a defensive wall, with wall towers
and at least one solitary defensive tower close to Vinica. The
land surrounding the Castle was also the scene of several
bigger battles between the Turks and the Austrian army. In
June 1471 Turkish forces crossed the River Kolpa at Vinica
with 15,000 cavalry, thus entering the heart of Carniola. In
October 1581 the Austrians succeeded in besting a much
larger force of Turks. In spite of historical evidence of its
prior existence the Castle received its first written mention
as late as 1674.
It is comprised of several tower buildings. A bastion was
added to the central castle building. It contains a chapel,
with a gothic-style ribbed vault ceiling; next to it on the south
side is another fortification.
38
THISISSLOVENIA
Corinne Savignon, France
in the heart of Europe, which meant that Berlin, Prague,
Budapest, Belgrade, Sarajevo and Dubrovnik were mine for
the taking…The only thing that was somewhat puzzling was
the pronunciation of Slovene, especially when I learned that
‘vrt’, ‘vrh’, ‘Trst’ and ‘trg’ were not acronyms.
April 2007: my fifth year in Slovenia and the third in Ljubljana.
As far as my parents are concerned, Slovenes are almost
members of the extended family, like some remote cousins
who were kind enough to welcome me and with whom – at
least with certain individuals – I made really good friends. As
for the friends I left behind in France, they all know – at least
from my photos – this small country nestled between the
sea and the mountains I leave twice a year, but am always
glad to come back to. Life is peaceful here, perhaps even a
bit too peaceful at times, but Slovenes have a quality of life
that many of my French compatriots could envy. Ljubljana is
a good example of that: I found it to have all the advantages
of a capital city, while the disadvantages were absent. A
town of many green spaces, Ljubljana is of a ‘humane’ size,
where strolls are a pleasure and where a quick drink or a
meal can be enjoyed at any time of day. I have a soft spot for
Ljubljana’s Old Town and the banks of the Ljubljanica River,
with its bustling outdoor cafés, in the coldest winter or under
spring sunshine. I think Ljubljana is a secret town which
reveals its real character to those who know how to observe
it. One should really walk around Ljubljana gazing upward,
on the lookout for details, to find friezes or sculptures hiding
under cornices or leaning against walls, and take the darkest
of alleyways, open its hidden gates, etc. But there is more to
the city than just a pleasant setting, as this lover of dance,
cinema and all kinds of music has discovered: I make the
most of the many national and international cultural events
held in Ljubljana and across Slovenia. Only theatre remains
totally inaccessible to me because of the language barrier,
for I soon discovered that words without vowels were not by
far the most difficult thing about Slovene…
Photo: Primož Lavre/Salomon 2000
“I’m leaving for Slovenia!” It was July 2002, and I had just
found out that I’d got a job as a French teacher in Kranj.
“Where?” asked my mother with a mildly anxious tone. It
was not a banal question, as I had been announcing my
departure for the previous two months, first to Syria, then
to Mexico. Luckily, this time around, I had it all planned: an
atlas, the ‘country info’ file issued by the French Ministry of
Foreign Affairs, and some photos I found on the internet.
And should this not suffice, I also had a trump card up my
sleeve: the distance between my hometown of Grenoble and
Kranj, a mere 960km. Virtually next door, one could say…My
mother was comforted: I’d be in France for Christmas. My
friends, taking a more pragmatic approach, had already
started making their holiday plans. I knew almost nothing
about Slovenia, the only exception being the writer Boris
Pahor, whom I’d covered in one of my radio programmes
on literature. But I remembered the essential fact: it lies
I hear you saying, ‘Well, how about the Slovenes?’ Thanks
to my work – I am a teacher of French and responsible
for language courses at the French Institute – I have met
many people; there have been some entirely unexpected
encounters and some really memorable ones, such as the
policeman from Koroška who writes poetry, or the high
school kid who adores the Tour de France, or that painter
from Litija who put up a ‘museum of pre-modern art’ in his
old grange. Generally, although subjectively speaking, I
would say that Slovenes are quite busy, pragmatic, in a hurry
to enjoy life with (or is it because of?) some indeterminable
fatalism, very family-oriented, who love to travel a lot, but
love even more to come back home – and who could blame
them…But in the end, it does not matter much where one
lives. In my opinion, what is important is to have the freedom
to choose. In my case, it was a coincidence that led me to
Slovenia. And here I am still…
39
sinfo august 07
THISISSLOVENIA
Vesna Bukovec, Finland
IMPRESSIONS OF FINLAND
The decision to complete my final year of studying economics
in Finland was not difficult to make, as this country prides itself
on having one of the most efficient and high quality education
systems in the world.
will never see a Finn crossing the street against a red light, even
though the road might be empty. They will never throw litter on
the ground. The awareness of the importance of environmental
conservation is not only very high in Finland, where attempts
at recycling all sorts of things are made, but in the whole of
Scandinavia. The Finns are highly disciplined and organised.
