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AUGUST 10, 2012, VOLUME 8, NUMBER 32 Kozmus Takes Silver in Hammer Slovenian fi eld star Primož Kozmus took the silver in men’s hammer throw at the London Olympics with a throw of 79.36m on Sunday, August Primož Kozmus with his silver medal at the Summer Olympics. 5. The silver completes the full medal set for Slovenia, have allowed him to have a 32yearold confi rmed his status which now has four medals shot at winner Krisztian Pars of as Slovenia’s most successful in London. Hungary, the Olympic champion track and fi eld athlete of all time. Overcoming a below from Beijing was never in In addition to his Olympic par season, Kozmus once again danger of missing out on the medals, Kozmus also has three confi rmed he was a competitor podium. Third place went to Koji medals (one of each class) who thrives in big competitions, Murofushi of Japan with a throw from World Championships. as he bettered his preOlympic of 78.71 meters. The London silver is Kozmus’s season best by two meters to Kozmus’s silver increases second medal since coming out send Slovenian track and fi eld Slovenia’s medal tally in London of retirement in late 2010, after fans into raptures. to four: one gold, one silver, and winning the bronze at the World While unable to surpass two bronze. Bagging his second Championship in Daegu last the 80m mark, which would piece of Olympic hardware, the year.

Embassy of Slovenia 2410 California Street, NW twitter.com/SLOembassyUSA Washington, D.C. 20008, USA T: +1 202 386 66 01 E: [email protected] facebook.com/SLOembassyUSA washington.embassy.si OLYMPICS The Empire State Building in Color of Slovenian Flag Ever since July 26, the On the eve of August 1, Empire State Building has been the Empire State Building was shining with Olympic spirit – each lit from sunset to midnight to of its top four sides has been lit salute Slovenia on its west side, with the colors of each of 66 Cuba on its north side, Ukraine competing countries, honoring on its south side, and Spain the celebration of 2012 Summer on its east side. The lights will Games in London, in a sequence continue through the end of based on the number of athletes the games on Aug. 24. The fi rst attending from each country. The day’s lights honored the U.S. same selection process was used and the host country the U.K. in August 2008 when the Empire and the last day will honor the State Building fi rst split its colored U.S. achievements. lights for an Olympic lighting. TOURISM Summer Festivals in Slovenia Summer Imago Sloveniae (Thursday, June 14. – Friday, August 31, various venues, cities, and towns) The Summer Imago Sloveniae festival focuses on classical , but also does not neglect the tradition of and ethno music. The events will take place in 19 cities and towns in Slovenia, with most of the activities being held in . We will be hearing international and domestic artists, such as of presenting premier artistic Petersburg Philharmonic Anke Helfrich, Bratko Bibič & events, contributes signifi cantly Orchestra, Perugia Chamber The Madleys, Mia Žnidarič, Ariel to the cultural life of Ljubljana. Orchestra, Badke Quartet, Cubria Trio, Andrejka Možina Each summer, its wide and Smolny Cathedral Chamber Autumn Celo, Vlado Batista duo, varied program of concert, Choir, Orchestra of the Mariinsky Akademik , Pedro Ribeiro opera and ballet events features Theater of St Petersburg, and Rodrigues, Four Bones Quartet, a fi ne selection of renowned many other domestic and foreign 4Syrinx, Sinkro, Music Orba, artists, including the world’s ensembles. Audi Tescarollo, Vasilij Meljnikov most prestigious names in music & Milko Lazar, Trio GUD, Trio and performing arts. Summer in Slovenj Gradec Amarilis, Trio Infi nitum, Katja This year’s version (Friday, June 22; Friday Meljnikov, and Jure Cerkovnik. features some of the most August 31; various venues renowned classical orchestras in Slovenj Gradec) Ljubljana Festival in the world, like the Vienna The Summer in Slovenj The Ljubljana Festival, Philharmonic Orchestra, St. Gradec festival always treats with its long history and tradition AUGUST 10, 2012, PAGE 2 us with various events, from theater, street performances and, most of all, great music. This year, the festival gives a little bit of everything in terms of music, from classical, ethno, folk, rock, avantgarde, and much more. Some of the biggest names include: Gwen Hughes, Stefan Milenković, Duo Arparlando, Ferrini–Šiškovič– Contini, Djabe, Korai Öröm, Aleš Rendla sextet, Anja Bukovec, Oto Pestner, Bratko Bibić & The Madleys, and Vlado Kreslin.

