Firma by Sanja NY Times Call for in on Slovenian Applications: New York Wines EUNIC Interns page 2 & 3 > page 6 > page 7 & 8 >
NEWSLETTER
FEBRUARY 1, 2013, VOLUME 9, NUMBER 4 Slovenian Cultural Day in New York
Since 1946, on February 8, Slovenians have observed its Cultural Day, a national holiday honoring Slovenia’s foremost poet, France Prešeren (1800- 4Saxess Quartet: Lev Pupis soprano saxophone, Primož Fleischman tenor 1849), also the author of saxophone, Dejan Prešiček baritone saxophone, Oskar Laznik alto saxo Slovenian national anthem’s phone, performing at the premises of St. Cyril’s Church in Manhattan. lyrics. Every year, various In cooperation with the The church established cultural events are organized Slovenian Embassy in Washington, by Slovenes already in 1916, is on the occasion throughout the Slovenian community in New nowadays managed by Father Slovenia, and Slovenian societies York marked the Cultural Day Krizolog Cimerman, as it remains all over the world commemorate by organizing a concert by the a place for cultural gathering of Slovenian Cultural Day with 4Saxess saxophone quartet, which the Slovenian community in New exhibitions, concerts, poetry took place on Sunday, January 27 York, thus once a month cultural readings and other cultural at the premises of St. Cyril’s church events are organized under events. in East Village. leadership by Dr. Silvester Lango.
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 Address by Ambassador Roman Kirn on the occasion of Slov Opening remarks were given by Dr. Silvester Lango, who enian Cultural Day. often organizes cultural events for Slovenians in New York.
Around 60 guests were bore the title of the European After the concert, the fi rst addressed by Ambassador capital of culture. guests gathered for a small Roman Kirn, who emphasized The quartet 4Saxess reception, as the quartet headed that Slovenians as a nation had performed music and to Connecticut to perform at been formed by means of culture arrangements of Slovenian the University of Hartford. On as he pointed out Prešeren’s traditional songs by Slovenian Wednesday they also held a contribution to Slovenia’s national composers Igor Lunder, Vid concert in Salisbury, MD, an identity. The ambassador also Pupis, Janez Gregorc and Lojze event organized by the Embassy stressed that culture has secured Kranjčan as well as American of Slovenia in cooperation with for Slovenians a space in Europe, classic tunes from Porgy and World Artists’ Experiences. adding that Maribor last year Bess by George Gershwin.
From right: Ambassador and Mrs. Kirn, p. Krizolog Friendly gathering of the Slovenian community after the event. Cimerman and Mr. and Mrs. Kamin. Mr. Kamin is also a representative for the U.S. at the Goverment’s Council for Slovenians Abroad.
FEBRUARY 1, 2013, PAGE 2 CULTURE Firma by Sanja in New York Following a very successful presentation in RSPOP up New York in 2011, Slovenian designer Sanja Grcić came back to NYC with her collection Inside Straight. In the meantime, Sanja opened in Ljubljana her store Koda 386 (international dial code for Slovenia), which was proclaimed by The New York Times Travel as one of the best designers’ corners in town: http://www.nytimes. com/slideshow/2012/11/18/ travel/18Ljubljana 6.html . This time, the New York presentation of designer work Couture: instinctive, innovative stylists, fashion designers, of her brand Firma, moreover, and alternative, with clever photographers and fashion coincided with the New York detailing and a slight sporty journalists such as Sarah Fashion Week and included: touch, as the collection Inside Scaturro of the Costume a sale exhibition (prodajna Straight offers a combination Institute Metropolitan Museum razstava) and a showroom of retro classical tailoring style of Art, Ariele Elia of the Museum presentation for agents and and urban metropolitan chic. at FIT, Abigail Doan of EccoEco, clients as well as lectures and Traditional tailoring elements Maria Isabel Gouverneur of workshops at several universities are transformed into modern Parsons, Whitney Mercurio of and art centers. Sanja presented silhouette, extended with a Nine West, Titania Inglis of TI her line in a showroom as part Kekec hat (a bow to a Slovene fashion designer, Tom Sohung of of the POPUP of the RSPOP fi lm character), which gives it a Sohungdesign, and many more. designer store with an opening touch of eternity. The collection The event was covered by The reception on January 15, was on display at the Roger Wild magazine, and Ecouterre featuring Slovenian wines by Edi Smith Hotel on Lexington Magazin published an interview Simčič. Avenue through January 31. with the designer. The Firma by Sanja The presentation was On February 7 and 8, style is described as Street attended by many recognized Sanja Grcić will participate in the Fashion Colloquium on Parsons The New School of Design, and during February 11 and 18 her trademark, Firma by Sanja, will be represented at the Independent Designer Pop Shop fair at Chelsea Market. More information: http:// www.facebook.com/pages/ Firma Ljubljana by Sanja Grcic/179198485497176