I like the city of Helsinki, where I live, because it is beautiful,
peaceful and safe. Although it has about twice as many
inhabitants as Ljubljana, the streets in winter are empty, and the
short days tend to drive Finns into depression and alcoholism.
Now that spring is on the doorstep and the days are growing
longer, the people have brightened up and the city is becoming
more vibrant. Once again, the Finns have turned into happy,
smiling people, who are filled with the energy brought by more
sunlight.
I have been most impressed by the Finnish education system, as
it is straightforward and clear, and because practical knowledge
is combined with theory. The system has produced excellent
results and both teachers and students alike feel comfortable
with it, because it encourages a relaxed, open relationship
from which both parties can benefit. The teachers encourage
innovation and persistence in students, which pushes them to
perform well. Although the course is not difficult, it is tiring, as
attendance at lectures is compulsory and you have to study
every evening. Apart from the result of the exam, the final
grade consists of homework, assignments, and participation in
discussions and projects which are done for companies. The
education system must play an important part in contributing
to Finland being one of the most competitive countries in the
world.
I was very quick to integrate into the new environment, probably
because being around people of a completely different mentality
suits me perfectly. The Finns are very simple, direct and honest
people; they always speak their mind and are not at all insidious,
which is something I appreciate immensely. They are very good
listeners and never interrupt when a person is speaking. Finns
appreciate silence, and stick to their saying ‘Speech is silver,
silence is golden’, which can be experienced in a conversation
with a Finn, as they may suddenly go quiet and not speak for
quite some time. Silence is their time to think, and as they find
meaningless words a waste, they care about how to respond to
your opinion in words.
My studies here will definitely be a memorable experience,
as fresh experiences and friendships have enriched me as a
person. I have been energised by walks in pristine nature, on the
shores of countless lakes, by the luxury of saunas.
In Finland, trust is one of the most important values, and I could
say that the entire Finnish system is based on trust. Although
ticket inspectors hardly ever come on trains and ask to see your
ticket, no Finn would evade fares, because it is morally ingrained
that everyone pays. Also, it is also naturally understood that all
school work is done of students’ own accord and that they do not
cheat. Finns take it very personally when their rules are broken,
which is why punishment can be quite severe. If you cheat in an
exam for example, you can be expelled from school, which is
something that would never happen in Slovenia. Likewise, you
sinfo august 07
Photo: Personal Archives
The only thing that Finns and Slovenes might have in common
is the high consumption of alcohol. However, alcoholism in
Finland is a problem due to the depression brought about by
lack of sunlight, whereas it is not clear to me why there are so
many alcoholics in Slovenia. In my opinion, it would be difficult
to impose any kind of Scandinavian model in Slovenia, as the
mentalities of the two nations are so completely different. The
first and most difficult step for us Slovenes is to put trust in
the state and the system. Until that happens, no Scandinavian
model can help us.
40
PEOPLE
Gašper Tič, the Actor
The Beauty of a Full Life
Text and photo: Miša Čermak
Slovenes say that the soul lives in one’s eyes and for Gašper
Tič, a great actor with the Ljubljana City Theatre, this definitely
holds true. He is so utterly loyal to this theatre that he has
never once considered working for another, not even the
one in his home town of Koper. His eyes, which can turn very
dark with anger or light up with jealousy or brim with sadness
when he is on stage, are the most sincere and expressive in
his personal life, when tears well up very quickly because
of love or moving memories. He is aware of both the bright
and dark side of his personality, which he is able to pull out
when acting. In the ten years of his acting career he has
played forty different roles, has been regularly employed in
two theatres, and received five awards, among which he is
most proud of the Sterijeva Award.
one of which was theatre, he decided to take the entrance
exam for the Academy of Theatre, Radio Film and Television
(AGRFT), and study acting. The reason could have been the
fourteen theatre premieres under the mentoring of Edita
Frančiškin, who was the first to encourage Gašper to join
the world of acting. He says: “I tried many things, but I could
never abandon acting. I have been familiar with theatre from
early childhood, since my dad is the son of a director and
a man of culture, so my parents were both happy and sad
when they learnt about my decision to become a professional
actor. Nevertheless, they always supported my choice. Had
I not passed the entrance exam I would have enrolled in the
Faculty of Arts.”