Mini Summer (Sunday June 24 – Sunday, September 2; Library under Trees. various venues in Ljubljana) Mini Summer is an international puppet and for adults and children, theater world’s only 100% natural library” children’s theatre festival held performances, music concerts, operates through six branch on Sundays throughout the charity projects, such as libraries, making it possible summer. Serving as a point exchange of used clothes, and for visitors to enjoy reading, of convergence for different various fundraising events. leafi ng through and enjoying languages, puppet technologies, books in the following tree and approaches to the art of Film under the Stars (through shaded locations: Tivoli park, puppetry, it is intended not only August 18, Ljubljana Castle, Trnovski pristan embankment, for children, but also for those Ljubljana) Tabor park, Ljubljana Castle, feeling an affi nity with puppetry The openair cinema, set Petkovškovo enbankment and and art for children. The festival up in the courtyard of Ljubljana Breg enbankment. has received widespread critical Castle as part of Ljubljana’s acclaim at home and has summer festival events, features Music Evenings in the been gaining more and more screenings of the most acclaimed Pavilion on the Kongresni recognition abroad. fi lms of the last cinema season. trg square (Wednesday, The fi lms are screened in July 4 – Wednesday, August ARTish (May – September, their original languages with 22, Kongresni trg square, Gornji trg square, Ljubljana) Slovenian subtitles. Ljubljana) The ARTish festival, held Intended for a wider in Ljubljana every last Saturday Library under Trees (through public, this series of summer of the month, features a selling September 2; various venues concerts, taking place in the exhibition of original works by in Ljubljana) Pavilion on the Kongresni trg Slovenian creators. From May Library under theTreetops square on Wednesdays,features to September, it takes place in (Knjižnica pod krošnjami) is a Slovene artists spanning a variety the old city center’s Gornji trg project aimed at adding variety of musical styles including, square. ARTish is a series of to the range of Ljubljana’s among others, classical music, events where artists not only leisure activities. It offers jazz, and a number of crossover show their works, but also visitors an opportunity to borrow styles. Some of the artists to be present their methods and books, comic books, magazines featured are Wolfram Huschke, ideas. The festival program also and newspapers in different Steve Klink Trio, Nuška Drašček, includes free creative workshops languages free of charge. “The Duo Igmar Jenner & Borut Mori, and Katrinas. AUGUST 10, 2012, PAGE 3 Festival Seviqc Brežice 2012 (June 22 – September 1, Brežice, various venues and towns in Slovenia) The most beautiful early music concerts, performed at Slovenia’s cultural heritage sites, are presenting fi rstclass artists from all around the world. Only the most distinguished artists, who perform an exquisite program of the highest quality, are invited to be part of the concerts. Uncovering both the European and the world’s musical legacy through different elements of the program, the Days of Poetry and Wine. festival devotes special attention to the performance of the music which was created on Slovenian Jazz on Gornji Trg (through (Emonska promenada), which grounds. Each year, the program August 24, Gornji trg square, traditionally consists of various of concerts presents the musical Ljubljana) street performances, creative heritage from the Middle Ages The Jazz on Gornji Trg workshops and a string of other to the beginning of the 20th series of free openair jazz events intended for people of all century. Music at the concerts concerts features various jazz ages. is performed on authentic ensembles from Slovenia and instruments and in an authentic abroad. The concert series is held Nights in Ljubljana Old way. on Friday evenings in Ljubljana’s Town (30 Aug - 1 Sep, old Gornji trg square as part of the city centre, Ljubljana) Days of Poetry and Wine Summer in Ljubljana Old Town Nights in Ljubljana Old (August 21 - 25, various festival. The roster boasts plenty Town, a mini festival closing venues, Ptuj) of domestic and international the Summer in Ljubljana Old In sixteen years, the talent, for example, Northern Town festival and symbolically Days of Poetry and Wine festival California Jazz Choir, Ariel Cubria concluding Ljubljana’s summer brought to Slovenia over 400 Trio and, Vlado Batista. event season, traditionally poets from all over the world. In feature outdoor concerts 2010, it found its domicile in Ptuj, Trnfest (through September accompanied by a diverse where it continues the tradition 2; KUD France Prešeren, mixture of other cultural and of great evening readings and Ljubljana) entertainment events taking concerts and meetings with The Trnfest, an place in the streets and squares poets, translators, , international summer festival of the old part of the city center. actors, storytellers, performers founded in 1991, offers a This year, the staple of the and other lovers of poetry, wine wide and varied program of festival, held for the 24th year and warm summer evenings events featuring Slovenian and running, will be the . A under the stars. This year, international artists in the fi elds of series of concerts will present the twenty guest poets, who will music, theatre, dance, fi lm, fi ne role of this bring their verse in their native art, visual art and photography. both in contemporary musical languages, will also bring twenty At the end of August, the Trnfest creativity and the traditional new bilingual booklets of poetry, festival will be rounded off by the music of Slovenia and other which will replace this year’s international street festival under countries of the world. festival collection. the title of Emona Promenade AUGUST 10, 2012, PAGE 4 Ensemble, Slovenian clarinetist Mate Bekavac, organist Edoardo Bellotti, master improviser Rudolf Lutz, versatile tenor John Potter, and jazz saxophonist John Surman.