FEBRUARY 1, 2013, PAGE 3 TOURISM Cerkno even an electric plant. It could admit up to 100 wounded, and provided treatment for a total of 578 persons, especially those seriously wounded. Partisan hospital Franja, which is a cultural monument of national importance, is also on the UNESCO’s Tentative List of World Heritage, and bears the European Heritage Label. In the vicinity of Hospital Franja, there is the Kamlonarše homestead, which is a typical example of an architecturally interesting legacy of the Cerkno region – roughly 200 year Panoramic view of Cerkno. old rural, rustic house with a stable, pigsty, a hayrack with Cerkno lies in the remote green valleys, romantic round stone pillars, a blacksmith Cerkljansko region at the border ravines, broad forests and sunny workshop and a bee house. of the Prealps and the Dinaric plateaus. The Idrijca River is a The Zakojca village was world, along the Cerknica creek, paradise for sports fi shermen, home of an important Slovenian and only an hour–and a half and is characterized by the pure writer, journalist and politician, drive from Ljubljana. The area marble trout, which is bred in France Bevk, whose homestead was populated already by the the gully Zakojška grapa. In the Celts and Illyrians, and then later summer, the Idrijca is visited by by the Romans in the Roman many bathers, mostly near the Empire, when a transportation bar called Kurnk na Reki. The route was established between Čerenščica torrent has carved the Škofja Loka Hills, the Cerkno many pools, waterfalls, and Hills, the Tolmin region and the fossil pots – the typical Karst Friuli–Venezia Giulia region. The phenomenon that appears on proof of the early settlements is the limestone basics. the paleontological cave Divje A steep path with small Babe, located on the steep wooden bridges leads to Partisan slopes above the Idrijca valley, Hospital Franja, which is located where priceless remains of the deep in the gorge. The complex ice age man (stone tools) and of the hospital consists of 14 numerous bones of the cave wooden barracks and several bear, especially the 55,000 years auxiliary facilities, constructed old Neanderthal bone fl ute, the between December 1943 and oldest instrument in the world, May 1945. It was among the were found. best equipped secret partisan Partisan hospital Franja, which is a The Cerkno region has hospitals with an operating cultural monument of national impor it all: the intact nature with room, X ray, disability ward and tance, is also on the UNESCO’s Tenta tive List of World Heritage. FEBRUARY 1, 2013, PAGE 4 for cycling or hunting in an unspoiled nature. Additionally, the tourist farm Pri Flandru offers horseback riding in enclosed space or in spacious forests and grasslands, with an option of a few days touring and camping beneath the open sky. For the skiing enthusiasts, the Cerkno Ski Center offers more than 170 acres of beautiful and well prepared areas. The center is a family resort with approximately 11 miles of ski In Paleontological cave Divje Babe the 55,000 years old Neanderthal bone runs suitable for beginners, fl ute, the oldest instrument in the world, was found. intermediate and experienced is open to visitors throughout Cerkno Museum in 2006, where skiers. At the top of the main lift the year. Its ethnological part one can also see the “Cerkno station, there is a beautiful, alpine presents the typical cottage living Region Through the Centuries” style self service restaurant with environment at the beginning exhibition with an integral a large terrace and panoramic of the 20th century, while the presentation of the historical view on the surrounding other part, through books, development and several mountains. Above the indoor photographs and other items, temporary displays. This year, restaurant, there is a children’s throws light on the writer’s life. the “Pust“carnival events will play area with caves, slides, a An important element take place on February 9 to 12. television, and rest areas. There that shapes local identity are The area offers many are also six luxurious ski to the »laufarji«, one of the most ways to spend the holidays very door apartments adjacent to recognizable traditional carnival actively. One can go hiking on the restaurant with a sauna and groups in Slovenia. They are the surrounding mountains of balconies. Additionally, a Snow known for face masks, carved Porezen, Blegoš, Kopa, Kojca, Fun Park is open to all adrenalin from linden wood, and clothes Črni vrh and others, but the seekers, including half pipe for made from natural material, Cerkno hills are also perfect snow boarders and acrobatic such as ivy, spruce, straw and skiers. moss. The central fi gure is “Pust”, accompanied by other fi gures, called “ta bršljanasti”, “ta tirjesta”, “ta star”, “ta stara”, “lamant”, etc. There are 25 of them in all and their scenario provides the most dramatically complete plot of all Slovene festival masks, where “Pust” is blamed for all the bad that has happened in the past year and is in the end sentenced to death, to be killed by a woodman’s mallet. A permanent exhibition, entitled “Pust is to blame! – A Story about the Cerkno laufarija,” was opened in the Face masks of “laufarji” are carved from linden wood.