Have there been enough awards? For his age Gašper has
been through a lot, and his wife’s illness brought feelings
of fear, sadness, distress, but also hope and trust. Luckily
his wife, actress Nataša Tič Ralijan, managed to successfully
overcome her illness. Considering how young the actor really
is, he has received a lot of awards, although his acting is of
such a high standard that he should have probably received
more. However, even if Gašper is awarded for his current role
of Peter in Petr Zelenka’s play Stories of Ordinary Madness
performed at the Ljubljana City Theatre, it is not difficult to
realise that to him his most important award is everyday life
with his wife and their two children, because it provides him
with the balance he needs to exist.
Gašper enjoyed his student years so much that he never
felt homesick for his native Primorska region and his life
in the town of Koper. “It was crazy. I was eighteen when I
came to Ljubljana and I thought I owned the world. Those
years were characterised by partying and many, many girls.
They were very vibrant, great years,” says Gašper. As a
student, he moved nine times, and started acting at the Tržič
theatre in the third year of his studies and a year later at the
Ljubljana City Theatre and Slovene National Theatre Drama
in Ljubljana. In his final year at the Academy he was regularly
employed by the Ljubljana City Theatre and was cast in the
role of Puntila in Bertolt Brecht’s play Puntila and His Man
Matti. He also played Pajot in Gregor Strniša’s play Ljudožerci
(‘Maneaters’) for which he received the Student Prešeren
Award. He graduated from AGRFT when he was twenty-two,
but extended his student status until he was twenty-seven
to avoid military service. It was not until his role of Alyosha
Karamazov, which opened many doors, was performed at
Success, burdens and responsibility
A Mathematician on Stage
After Gašper finished high school, majoring in science
and maths, during which he won the regional Vega Maths
Competition and participated in many after school activities,
41
sinfo august 07
PEOPLE
the Mala Drama theatre that he became a real actor. Gašper
still remembers the first applause and acknowledgement.
His first highly stressful role was the lead at Ljubljana City
Theatre. At that time he was still a student in his final year and
was not mature enough. He says: “It was difficult for me to
bear the responsibility that came with it, and I almost fainted
behind the curtain and needed a lot of time to prepare. I had
not expected the success I had achieved, and it was not that
I did not want it - I just never thought I would begin my career
with leading roles in Ljubljana. The responsibility has always
been a burden and it is getting greater, because now I have
to prove my reputation and people’s trust, although it is in a
way also a little bit easier because of my experience and the
many different roles that I have played.”
for his role of Andrej Smole in M. Dekleva’s, M. Krajnc’s and
A. Predan’s play 1821 and for his portrayal of Salvador Dalí
in Hysteria: Fragments of an Analysis of an Obsessional
Neurosis by Terry Johnson, which were both produced by
Ljubljana City Theatre. Gašper also received the Sterijeva
Award for acting in Novi Sad for his role of Baja in the play
Hrošč (‘Beetle’) by M. Popovič, which was also produced by
the Ljubljana City Theatre. He won the Dnevnik Award for his
portrayal of Sir Toby Belch in Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. He
was also awarded for his portrayal of Milan Vehovec in Ivan
Cankar’s play Lepa Vida, hrepenenje, Hamlet iz Cukrarne
and finally for the role of Ivan in Jesih’s play Srebrno rebro
(‘The Silver Rib’), all of which were produced by Ljubljana City
Theatre. Apart from that, he also received the 2004 Viktor
Special Achievements Award for the creation of the Ana Liza
character in the television show ‘Spet doma’.