The Tartini Festival (August 18 – September 8, various venues on the Slovenian coast) The Tartini Festival is an international music festival, dedicated to the Piranborn maestro Giuseppe Tartini (1692 – 1770). This year, we are celebrating the 320th anniversary Trnfest. of Giuseppe Tartini’s birth. After the ensemble’s great success at Festival Maribor (September concerts in Radovljica and the 10th version, the festival will 5 – 15, various venues in Velesovo between August 4 again host the Ensemble 1756 Maribor) and 19, 2012, as well as whole from Salzburg. The talented The festival offers a day workshops for singers and young Spanish violinist Roberto unique lineup that can’t be pianists. The program spans Gonzalez will perform as the found anywhere else, as the 1000 years of musical history soloist at the opening concert, inhouse production features and ranges from medieval and playing the renowned Vivaldi’s concert programs and musical traditional chant, troubadour The Four Seasons, and works ensembles handpicked by , medieval and renaissance by Tartini. As an added feature festival organizers. Acclaimed polyphony, baroque vocal and of this year’s opening concert, musicians from all over the world instrumental music, classic the violinist will perform on an and members of exceptional sonatas for keyboard and violin, original violin played by Tartini. Slovenian and foreign orchestras romantic Lieder, to 20thcentury The Tartini Festival will be taking are individually chosen to form music and modern improvisation. place on the Slovenian coast, various chamber and orchestral Renowned guests include the in the cities of Piran, Izola, and ensembles as well as the core of British vocal quartet Orlando . the Festival Maribor Orchestra in accord with the program prepared by the artistic director. The boldly selected repertoire encompasses both literature for chamber orchestra as well as outstanding symphonic and vocalinstrumental works.

Radovljica (August 4 – 19, various venues in Radovljica and Velesovo) This year, the Radovljica Festival celebrates its 30th anniversary. The program includes ten international Radovljica festival.

