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NEWSLETTER MAY 10, 2013, VOLUME 9, NUMBER 18 Concert of violinist Anja Bukovec at the Embassy

On Friday, May 3, 2013, the Embassy of Slovenia, in cooperation with The Embassy Series, organized a concert that featured one of the most renowned Slovenian violinists, Anja Bukovec. Anja Bukovec accompanied by pianist George Peachley. More than 90 guests were welcomed by Ambassador Roman Anja, accompanied music by Slovenian composer Kirn, whereas Mr. Jerome Barry, by pianist George Peachey, Mihael Rožanc and Yugoslavian the founder of The Embassy presented to the audience a folk music by Božidar Milošević. Series, presented the work of wide range of musical genres, In his review, Gary the organization. Since 1994, the performing music by Beethoven, Tischler wrote: “Bukovec series has offered to its audiences Rachmaninoff, Kreisler and approached her music in a kind the opportunity to participate in a Copeland, as well as themes from of undaunted fashion—to use cultural exchange -- to watch and Fiddler on the Roof, arranged a sports analogy she seemed listen to musical performances by John Williams, and from the to step up to the plate with that highlight the contributions of musical The Addams Family, every part of the performance, a particular country. tango stints by Astor Piazzolla, respectful but also joyful on

Embassy of Slovenia 2410 California Street, NW twitter.com/SLOinUSA Washington, D.C. 20008, USA T: +1 202 386 66 01 E: [email protected] facebook.com/SLOembassyUSA washington.embassy.si Beethoven’s Sonata for Violin and age of five and,, at the age of casts, she performed all over Piano in F Major, a performance thirteen, continued her schooling Europe, in Australia, China, that satisfied everyone’s taste at the Music Conservatorium Canada, and the United States. and longing for one of the great in Prague and later in Vienna Anja has been collaborating with works in the Western canon.” and , where she Alban Berg Quartet, Igor Ozim, Furthermore, he pointed out graduated in 2001. Next to her En Shao, Uroš Lajovic, Marko that: “She has played with many technical perfection, she excels Letonja, multiple BAFTA award of the best orchestras in Europe because of her distinctive style, winner Christopher Gunning and and won numerous musical highly virtuosic interpretation top pop/rock artists such as Jeff competitions, so there is no and communication with the Healey. She also had the honor question of pedigree. But she has audience that present classical of performing exclusively for another quality—a willingness to music in a unique way attracting Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. run across bridges, bridge gaps wide audiences. Her records, Last time in Washington, D.C., and mix genres with a stylish Gemini (2007), Follow (2008) she performed at the Kennedy adeptness. “ and Chameleon (2009) are best Center. Born in , sellers among classical records. More information about Slovenia, Anja Bukovec began As a solo performer and Embassy Series is available at: her first violin lessons at the member of chamber music http://www.embassyseries.org/ EU Europe Day Yesterday, on May 9, our free and modern Europe is the European Union celebrated such a far cry from those days.” Europe Day to commemorate “The values that united the day in 1950 when French and guided the E.U. from war Foreign Minister Robert Schuman to peace have become values proposed consolidation of the we project outside our borders coal and steel industries of and that others around the Europe, binding nations so world want to embrace. With closely together that renewed the United States, we work to Environment, Janez Potočnik, war would be unthinkable. promote peace and security in to discuss topics such as the The “Schuman Declaration” is places that desperately need it, European Union, European considered to be the beginning promote free and fair elections citizenship, environment, and of the creation of what is now and fight for human rights,” economy. the European Union of 27 Ambassador Vale de Almeida Main squares of several Member States -- very soon writes. “Schuman foresaw that cities across the country are 28 Member States -- with half ‘Europe will not be made all at hosting, from Tuesday to a billion people living in peace once, or according to a single Saturday, various information together. plan. It will be built through and social activities as part of Writing in the Huffington concrete achievements which the Europe Week, including Post, Ambassador João Vale first create a de facto solidarity.’ in Maribor, Celje, Ljubljana, de Almeida, Head of the E.U. He was absolutely right, and on Slovenj Gradec and Nova Delegation to the United Europe Day I’m happy to note Gorica. The activities aimed States, noted that: “Our current that his vision of a peaceful, to provide European citizens challenges are still considerable. united Europe is alive and well.” an insight into their rights and But we need to look at the larger A series of events as opportunities in the 27-nation perspective and see how far we part of this year’s Europe Week bloc. A number of activities in have come since 1950. I spent were held across Slovenia. which participants have been the first 17 years of my life Highlights included the able to test their knowledge of growing up under a dictatorship European Film Week, which the E.U., win prizes and discuss in Portugal -- it meant a lack of featured free screenings of 18 E.U.’s cultural heritage with basic freedoms, no democracy select European film productions European volunteers from other and wide-spread poverty. It isn’t and a drop-in session with the member states have also been some distant history -- and yet European Commissioner for the taking place.