Courage Opens the Doors for Love
Although he occasionally still feels insecure and afraid, he
tries to push those feelings aside. Gašper is aware that the
acting profession is very much intertwined with an actor’s
personal life and personality and that, as he says, “influences
the actor’s personal happiness and unhappiness.” He adds:
“It is absolutely crucial for an actor to be aware of the life
that exists alongside acting, a life with the family.” The
turning point for Gašper came thirteen years ago when he
met Nataša. The couple married three years later. Gašper
says. And love has brought many things to Gašper’s life. It
has brought collaboration with other theatres, a temporary
move to Koper and the local theatre there, an attempt to
realise his vision of Koper’s cultural development, a job
which he quit after one month, as well as fame. Nataša was
under the spotlight even more due to her role as Ana Liza in
the television show Spet doma (‘At Home Again’). Together
with Gašper, who wrote the script for her part, she created
a memorable and witty character and was applauded by
audiences throughout Slovenia. Despite their huge success,
television is now just a pleasant memory.
However, despite all of these awards, Gašper still feels
insecure and shy, but he is always a professional. “Actors
always strive to find themselves in every role, but it is only
possible to create a convincing role when you have found
a piece of it in your own personality and develop that. It
does not happen often that a good text, a good director
and luck all come together nicely to produce a magnificent
performance which gets a good response from the audience
and critics. But when it does happen it feels great. That is
what I live for and that is why I can cope with a few empty
years,” says Gašper, now on the verge of tears.
To Understand Is to Forgive
“Every actor who says that he does not care about awards
is lying, which is also true for me. I have always been very
happy to receive any kind of award but you often find
yourself in a situation which you do not understand and you
have to explain it in a different light to understand the world
of art,” says Gašper. “Theatre is a forty-year marathon and
short-lived stars cannot survive it.” All the roles for which
Gašper has been awarded have, of course, been brilliant.
He received the Zlata paličica Award (‘Golden Baton Award’)
for his adaptation of the monocomedy Joooj, tako sem
prišel na svet (‘Oh No, This is How I Came To This World’) at
Hišno gledališče (‘House Theatre’) KUD France Prešeren in
Ljubljana, and the Sever Award for his role of Arlecchina in
Goldoni’s play The Servant of Two Masters. He was awarded
sinfo august 07
“Acting is a profession which I love. I see it as my mission,
which brings a very specific lifestyle and enables me to
be in touch with myself, other people and the world. There
is depth in my personality, and some want to see it, while
others are scared away,” adds Gašper.
42
S P O R T
SLOVENES ARE A TRUE
“ADRENALINE JUNKY” NATION
Photo: Roman Šipič/Salomon 2000
Anja Lorenzetti
The term ‘extreme sports’ covers sports which include
elements such as high speeds, great heights, danger or
some sort of acrobatics. These sports are also dubbed
‘adrenaline sports’, as they are characterised by rising levels
of adrenaline in the blood, which its ‘junkies’ refer to as an
‘adrenaline rush’. This quest to reach the extremes of physical
and psychological endurance and shift the boundaries of
their capabilities is especially appealing to young people,
who have already formed a sort of a subculture.
a plane, as the jumper runs the risk of crashing into the
object carrying the jump platform. The most dangerous and,
consequently, the most appealing jump ‘exit’ in Slovenia is
believed to be the ‘Triglav Sphynx’ rock column. Slovenes are
also warming up to what is known as sky jumping, whereby
the jumper has no parachute, but is instead attached to a
rope which breaks the fall some fifty metres above ground.
In Slovenia, however, there are no skyscrapers tall enough
to permit a safe jump.
People who practice extreme sports may be viewed as
crazy or suicidal by the general public, as their activities
may often include the risk of death. It seems that our very
nature pushes us Slovenes to seek extreme boundaries,
and Slovenian contestants achieve top results at extreme
sporting events. Let us just mention the world’s most
demanding bicycle ultra-marathon, the RAAM, which has
been won several times by Jure Robič; the thousands of
miles of water swum by Martin Strel; the parachuting titles
of Irena Avbelj and Primož Podobnik; and many other top
climbers, mountaineers, cyclists, skiers and runners.
Climbing up and down Slovenia’s
Mountain Faces and Glaciers
The trend in adventure sports is to make outdoor sports
limitless. An increasingly popular sport in Slovenia is socalled bouldering, which consists of climbing rocks or
boulders without the use of ropes; but the climbs are short
and do not exceed heights which allow for a relatively safe
landing in the event of a fall. The difference between this
sport and sports climbing, which is very popular in Slovenia
and is most frequently practised on the cliffs of Kraški rob,
is that it does not put emphasis on endurance climbing, but
instead focuses on certain difficult moves or sequences
which require maximum strength and an excellent grip
technique. The climber is not roped, as is the case in sports
climbing, but safety is ensured with the use of a special
bouldering mat also known as a ‘crash pad’, which absorbs
the impact in the case of a fall.