AUGUST 10, 2012, PAGE 5 AGRICULTURE Slovenia Unique in Wine Diversity, Boasts High Quality Wines

Slovenian wines are on par with top quality wines from around the world, and the diversity in wine sorts is unique to the country, Mojmir Wondra of the Biotechnical Faculty in Ljubljana believes. A recent national wine tasting and quality assessment in Gornja Radgona saw Slovenian wines score top results. “We’ve witnessed an aboveaverage quality of samples and there were hardly any eliminations,” Wondra, Jeruzalem - Ormož Vineyards. who chaired the oenology commission, told the press have “extraordinary conditions Wondra said last year’s after the event, which took for developing different aromas” harvest was of particularly high place between July 23 and 25, due to large differences in quality because of favorable 2012. Slovenia also boasts an daily and night temperatures. weather conditions. The outlook extraordinary diversity of wines The western Primorsko region, for this year’s harvest is also due to its favorable geographic on the other hand, is known very good at the moment. features and climate as well for its “richness of extracts”, In recent years, organic as the use of stateoftheart while the southeastern region wines are also becoming technology. of Dolenjsko is “somewhere in increasingly popular in Slovenia. “Slovenians can produce between”, according to Wondra. This year’s wine assessment in any wine in the world. Today, it Since there are so Gornja Radgona showed that would be hard to tell Australian many different sorts of wine in organic wines also achieve very rose from our own,” Wondra Slovenia, it is diffi cult to speak of high quality. Such wines contain said, adding that Slovenia also fl agship wines here. This indeed no added sulphur and typically produced top quality sparkling poses a bit of a problem when it have a strong scent of dry fruit, wines. Some 610 wines by 200 comes to selling a particular sort more intense color and higher producers, mostly from Slovenia of wine, but it is what Slovenia alcohol content than other wines. but also from , Croatia, is unique in, Wondra believes. About 100 million liters of Italy, Macedonia, Slovakia, Winegrowers are nowadays wine are produced in Slovenia Serbia, and Spain, were mostly focusing on growing a annually, while statistics assessed in Gornja Radgona in single wine sort and are trying show that average annual July. As many as 296 silver, 112 to promote their brand. consumption per inhabitant golden and 34 big golden medals While wines made from a stands at 38.6 liters. were conferred. Ten wines were specifi c sort of grapes typically Slovenia has three wine- declared champions. carry the name of the grape, growing-regions and 14 wine- The Štajersko and those made of several sorts of growing districts, boasting a Prekmurje regions in the grapes usually carry the name total of around 15,000 hectares northeast, in particular, have of the wine-growing region, the of vineyards with grape output very diverse wines, because they town, or the wine cellar. of 130,000 tones.

AUGUST 10, 2012, PAGE 6 CULTURE Collection of Slovenian Folk Tales Published in English This week, a collection The book features of three Slovenian folk tales has the stories “Jason Slays the been published in English to Dragon of Ljubljana”, which is a bring the capital Ljubljana, Lake Slovenian folklore version of the Bled and the mountains around ancient Greek myth; “How Lake Lake Bohinj closer to tourists and Bled Came to Be”, telling the foreign nationals. The collection story of how mountain fairies “A Taste of Slovenian Tales” fi lled the once fertile valley with was selected and edited by water; and “In the Land of the Anja Premk, translated by Jana Goldenhorn”, the Slovenian Renee Wilcoxen, and illustrated chamois of legend. by Mojca Fo.

Dragon bridge in Ljubljana.