FEBRUARY 1, 2013, PAGE 5 PRESS New York Times on Slovenian Wines On January 24, the The of this particular culture, though director and a proprietor of four New York Times published distinctively Slovene as well. New York restaurants, including on its web site an article on Beyond Primorska, the L’Apicio in the East Village, Slovenian vibrant wine culture wine industry is growing in and Chris Cannon, a veteran by The Times’s wine critic Eric the regions of Podravje in the restaurateur who is working Asimov. The writing, titled From northeastern end of the country on projects in Manhattan and Slovenia’s Ancient Hills, was and in Posavje to the southeast. Morristown, NJ, participated paired on January 28 with an The wines are different from in the wine panel sampling 20 article by Florence Fabricant on those in the west, generally made bottles of white wine from recent What to Eat with Slovene White from other grapes and in other vintages, tasting diversity of Wines. styles. While Slovenia produces styles and types of wine. Asimov writes how in plenty of red wines, whites are The whole article is Slovenia, at least in its western far easier to fi nd. available at: http://www. region of Primorska, wine and The writer was fascinated nytimes.com/2013/01/30/ regional identity transcend by the textures and subtle dining/reviews/slovenias- politics. In the green hills where fl avors as he, Florence Fabricant, vineyards-and-a-vibrant-wine- the country abuts the northeast Joe Campanale, the beverage culture-rebound.html?ref=dining Italian region of Friuli Venezia Giulia, little physical evidence of a border exists besides a few empty guard posts. The vineyards of the Italian Collio continue into the Slovene Brda, where producers like Movia and Edi Simcic seem very much a part
COMPETENCE CENTERS The CC for Biomedical Engineering (CC BME)
Competence Center higher education (University of to expand upon their existing for Biomedical Engineering Ljubljana, University of Maribor), avenues of cooperation to (CC BME) is an E.U. regional industrial representatives achieve new levels of synergy competency center, coordinated (Gorenje, Fotona, Iskra Medical, and thus achieve better market by Laser and Health Academy, a Instrumental technologies and results. nonprofi t organization, dedicated Optotek) and experts in the The program of the CC to the promotion of research, fi eld of biomedical engineering BME is primarily focused on the education and publishing in the and medicine (Laser and Health research and development of fi eld of laser medicine. Academy, the University Medical products and applications helping CC BME consists of 12 Center of Ljubljana, the Institute to reduce the invasiveness of partners, focused on global of Oncology, the University medical treatments and increase market leadership. Partners in Rehabilitation Institute and the the reliability and accuracy of CC BME are key institutions of Jožef Stefan Institute) that wish diagnostic process. Within fi ve
FEBRUARY 1, 2013, PAGE 6 projects, over 120 researchers being fuelled by breakthroughs in cooperate to accelerate the basic sciences and engineering, development of new therapeutic as well as by increasing global sources, new or signifi cantly demand for more affordable, improved monitoring and effective, and minimally invasive diagnostic sensors, and control medical treatments. The vision systems for direct or remote of CC BME is to put Slovenia on control and supervision of the global map as an incubator medical devices, patients or of highly innovative companies therapeutic treatments. that build the most commercially Biomedical engineering interesting biomedical devices in as such is known as one of the the world. world’s most promising and For more information, fastest growing industries. Rapid please visit http://www. technological developments are bmecenter.com/en/. CALL FOR APPLICATIONS Culture and Communications Interns for Baltimore EUNIC Washington, special events and promotions Promotion and the Arts. He/she a coalition of E.U. member for the city. The project is titled will assist in the coordination states’ national institutes of “Transit: Creative Placemaking of the initiative, logistics and culture: Alliance Française, in Baltimore”. It will nurture communications. Austrian Cultural Forum, British interaction between