Perhaps we should also mention a climbing discipline where
accidental falls are usually fatal – ice climbing on frozen
waterfalls and iced sections of ravines, which makes use of
only a few ice climbing accessories or tools, with crampons
attached to boots. The difficulty of individual climbs depends
Seeking the Boundaries – with or without a Parachute
The key to adrenalin pleasures is to overcome one’s fear, as
the adrenaline rush is proportionate to the amount of fear.
One of the sports with the highest adrenaline rate is what
is known as base jumping, which is becoming increasingly
popular in Slovenia. The sport consists of a parachutist
jumping from an immovable object – BASE is actually an
acronym for Building, Antenna, Span – a bridge, a dome,
etc., and Earth – a cliff or any other natural formation. These
jumps are considerably more dangerous than jumping from
43
sinfo august 07
S P O R T
incline is 25 degrees at 250m in length. There are currently
two zorbing centres in Slovenia, one at Kupljenik and the
other in Celje. A variant of the sport is called hydrozorbing,
where the user is not strapped to the ball, but the ball is
filled with 40 litres of water and then slowly slides downhill.
Some of the World’s Most Beautiful Waters
Offer Many Wet Pleasures
Talking of water, we should also mention the wonderful
rivers of Slovenia and the great variety of water sports
they offer. Slovenes really love rafting, kayaking and riverboarding on the rapids of the rivers Soča in Krka. Guided
trips offer unforgettable adrenaline adventures, with a
great level of safety, as the guides at the vast majority of
sports centres have a lot of experience and use the best
equipment. People are increasingly drawn to what is known
as canyoning along the tributaries of the Soča and Sava
– i.e. in the Bovec and Bohinj areas respectively. This sport
consists of discovering different stretches of the river, along
with underground sections which can be as deep as 40
metres. Some may find descending into these caves rather
eerie, as the underground world proves an entirely new
experience. Away from the rivers and on to the sea, where
kite-surfing is becoming increasingly popular and is slowly
supplanting windsurfing. However, it is only when the bora
wind blows that wind speeds are sufficient for the sport, so
many kite-surfers actually travel to neighbouring Italy.
And a Few Dry Pleasures
In addition to water sport adventures, many Slovenes are very
keen on so-called high rope adrenaline parks, which are set
up high among the trees and enable visitors several hours
of climbing on ropes surrounded by nature. These parks can
be found at Ježica (the north suburb of Ljubljana), at the
confluence of the Tolminka River and near the town of Tržič.
Another very popular sport is mountain biking, especially
the downhill variant, which requires great physical strength.
Downhill bike parks, which in addition to good fitness require
the use of protective equipment and where a great deal of
experience is a must, can be found at famous ski resorts at
Kranjska gora, Maribor, Kope and Kanin.
Photo: Primož Lavre/Salomon 2000
on the inclination of the icy surface, its shape and other
conditions affecting the frozen waterfall.
Another developing sport is abseiling, which consists of
descending down a fixed rope, like special armed forces
in action films. The thrill lies in the experience of a very fast
descent from a precipitous cliff.
Photo: Grega Wernig/Salomon 2000
The Best Setting for Playing Soldiers and
Descending in a Ball is at Lake Bled
One of the most popular ‘adrenaline rush’ sports is paintball.
You need a compressed gas gun, also known as ‘markers’,
a face mask, a gas cartridge, paintballs, protective clothing
and protective pads. Combat arenas are in natural settings,
and players run, hide and shoot small pellets filled with dye
(with a range of as much as 150m) at their opponents in
order to eliminate them from the game. The largest paintball
centres in Slovenia are at Kupljenik near Bled.
