SLOVENIAN FLUTE TRIO (Slovenia)
Brina Kafol Žust, flute
Marko Zupan, flute
Boris Bizjak, flute
Programme:
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750), Trio Sonata in G Major for Two Flutes and Basso Continuo
I Adagio
II Allegro ma non Presto
III Adagio
IV Presto
Friedrich Kuhlau (1786–1832), Flute Trio in E Minor, Op. 86 No. 1
I Allegro
II Scherzo. Allegro Assai
III Larghetto
IV Rondo. Allegro
Eugène Walckiers (1793–1866), Trio No. 1 in E Flat Major, Op. 93
I Moderato
II Allegro poco ritenuto
Lars Floee (1968), Elkido Suite for Flute Trio
Szitakötö
Sakura
Balkanski Mish-Mash
Granada
Tilen Slakan (1993), new piece, N. N.
The Slovenian Flute Trio, a distinguished ensemble comprising three internationally acclaimed Slovenian flautists, has garnered a significant reputation across Europe. Their latest performance highlights pieces from their groundbreaking album, the first ever to feature the complete, yet seldom performed, flute trios by Belgian composer Eugen Walckiers. Walckiers’ compositions are celebrated for their exceptional sensitivity, melodiousness, and virtuosity. Additionally, the concert programme is enriched by a newly commissioned piece from the esteemed young composer Tilen Slakan, crafted specifically for this trio.
Tonight’s premiere showcases the distinguished Slovenian composer and trumpeter, Tilen Slakan. Slakan’s collaborations span the most esteemed orchestras in Slovenia, including the KGOSF, Wind Orchestra of the Slovenian Police, Symphony Orchestra of the Academy of Music Ljubljana, Chamber String Orchestra “Camerata Laibach”, and Brass Band Slovenia. His engagement with premier chamber groups is equally impressive, featuring performances with the Brass Ensemble of the Academy of Music Ljubljana, String Quartet “Dissonance”, RojoTango Orchestra, and Piano Trio “Trio Liberte”.
Slakan’s compositions also resonate through the voices of leading Slovenian choirs such as the Chamber Choir of the Academy of Music Ljubljana, APZ Tone Tomšič University of Ljubljana, Chamber Choir Orpheus, Mixed Choir Tabor, and Women’s Choir Čarnice, and are further brought to life by prominent soloists including Franci Krevh, Sanja Zupanič, Nikola Pajanović, Urban Stanič, Jure Gradišnik, and Petra Vidmar.
His prolific output spans across various musical forms and styles, comprising a chamber opera, seven choral compositions, sixteen orchestral works, twenty-five chamber ensemble pieces, and nine solo instrumental works. This extensive repertoire not only underscores his versatility and depth as a composer but also his significant contribution to contemporary classical music.
Brina Kafol Žust, a laureate of numerous national and international competitions, has an impressive collaborative portfolio with major symphony orchestras including the Gürzenich Orchestra of Cologne, the Berlin Philharmonic, and the German Symphony Orchestra in Berlin (DSO Berlin). Until 2014, she was employed by Slovenia’s topmost symphony, the RTV Slovenia Symphony Orchestra. Kafol Žust is also an avid chamber musician, performing across Slovenia, Austria, Germany, Italy, Belgium, Croatia, the Netherlands, China, and more.
Marko Zupan boasts a varied international career encompassing roles as a soloist, chamber musician, orchestral performer, improviser, arranger, and educator. Throughout his studies in Ljubljana, Paris, and the Mozarteum in Salzburg, he secured several international accolades. Since 2010, he has been imparting his expertise at the Academy of Music in Split. His performance itinerary is extensive, spanning Europe, the USA, Asia, and Africa, with collaborations including the Berlin Symphonics and the Mozart Symphony Orchestra of Salzburg. Zupan also serves as the artistic director of the International Music Festival Ursus in Slovenia.
Boris Bizjak, a recipient of multiple prestigious awards including top honors at the European Competition in Picardy, France, and TEMSIG competitions, enjoys a robust career as both a soloist and a chamber musician. His performances span across Slovenia, the United Kingdom, the United States, Japan, China, France, Switzerland, Spain, Norway, Cyprus, and Malta. Bizjak’s artistic contributions are also documented on several acclaimed CDs.
Complimentary tickets, courtesy of Večer, can be collected an hour before the concert at the venue. Reservations are not possible, spaces are limited.