MAY 10, 2013, PAGE 2 SLOVENIA in US Piran - Indianapolis Exchange The University of Indianapolis, IN, and Primorska and Indiana University Piran became Sister Cities in Purdue University Indianapolis September 2001; therefore, (IUPUI) have been engaged in Mr. Lesjak is working with the video conferencing in tourism Indianapolis-Piran Sister City classes to connect students in Committee (IPSCC) members to the 2012-13 term. As part of the expand the relationship between collaboration, Miha Lesjak, Ph.D. Piran and Indianapolis. He is candidate at the University of assisting in developing resources Primorska, Faculty of Tourism for Indianapolis elementary and -Turistica, Portorož, located in secondary teachers to include Piran, Slovenia, is currently on lessons on Piran and Slovenia. an exchange visit to Indiana Other projects include advising on University Purdue University IPSCC participation in Indianapolis Indianapolis (IUPUI). His visit is Sister Cities film festival and hosted by Sotiris Hji-Avgoustis, cultural festival (both events in IUPUI faculty member. The September 2013). future plans between The On May 2, representatives University of Primorska and of IUPUI and IPSCC joined Mr. IUPUI include continuation of Lesjak in meeting Indianapolis video-conferencing of classes, Mayor Greg Ballard for discussion Miha Lesjak with mayor of Indiana- academic research and projects, of current and future Sister City polis Mr. Gregory A. Ballard. and exchange of academic projects. The presentation included staff. Discussion is underway exchange of gifts and letters from and is expected to be joined by to expand the current tourism Mayor Ballard and Piran Mayor, IUPUI faculty members and IPSCC relationship to other IUPUI Peter Bossman. Mayor Ballard will members. More information: academic departments. be traveling to Piran in September www.indy.gov/globalindy

CULTURE SEE Fest 2013 After five days in five locations and 40 films shown to diverse audiences in Los Angeles, the South East European Film Festival, SEEfest 2013, concluded Monday night at UCLA’s Bridges Theater in Los Angeles with Turkish film Present Tense in a double bill with a short from Where Do We Go from Here. The Slovenian film shown A scene from the film Feed Me with Your Words. at the festival on Friday, May 3, was Feed Me with Your Words actors Sebastian Cavazza, Jure round screenings and programs. (Nahrani me z besedami) by the Henigman, Boris Cavazza, Maša Every year, SEE FEST organizes young Slovenian writer Martin Derganc, and Miranda Caharija. conferences and retrospectives, Turk. Walking a fine line between South East European serves as the cultural hub mystery, thriller and psychological Film Festival educates about and resource for scholars drama, Turk’s debut feature and promotes cultural diversity and filmmakers, and creates follows an estranged father and of Southeast Europe through opportunities for cultural exchange his older son on an anguished trip, its annual presentations of between Southern California and and casts renowned Slovenian films from this region and year- Southeast Europe. MAY 10, 2013, PAGE 3 TOURISM Jesenice where Jesenice now lies) due to need for wood, flowing water for mills, and iron ore. With the development of new techniques of extraction of iron from ore, the need for water energy grew, and the small streams on the slopes of the Karavanke were no longer sufficient. The ore-extracting industry was relocated in 1538, when Bernardo Bucellini from Bergamo gained permission from the Habsburg King Ferdinand I to move the ironworks to a larger water source, the Sava, creating a settlement that Panoramic view on Jesenice (Source: www.slovenia.info) was to become Jesenice. The The town of Jesenice, a list of mining rights, issued ironworks, however, continued which lies on the southern, to the Carinthian counts of to mine iron ore on the slopes of Slovenian, side of the mountain Ortenburg, dating to 1381, but the Karavanke. range of Karavanke in the the first settlements in the area Different iron foundries Upper Carniola region, got its were founded on the southern belonged to different owners name from the name of the slopes higher in Karavanke (the Zois, Ruard, and Bucellini ash tree (in Slovene: jêsen), (rather than in the Sava Valley, families) and did not interact. which once grew in abundance locally. The German name for Jesenice is Aßling, which was first mentioned already in a 1004 deed of donation issued by King Henry II of – at that time there were no settlements there and the name Assling only marked an area on the banks of the Jesenica Creek. Later, a settlement slowly started to grow around the area now known as Murova, where St. Leonard’s church is located today. However, the history of Jesenice is closely connected with its ironworks and metallurgy industries, which until recently were driving force of the town’s development in practically all areas. Above the town of Jesenice, one can find Golica (6,024 ft), a peak especially known The oldest source on for its fields of wild white narcissi, swathes of which cover Golica and surrounding the early history of Jesenice is pastures in late April and early May.