It is a fact that adrenaline rush seekers are never entirely
satisfied, so new games appear in the Slovenian market
every year. A couple of years ago, a relatively safe sport
known as zorbing was introduced. The sport developed in
New Zealand and actually began as a dilemma on how to
cross a hot sandy beach on the way to the sea. A ‘zorb’ is
basically a giant inflatable see-through ball which you are
strapped inside and then rolled down a slope. The optimal
sinfo august 07
44
S P O R T
BELIEVE IN YOUR
BASKETBALL
Luka Šefic, photo: Drago Perko
‘Believe in Your Basketball’ is a humanitarian and athletic
movement which began in 2005 with the renovation of the
basketball court adjoining Ljubljana’s Majda Vrhovnik Primary
School. The idea came from Slovene poet and writer Esad
Babačič, who is a great basketball fan. Many important
Slovenian athletes have gathered under the umbrella of the
Believe in Your Basketball project, so the famous ‘ambassadors’
include, among others, basketball players such as Sašo Ožbolt,
Marko Milič, Primož Brezec, Jaka Lakovič and Rašo Nesterovič,
Alpine skier Jure Košir, and hockey players such as Klemen
Mohorič, Ivo Jan and Anže Kopitar.
Photo: Salomon 2000
In most of these sports, the total level of adrenaline
rush is relatively low on average, as it appears in short
intervals. The real attraction seems to lie in the fact that
these activities call for swift on-the-spot decisions and
agility in unexpected situations, as well as courage. As
an alternative way of spending some free time, they
provide new experiences and are in most cases also
nice opportunities to be with friends.
Adrenaline sport aficionados from all over the world flock
to Slovenia to find activities which demand a great deal
of courage, concentration, tension and, finally, pleasant
relaxation. Such ‘outdoor centres’ can be found in the
Bovec area, around lakes Bled and Bohinj, in the vicinity
of the town of Celje, and in the Koroška, Štajerska and
Dolenjska regions, with great climbing areas at Kraški
rob and in the Logarska Valley. To sum it all up, we
can say that Slovenia offers truly many possibilities for
thrilling yet at the same safe sporting adventures. Given
that most of these sports require appropriate equipment
to ensure safety, it is essential for anyone interested to
contact one of the many specialised agencies which not
only rent equipment, but also provide expert guidance,
so that you can enjoy the adrenaline rush safely.
The main purpose of the movement is to attract the attention
of the general public to the bad conditions of basketball courts
and, consequently, bad conditions for the development and
socialisation of children. A shortage of playgrounds and sports
courts seems to be a prevailing problem of Slovenian society.
The final objective is to renovate and build courts all over the
country, so young people will have the opportunity to socialise
on basketball courts and not in the streets. The socialisation of
adolescents also depends on coincidences. Reducing them
to a minimum is the aspiration of Mr Babačič, the instigator of
the project, who himself learned about respect from playing
basketball. Open-air courts can be urban oases in a concrete
jungle. The project was received a great response, which
was further demonstrated when the inauguration ceremony
of the first court was attended by a couple of Slovenian and
Yugoslavian sports legends: basketball players Ivo Daneu and
Jure Zdovc, and gymnast Miro Cerar.
With the financial aid of various donors, Esad Babačič has
managed to renovate eleven courts across Slovenia. The most
recent renovation was at the end of May, in the village of Bučka
in the Dolenjska region. Also, yet another athlete entered
the club of ‘sports ambassadors’: basketball player Marino
Badžarič, formerly of Union Olimpija, was happy to take part in
the most recent inauguration event in Dolenjska. In the coming
months, basketball courts in the town of Murska Sobota are
set for renovation. Afterwards, the ‘Believe in Your Basketball’
Movement is planning to move on to the Štajerska region.
45
Photo: Salomon 2000
sinfo august 07
S P O R T
IVO DANEU IN THE
HALL OF FAME
Luka Šefic, photo: Drago Perko
Slovenian basketball has always occupied a
special place in European and international
basketball traditions. FIBA, the International
Basketball Federation, which celebrates its
75th year in 2007, has granted Slovenian
basketball yet another great honour: it will
induct Ivo Daneu, former Slovenian basketball
player into the European Basketball Hall
of Fame. The International Basketball
Federation has decided to admit European
basketball legends into an exclusive club
inspired by its NBA counterpart. The world’s
most important basketball league founded
the Hall of Fame in the remote year of
1956, and currently has more than two
hundred members. Upon the foundation of
the European Basketball Hall of Fame, the
Slovene Ivo Daneu was included among its
members. The septuagenarian will be in a
league of the continent’s greatest players,
such as the legendary masters
Dražen
Dalipagić (Serbia), Nikos Galis (Greece),
Sergei Belov (Rusija), Hortencia Marcari
(Brazil), and Bill Russel (USA). This first
generation of the best players will actually
include twelve players and eight coaches.