CALL FOR ENTRIES Scholarships for Slovenians Abroad In the Offi cial Gazette of of the scholarship for Slovenians those applying for the fi rst the Republic of Slovenia of July living abroad. The amount of time, and September 28, 2012, 27, 2012, the Slovene Human funds available for scholarships for those who had already Resources Development and in this public notice for the applied previously. More on Scholarship Fund published academic year 2012/2013 is the conditions of the call for a Public call for applications 500.000 EUR. The amount of applications, together with for allocating scholarships the basic scholarship for the the application form can be for undergraduate study in academic year 2012/2013 is 150 found on the web page of the the Republic of Slovenia for EUR per month or 1.800 EUR Slovene Human Resources Slovenians living abroad in the for the entire academic year. Development and Scholarship academic year 2012/2013. At 150 scholarships will likely be Fund at: http://www.sklad- the 23rd regular session, the granted on the basis of this call kadri.si/si/razpisi-in-objave/ Government of the Republic of for applications. naslovnica/razpis/n/stipendije- Slovenia gave its agreement to The deadline for applications za-slovence-v-zamejstvu-in- the conditions and the amount is September 20, 2012, for slovence-po-svetu-za-studijsko- leto-20122013-140-jr/

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT Full-time Position at the Consulate General in Cleveland The Consulate General Cleveland is the sole diplomatic will demonstrate energy, of the Republic of Slovenia in foreign mission in the State of motivation, and vision required Cleveland seeks an experienced Ohio. It has jurisdiction over to accomplish and expand the and motivated individual for the 10 states: Colorado, Illinois, mission of the Consulate General full-time position of Executive/ Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, of the Republic of Slovenia, Consular Assistant. Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, possess signifi cant personal The Consulate General Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. enthusiasm for customer service, of the Republic of Slovenia in The successful candidate convey a strong commitment AUGUST 10, 2012, PAGE 7 to public outreach and mission Absolutely discrete in managing experience; visibility, and possess an sensitive information; Excellent technology, computer understanding of the culture of An intuitive listener and bridge (PC), software (Power Point, foreign missions. builder who can maintain Word, Excel) skills; relationships; Demonstrable excellent English Qualifi cations: Comfortable in a role that language writing/editing skills; has a signifi cant amount of A professional appearance, The ideal candidate will be: responsibility, high degree of demeanor, and attitude; Experienced as an executive variability and multi-tasking; Integrity, discretion, team spirit, level assistant or business/ Able to interact comfortably and and adaptability; government professional; effectively with individuals at A committed sense of customer Extremely organized, self- various levels within the foreign service; motivated, and able to missions community, and state Background in event and independently create systems and local governments, to meeting planning/coordinating and processes to support establish liaison, provide service, is a plus; projects; organize meetings, coordinate Strong preference will be given Able to manage resources cost- activities, and support projects; to applicants possessing Slovene effectively; Possess knowledge of diplomatic language skills. Able to manage physical and other government protocol resources and logistical functions procedures; able to recognize To Apply: of a foreign diplomatic mission in the necessity for, acquire, and compliance with the standards apply protocol procedures to a Interested candidates should of the Ministry of the Republic of variety of situations and written send letter of interest, resume, Slovenia, and the responsibilities; and references by mail to: Department of State; Eager and quick to independently Consulate General of the An articulate, professional research/acquire new skills as Republic of Slovenia communicator, both oral and needed. 55 Public Square, Suite 945 written; Cleveland, OH 44113 Able to independently produce Requirements: Other methods of application impeccable, publishable will not be considered. written material including press College Degree and 3-5 years releases, diplomatic notes, and complex offi ce/administrative or Deadline for application is business letters; program/project management September 1, 2012.

TO DO LIST

Embassy Series: Andrej Goričar, The Embassy Series and the Embassy of Slovenia present the pianist and Andrej Goričar, who will accompany a silent classics Sunrise: A of Two Humans (director F. W. Murnau, U.S., 1927, 95 min) with his unique music. When: Wednesday, October 31, 2012 at 7:30 pm Where: Embassy of Slovenia, 2410 California Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20008 Admission: $55/buffet reception

Embassy Series: Caroline Calleja, piano In cooperation with the Embassy of Malta and the Embassy of Slovenia, the Embassy Series presents pianist Caroline Calleja from Malta. Program: Beethoven: “Waldstein;” Chopin: “24 Preludes.” When: Friday, November 2, 2012 at 7:30 PM Where: Embassy of Slovenia, 2410 California Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20008 More information: www.embassyseries.org Admission: $75/including reception. Order online or call (202) 6252361