the City of Council, Goethe Institut, Hellenic Baltimore and several European Duties include, but are Foundation for Culture, Instituto cities to refl ect the impact of not limited to: Camoes, Italian Cultural Institute, culture on city revitalization. Romanian Cultural Institute, and Responsibilities the Embassies of Slovenia, Cyprus, Job Description Denmark, Finland, Ireland, • Assists in the daily Romania, Spain and Sweden, The position of the Culture administration of “Transit” aims to present edgy, creative, and Communications Intern initiative, where it: diverse and thought provoking entails a three- to fi ve-month • Assists in the coordination cultural and educational programs internship and will be based of meetings to showcase Europe. in Baltimore at the Baltimore • Composes and edits In 2013 and 2014, EUNIC Offi ce of Promotion & The Arts. correspondence Washington will partner with The primary responsibilities of • Assists in the maintenance Baltimore Offi ce of Promotion this position are to assist in the of fi les & The Arts for an ambitious administration of the culture • Researches information 18-month project highlighting the program and communication and data on Europe and cooperates positive role of culture in urban activities, coordination of fi lm with the European embassies in development. The Baltimore programs and panel discussions, Washington to receive information Offi ce of Promotion & the Arts to provide related support to the about Europe, and places it on the is the Arts Council for the City of Cultural Affairs Assistant Director website of this project Baltimore, addressing the needs (BOPA) and work as liaison with • Assists in the coordination of the arts community through the EUNIC in Washington, DC. of meetings, including: arts and cultural activities and the The intern will provide • Records and transcribes development of grant programs. liaison between EUNIC members meeting minutes The offi ce also produces festivals, and the Baltimore Offi ce of • Assists in communication
FEBRUARY 1, 2013, PAGE 7 of meeting updates, agendas, and • This is an unpaid position minutes. Required knowledge, skills, with a monthly stipend of €220 • Assists in the and abilities (approximately $295) • communications The ideal candidate is Monthly transit pass for Baltimore • Creates communications an inquisitive, independent, and provided materials communicative individual • Housing provided at the • Updates “Transit” website Maryland Institute College of Art • Posts information on • Fluent in English social media to relay program • Student of cultural Internship period(s) in information as needed management or communications Baltimore • Assists in event • Able to coordinate multiple management partnership projects • March 1 through July 31, • Keeps contact with 2013 -- deadline for applications stakeholders in programs (such Conditions is February 15, 2013 as the residency, fi lm, panels) • August 19 through such as representatives of Arts • The intern must be citizen December 14, 2013 -- deadline for & Entertainment Districts of of an E.U. Member State applications is May 15, 2013 Baltimore, MICA and others • The intern will be under • January 13, 2014 through • Coordinates the logistics of an education visa and will be June 13, 2014 - deadline for event planning including working responsible for his/her visa fees, applications is October 15, 2013 with, host locations, artists… health insurance, and transport to • Prepares data and the United States All eligible candidates should information for the residency • The internship periods will e-mail their CVs and cover letters program offered to artists and start on March 1, 2013, and end to KGreen@promotionandarts. experts in urban development, on June 13, 2014 com
TO DO LIST