The formal induction into the Hall of Fame
will take place on 12 September at the
European Basketball Championship in
Madrid, Spain. The Slovenian national team
will also take part in the Championship. The
team, coached by Aleš Pipan, will also play
to qualify for the 2008 Olympic Games in
Beijing, China. To participate at the Olympic
Games is one of the main aspirations of
each and every athlete, and the 1.85m tall Mr
Daneu succeeded on three occasions when
playing for the Yugoslavian team: at the 1960
Olympics in Italy, 1964 in Japan, and 1968
in Mexico. He was one of the best players
in the former Yugoslavia. With his Olimpija
Basketball Team from Ljubljana, he won six
National Championships. He was a veteran
member of the Yugoslavian national team
which won the World Championship in 1970,
and was voted ‘most valuable player’ at the
1967 World Championship in Montevideo.
NEXT MONTH
Selected by Anja Lorenzetti
Cultural events:
28 June – 12 August, Ljubljana International Center of Graphic Arts,
Lojze Spacal anniversary exhibitions
3 July – 12 August, Ljubljana International Center of Graphic Arts,
Milena Kosec major solo exhibition
2 July – 14 September, Ljubljana, Festival Ljubljana – www.ljubljanafestival.si
1 August, Slovenian Philharmonic Hall, Los Romeros guitar quartet
3 August, Križanke Church, Silvia Chiesa cello, Maurizio Baglini piano
6 August, Križanke Church, Boštjan Lipovšek horn, Erik Behr oboe, Klemen Golner piano
7 August, Križanke Church, The Arman Trio
8 August, Križanke Church, Edita Randova mezzo-soprano, Vladimir Strnad piano
9 August, Slovenian Philharmonic Hall, Carmina Burana,
The Philharmonia Chorus from London
13 and 14 August, Ljubljana Castle, The Leipzig String Quartet
16 August, Ljubljana Castle, Nina Čangalovič mezzosoprano, Maja Maričič piano
17 August, Slovenian Philharmonic Hall,The Academy of Music Orchestra in Ljubljana
20 August, Ljubljana Castle, The Kodaly String Quartet
21 August, Križanke, Vlado Kreslin with guests
22 August, Križanke Church, The Elegiaque Trio
23 August, Cankarjev dom, Faust opera
24 August, Križanke, Zoran Predin and Mirjam Kalin
27, 28 and 29 August, Cankarjev dom, Boris Godunov opera
28 August, Križanke, Tesla Electric Company
30 August, Cankarjev dom, The Israel Philharmonic Orchestra
August, Polhov Gradec, Days of Honey, Božnar Bee-keeping
1 – 31 August, Ljubljana KUD France Prešeren, Trnfest, 16th traditional
international summer festival of alternative arts - http://www.kud-fp.si/index.php/Trnfest
3 – 4 August, Ptuj, Ptuj Summer Night
7 – 8 August, Kamnik, Mary of the Snow Shepherd’s Holiday
1 – 14 August, Bled, 17th Bled Okarina Folk Festival 2007
10 – 12 August, Dutovlje na Krasu, 37th holiday of teran wine and pršut ham
14 August, Bohinj, Midsummer Night
17 August, Velenje, 19th Zither Festival ‘Prešmentane citre’
17 – 27 August, Ljubljana Bunker, ‘Mladi Levi’, 10th international festival of theatre and dance
19 August, Slovenj Gradec, 32th International Festival of Popular Folk (Oberkreiner) Music
21 – 23 August, Velenje, European Florists’ Championship
21 – 25 August, Medana – Kmetija Klinec, Days of Poetry and Wine
22 – 24 August, Begunje na Gorenjskem, 3th international Avsenik Music Workshop
22 – 23 August, Lendava, CACIB Lendava – International Dog Show
23 August, Šaleška Church Velenje, concert by the zither virtuoso W. Scharf
23 August, Ljubljana Castle courtyard, Tango Vesna Zornik Apasionada
24 – 26 August, Zgornji Duplek, Bikers Weekend Duplek 2007
25 August, Vurberk, Styria Sings 2007, 16th meeting of choirs
25 August – 1 September, Titov trg Velenje, Kunigunda 10th Festival
of Young Cultures – street happenings
25 August – 15 September, Piran, Tartini Festival 2007 - www.tartinifestival.org
25 August, Celje, Medieval Day at the Old Castle
26 – 28 August, Sečovlje, End of Season Salt Makers’ Festival
26 – 31 August, Ljubljana, 15th International Symposium on High Voltage Engineering
28 August - 1 September, Ljubljana, Night in Ljubljana Old Town
Sport events:
1 - 12 August, Koper, Capris 2007, an international kayak canoe flatwater racing competition
5 – 8 August, Bohinj, Acro Cup – Acrobatic Paragliding World Championship
11 August, Kolpa, Kolpa 2007, trips down the Kolpa River (kayak, canoe, raft)
12 August, Kanal, Kanal 2007, diving from the bridge