MAY 10, 2013, PAGE 4 the Los Angeles Kings of the NHL, the first Slovenian to play in the League. In 2012, Kopitar helped win the first Stanley Cup championship in the Kings’ history. As far as natural beauties, above the town of Jesenice, one can find Golica (6,024 ft), a peak especially known for its fields of wild white narcissi, swathes of which cover Golica and surrounding pastures in late April and early May. This marks the beginning of a popular time for mountaineers to visit, extending through the end of summer. Jesenice in 1907. The slopes provide great views of the Julian Alps and Austrian This situation continued until brought KID a gold medal at the Carinthia, and the Ljubljana Basin the arrival of capitalist liberalism World Exhibition in Vienna in can be seen from the summit on in the 19th century. Compared 1873 and worldwide fame. The clear days. to other foundries around the Jesenice ironworks achieved a Golica is perhaps the most world at the time, the Jesenice status of a pioneering center of famous as the subject of the ironworks were very out of date. technical invention in the history 1953 Slavko Avsenik polka Na The need for their modernization of ironworking. Golici (On Golica), perhaps the was apparent, but this would KID was also the basis for Avsenik Ensemble’s most popular have required vast amounts of a new ironworks facility, which still song, but also known to be the capital, which was not available. provides employment today. The most played instrumental song in Help was offered by a family new facility started expanding the world. of bankers from Ljubljana, the quickly, from medieval-style iron The slopes of Golica Luckmann family. They agreed foundries to up-to-date modern are today used as pastures for to modernize the iron foundries, ironworks in just a few years. The sheep, but until 1957 locals from but demanded the foundation of town of Jesenice grew almost the settlements at its foot would a new shareholder company. exponentially, with a great influx clear the entire slope of grass The company, named of people attracted to the newly for hay. The best way to reach Kranjska Industrijska Družba created jobs. the peak is from Jesenice via the (KID) (Carniolan Industrial In Slovenia, Jesenice mountain village of Planina pod Company), was founded on is best known as the home of Golico, where Church of the Holy September 18, 1869 by the Slovenia’s largest steel company, Cross (Cerkev Svetega Križa) is Luckmann family. This was the Acroni, and the hockey club located. The church was built first time that all the Upper it sponsored, Acroni Jesenice. in the late 17th century by the Carniolan ironworks were joined Unfortunately, the latter doesn’t Bucellini family, the Italian owners under a single administration, exist anymore, but it is hockey of mines in the surrounding area. with central management club HD Mladi Jesenice, that After the church was built, the in Ljubljana and business continues the rich hockey nucleus of the village Planina administration in Jesenice. The tradition in Jesenice. The club pod Golico developed around it. greatest achievement of KID was has been very successful, Until the mid-20th century, the the discovery of a process for indeed, as Anže Kopitar, its long village itself held the name of the obtaining ferromanganese in a time member is now ice hockey church – Sveti Križ. smelting furnace. This innovation center and alternate captain of