Resistance of the Earth/Upor Zemlje in NYC Earth Resistance is a multimedia project that combines several artistic genres from video, 16 mm fi lm, dance to live musical performances. It premiered on December 17, 2012, at the Janez Trdina Cultural Center in Novo mesto in Slovenia as the fi nal ceremony of a partner town of the European Capital of Culture 2012. The theme of the project covers the world of natural disasters like earthquakes, volcano eruptions, hurricanes and tornados. The project Earth Resistance comments worldwide through the language of images, instruments, voice and solo performances on natural catastrophes that occur on our planet. Original music by the Slovenian author Igor Lumpert. Organized in collaboration by the Czech Center New York the Consulate General of Croatia and the Embassy of Slovenia. When: February 7, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. Where: Czech Center New York at the Bohemian National Hall (321 E 73rd Street (between 1st and 2nd Avenues), New York, NY 10021 More information: http://new-york.czechcentres.cz/program/event-details/resistance-of-the- earth/
Link to St. Joseph’s Church in Bethlehem, PA
St. Joseph’s Church was founded by a group of Slovenian immigrants who settled in Bethlehem, PA. The fi rst Mass was celebrated in the church, which has a very unique Slovenian character, on September 28, 1917. Follow the festivities and activities of Slovenian community in Bethlehem and like: St. Joseph’s Facebook Page at http://www.facebook.com/StJosephChurchBethlehemPA
FEBRUARY 1, 2013, PAGE 8 Perpetuum Jazille in Washinton, DC
Perpetuum Jazzile performs with a passion everything from pop to soul, funk, swing, bossa nova, and gospel. The group, featuring 35 powerful voices, is a massive global sensation, having toured to sell-out crowds in Croatia, Czech Republic, Germany, and Canada. Along with vocal percussions, performances include an incredible array of drums and choreographed hand movements that simulate storms. Perpetuum Jazzile has garnered millions of YouTube hits of their dynamic live performances of pop classics by Lady Gaga (“Telephone”), Cyndi Lauper (“True Colors”), Earth, Wind & Fire, Gloria Estefan (“Conga”), Bee Gees and Toto (“Rosanna” and “Africa,” which has scored over 14 million views alone). When: Thursday, March 7, 2013, at 8 p.m. Where: Lisner Auditorium, GeorgeWashington University, 730 21st St., N.W. More information and tickets: http://www.lisner.org/eventdetails.asp?id=772
Slovenian Kurentovanje in Cleveland The Slovenian National Home, Slovenian Museum and Archives, St. Clair Superior Development Corp. and Sterle’s Country House, in partnership with local businesses and institutions, bring a piece of the most popular carnival in Slovenia, Kurentovanje (koo rent oh VAHN yeh), to St. Clair Avenue. This cultural event, connecting ethnology, culture, arts, and people from all over Europe, has been celebrated in Slovenia for the past 50 years. The central fi gure of the carnival, the Kurent, is believed to chase away winter and usher in spring with its supernatural powers. The festival in Cleveland will be free to the public. Visitors are encouraged to dress in costume as they partake in the many different foods, wines, beers, music and dances of Slovenia and Eastern Europe. A prize will be awarded for the best homemade Kurent costume. Procession: Traditional Kurentovanje starts with a parade, which, commencing at 1:00 p.m., will stretch through the neighborhood from St. Vitus’s Church on Lausche Ave. to the Slovenian National Home on St. Clair Ave. Explore: Beginning at 2:00 p.m., visitors can explore the Slovenian National Home as well as many other storefront businesses in the area, which will feature samplings of food, spirits and music. When: Saturday, February 23, 2013, from noon to 6 p.m. More information: Michael Fleming of the St. Clair Superior Development Corporation at (216)881-0644, ext. 103).
Celebrating Slovenian Cultural Day in CA Orange Coast SNPJ Lodge 786 cordially invites you to attend an event celebrating Slovenian Cultural Day. The program will feature the artwork of Dr. Kiar Mesko, a renowned artist in Slovenia for his historical and biographical paintings. Also featured will be NASA physicist Dr. Dusan Petrac, who will talk about the history of Slovenian independence and especially about his work in and the contributions of several American-Slovenes to the space program both as astronauts and as scientists. In addition to the interesting program, the food and wine of Slovenia will be offered. Voluntary donations will be accepted for this event. When: Saturday, February 23, 2013, from noon to 5:00 p.m. Program starts at 1:00 p.m. Where: Clubhouse 3, Dining Room 2, 23822 Avenida Sevilla, Laguna Woods Village, CA 92637 More information: [email protected]
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
FEBRUARY 1, 2013, PAGE 9