18 August, Maribor, 19th Štajerska Rally, an international vintage car rally
25 – 26 August, Velenje Lake, International Optimist Regatta for Slovenia’s Lake Cup
25 – 26 August, Portorož, International Sailing Regatta
25 – 26 August, World Cup in Rhythmic Gymnastics
25 August, Bohinj, 21th Iron Man Triathlon
28 August – 2 September, Bled, 11th European Swimming, Diving,
and Distance Swimming Championships
sinfo august 07
46
CULTURALTRAILS
Franja Partisan Hospital
Cerkno
Ljubljana
wounded and personnel to retreat. After a couple of months it
was reopened. After this attack, the hospital functioned until the
end of the war, although it suffered another attack just prior to
the liberation. This time it was successfully defended. Its undisturbed operation must be credited mostly to the villagers who
kept the position secret from the occupying forces and brought
supplies. The wounded taken to the hospital were blindfolded so
that under torture they would not be able to reveal its location
to the enemy. Additional protection was provided by a carefully
constructed security system.
The hospital consisted of thirteen barracks that were of different
sizes and served different purposes. There were several rooms for
the wounded, a room for doctors, a staff room, premises for the
disabled, a room for commissars, a bathroom, a carpentry shop,
an operating room, a quarantine room, a kitchen, an X-ray room,
and so on. Many of the hospital‘s hiding places and defensive positions were accessible only by rope. The hospital was organised
into many smaller departments set up nearby, as well as farther
afield. It was connected by a network of posts in the mountainous
surroundings of Cerkno. This made it possible for the hospital to
care for over a thousand wounded in its active period.
Kornelija Ajlec, photo: Iztok Hočevar
Northwest of Cerkno lies the gorge of the Pasica stream. Located in the gorge is Franja Partisan Hospital, a witness to Slovenian
courage and determination during World War II. Among the surviving partisan edifices of World War II in Slovenia this hospital‘s
testimonial value stands out. Today, the rocks, rapids and trees
continue to mask its presence as they did in wartime. Franja is
one of the rare Slovenian partisan hospitals operational in the war
years and still standing today. In order to ensure the best possible conditions for the treatment of the wounded, but most of all
to provide for their safety, forest locations, inaccessible ravines
and underground caves were sought out. These hospitals were a
part of a widely organised resistance against the fascist and Nazi
occupying forces. Their activities would not have been possible
without wide support from the local people, who on many occasions put their lives at risk for the sake of the wounded.
As early as 1908 the Cerkno Mountain Section constructed a path
through the picturesque valley of the Pasica stream, the narrows
of the Černiščica brook, and between the rock walls of the Great
and the Small Njivč. The first field hospital barracks were erected
in December of 1943 by Doctor Viktor Volčjak, the local people
and hospital workers. Franja Hospital received its name from Dr
Franja Bojc Bidovec, who took over the management of the hospital in January 1944 and, apart from a short period, held the
position throughout the rest of the war.
World War II was one of the hardest trials for humanity, but also
one of the greatest victories won by the anti-fascist and antiNazi coalition, in which the Slovenian Resistance Movement also
played a part, and Franja Hospital is one of the symbols of this
international connection and resistance. Above all, it represents
a memorial to humaneness, comradeship and values that remain
important today.
Franja Hospital is one of three Slovenian landmarks to have received the European Heritage label at the beginning of this year.
This represents the recognition of this monument‘s role in the
history of Europe, as well as protecting and keeping this part of
our cultural heritage for future generations.
Franja first became operational on 23 December, 1943, when it
received the first seven wounded into its care. In April 1944, German troops attacked the hospital for the first time forcing the
47
sinfo august 07
CULTURALTRAILS
Franja Partisan Hospital
sinfo august 07