MAY 10, 2013, PAGE 5 WELCOME Embassy of Slovenia Invites You to the EU Open House The Delegation of the European Union to the United States and the Embassies of the 27 EU Member States to the United States and Croatia will open their doors to Washington public during the seventh Annual EU Embassies’ Open House Day. This annual event is a highlight of the Washington May calendar and is celebrated during the Europe Week. Each embassy will be open to the public from 10 am until 4 pm on Saturday, May 11, 2013, offering a rare look inside the buildings and Slovenian embassy is located at 2410 California Street, NW (near Massachu- providing a unique opportunity setts Ave; 24th Street and S Street). for experiencing the country’s cultural heritage and national traditions. Free shuttle bus service listen to polka music performed on than you will love the Embassy of will be provided throughout the day. accordion by Alex Gergar, talk with Slovenia. We are looking forward to If you want to learn about the friendliest staff about history, seeing you! the best Slovenian tourist attractions, economy, and politics of Slovenia, The schedule for the day taste Slovenian cuisine and wine, or if you want your kids to listen is available at: http://washington. admire an exhibition of Slovenian to traditional Slovenian stories and embassy.si/index.php?id=51&L=1 landscape paintings by Jože Svetina, play in the special kids’ corner - -

MAY 10, 2013, PAGE 6 ANNOUNCEMENT Consular Hours in New York City The consular officer from the embassy enough time to the Embassy of the Republic verify your data. of Slovenia in Washington, The embassy will suggest DC, will hold consular hours the time of your appointment and provide consular services and give you further information (authentications, certifications, on the documentation you passport applications, etc.) in need to bring along. You may New York City on Friday, May also visit the embassy website 17, 2013, at the premises of http://washington.embassy. the Permanent Mission of the si/ (Consular Affairs, Visas) for Republic of Slovenia to the United documents required for most Nations, located at 600 Third consular services. Please note Avenue, 24th Floor, New York, that the consular fee must be N.Y. 10016. paid with a Money Order made To schedule an out to “Embassy of Slovenia”. appointment, please, fill out the Cash, personal checks or credit form available at the embassy’s cards will not be accepted. website and send it to the Prior appointment is Embassy of Slovenia at vwa@ needed to enter the premises of gov.si by May15, 2013, to allow the Mission.

TO DO LIST

Avsenik Music Workshop

Music School Avsenik invites all accordion players and other Slovenian musicians from abroad to attend an Avsenik Music Workshop. The workshop will take place in Begunje na Gorenjskem, Slovenia, from August 19 through 23, 2013. The participants will learn the special Avsenik technique of playing the instrument and have a chance to perform in a final concert on August 22. Application deadline is May 15. Entry form and the details are available at (in Slovene): http:// shop.avsenik.com/images/stories/Razpis_delavnice_izseljenci_2013-konna_varianta.doc and http://shop.avsenik.com/en/music-school/304-avsenik-za-izseljence For more information you can also contact: [email protected]

6th International Language Summer Camps in Slovenia Camp programs are made for children aged 5 to 15. All workshops will be held in the English and Slovenian languages. Other languages can be involved (see individual dates below). In the Camps, workshops, best suitable for children aged 10 to 15, will be held in English or German by, native speakers. Children will actively experience the living world and learn to live in unspoiled nature together with their peers and farm animals, discover the environment, get to know the Slovenian countryside traditions and the way of life on a farm, practice and improve everyday communication in a chosen foreign and Slovene language. The list of camps and more information are available at: http://www.kozjanski-raj.si/en-US/When

The weekly Embassy Newsletter, produced by the Embassy of Slovenia in Washington, is available on: www.washington.embassy.si. Send us your comments or request for a subscription on: [email protected], Editor: Nuška Zakrajšek

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