AUGUST 10, 2012, PAGE 8 Video Installation “Innocence Dissolved” by Nataša Prosenc Stearns “Innocence Dissolved” by Slovenian artist and fi lmmaker Nataša Prosenc is a multichannel video installation resembling a child’s room with piles of old toys, broken and abandoned, which are tumbling over the furniture, as if engaged in an afterlife dance of forgotten emotions. These oldfashioned toys, once brimming with energy from a child’s imagination and warmth of touch, are now discarded as are the imaginative and emotive habits that go along with them. When: August 11 – August 26, 2012 Where: 607 Nth La Brea, Los Angeles, CA 90036 More information: www.wallspacela.com & www.graphicspaceonline.com

Music Fest 2012 Friends of The Slovenian American Times proudly announce the celebration of the 4th Anniversary of The Slovenian American Times. An afternoon and evening of Slovenian music, featuring numerous bands, choirs, & singing ensembles. When: Saturday, September 8, 2012, starting at 3:00pm Where: Slovenska Pristava, Harpersfi eld, Ohio More information: http://clevelandslovenian.com/CLESLO/ SloveniaSl ia a PPhotographicho to hi JoJourney 20201313 Live life to the fullest and explore the most beautiful and secret places of Slovenia, the hidden gem of Central Europe. From the spectacular rocky limestone peaks to the medieval towns, this ancient country includes castles, vineyards, glistening lakes, and offers amazing photo sessions. Assistance by professional photographer Hank Miller. For more information and to receive your signup forms, please contact Cosmopolitan Adventure Tours Tel: 415924.4627 / 800569.6228 [email protected] or www.cosmopolitanadventuretours.com

Jiri KočicaK oč ic a VoVotiveti ve SSculpturescu lp tu res (P(Projectro je ct GGallery)alle ) TProject “Votive Sculptures” derives from a traditional custom, in which votive fi gures, made of wax or, sometimes, other materials, were placed at the altar in a church as sacred gifts. This custom was preserved in the central European countries up until the 19th century. Jiri Kočica made various kinds of fi gures, including wax statuettes of families and couples. He used to give them to the visitors of the galleries where he exhibited. This project was some kind of reversed traditional custom and it represented a connection, which has made us more integrated into the community. When: Ongoing from August 2, 2012 Where: Gallery MC, 549 West 52nd Street, 8th Floor, New York, NY 10019 More information: http://www2.arnes.si/~jkocic/

DiscoverDi EEnchanting hantin Slovenia Sl ia Those of you who love to enrich your knowledge or the knowledge of your children and grandchildren, or at one point decide to visit Slovenia, will appreciate this 30-minute DVD. This film by Zoya D. Pinto will introduce you to the most interesting places in Slovenia, which has a long history, great architecture, art, and a breathtaking natural beauty. Order DVDs not only for yourself, your children and grandchildren, but especially for your American friends and thus help promote tourism of our native country. More information and request for order form: [email protected] Clearly fi lled DVD order form must be sent to: ZD Productions, 51 Village Circle, San Rafael, CA 94903-4242 Promo links available at: https://www.dropbox.com/lightbox/home/Public http://dl.dropbox.com/u/81839964/Slovenia_DVD_%20promoter1.mov

The next issue of the Slovenian Embassy’s Newsletter will be published on Friday, September 7, 2012.

The weeklyweekly EEmbassymbassy NewslNewsletter,etter, prproducedoduced by the EEmbassymbassy of SlSloveniaovenia in WaWashington,shington, is avavailableailable oon:n: www.wawww.washington.embassy.si.shington.embassy.si. Send us your comments or request for a subscription on: [email protected], Editor: Nuška Zakrajšek

AUGUST 10, 2012, PAGE 9