DoReWe Diary #41

19 hours ago
6 min read

SINGING FESTIVAL SONG OF THE FUTURE AND EVENING OF WINNERS

May 2026

Dear DoReWe members and music enthusiasts,

Welcome to the fortyfirst edition of our DoReWe Diary. We hope you will enjoy reading it. We invite you to continue writing to us and to follow us on Facebook and Instagram

In this edition we are excited to share the following stories with you:

DO RE WE NEWS: 1. Festival SONG OF THE FUTURE in Kamniku / Evening of Winners in Ljubljana

FANTASTIC TIP: Experience an opera classic: La traviata

SONATA FROM THE STREET: Responses from festival participants and visitors

LALA QUIZ: World renown opera composer

TINY TREASURES: Musical Hotel Paradiso

DO RE WE NEWS

1st Children and Youth Singing Festival SONG OF THE FUTURE in Kamnik delighted performers and audience

On May 9 and 10, the 1st Children’s and Youth Singing Festival SONG OF THE FUTURE Kamnik 2026 took place at the Kamnik Cultural Centre. With the support of the Municipality of Kamnik, the festival was organized by the Cultural Association Naš oder in cooperation with the DoReWe Music School. The event brought together many talented young singers and offered the audience two days of music, creativity, and unforgettable performances.

Following the applications and auditions held in April, the festival continued on Saturday, May 9, with the semi-final performances, which took place throughout the day in three age categories. At 10 a.m., children aged 6 to 10 performed; at 2 p.m., singers aged 11 to 14 took the stage; while the evening session at 6:30 p.m. belonged to teenagers between 15 and 18 years of age. The semi-final part of the festival was hosted by Kamnik singer-songwriter, artist, and DoReWe mentor Manca Berlec, who created a warm and enjoyable atmosphere for both performers and visitors with her relaxed energy, humor, and warmth.

The highlight of the festival followed on Sunday, May 10, with the ceremonial final evening. A total of 26 vocal performances from all three age categories advanced to the finals. The final evening was hosted by popular television presenter Ana Praznik, while the event gained an extra special touch from honorary jury guest Sara Briški Cirman - Raiven, the renowned Slovenian singer. The audience and performers were also welcomed with an encouraging speech by the Mayor of the Municipality of Kamnik, Matej Slapar.

The title of the festival’s grand winner was awarded to 12-year-old Neža Rupreht from the Koroška region, who impressed both the jury and the audience with an outstanding interpretation of the song Never Enough. The Audience Award went to the girls of the vocal ensemble Od5 Quartet from Ptuj, who won over visitors with their energy and excellent harmony.

In addition to the grand prize, the best individual performers in each age category were also awarded.

1. age group (ages 6–10)

place: Lovro O. Mazera - Ptuj
place: Mila Tošić - Kamnik
place: Mark Cerar - Ljubljana

2. age group (ages 11–14)

place: Neža Rupreht - Kotlje na Koroškem
place: Tara Bauer - Izola
place: Ana Gajšek - Ljubljana

3. age group (ages 15–18)

place: Maja Bulatović - Maribor
place: Žana Lapajne - Idrija
place: Brianna-Selina Jäger - Moravče

In addition to the awards and recognitions, special sponsor prizes were also presented, further enriching the festival experience and providing young singers with important encouragement for their future musical development.

With its warmth, high-quality performances, and outstanding energy, the SONG OF THE FUTURE Kamnik 2026 festival proved that Slovenia is home to many talented young musicians. The organizers and collaborators sincerely thank all performers, mentors, parents, visitors, sponsors, and co-financiers who helped create the first edition of the festival, which they hope will become a traditional event in the years to come.

Evening of Winners at Smelt conference hall

On Wednesday, May 6, the event Evening of Winners – Flame of Hope took place at the Smelt Conference Hall, bringing together inspiring stories, music, and positive energy. A special touch to the evening was added by our mentor Anja Mlinar, whose musical performance enriched the program and created a warm and emotional atmosphere.

The evening’s exclusive guest was world-renowned motivational speaker Sean Swarner, who inspired everyone present with his life story and extraordinary determination, encouraging the audience to reflect on the power of perseverance, courage, and hope.

The event was yet another reminder of the important role music plays in creating memorable moments. At our school, we are always delighted to help shape the musical atmosphere of various events, team-building activities, and business gatherings — always with sensitivity, energy, and a professional performance tailored to each client’s wishes and needs.

FANTASTIC TIP

#41 Experience an opera classic: La traviata

This time, we dedicate our fantastic recommendation to all lovers of music, singing, and stage performances. If you are looking for a truly special musical experience, we highly recommend attending the opera La traviata, which will be performed on June 17 by SNG Opera and Ballet Ljubljana.

It is one of the most famous and most frequently performed operas of all time, captivating audiences with its exceptional music, powerful emotions, and unforgettable melodies. The new production, directed by Frank Van Laecke, brings a fresh and contemporary stage interpretation, which already received great applause from the audience at its premiere.

For young singers and musicians, attending an opera is an excellent opportunity to observe interpretation, stage presence, acting, and the vocal technique of top performers. It is also particularly interesting to follow the orchestral accompaniment, dynamics, and the way music is intertwined with the story.

The opera is performed in Italian with Slovenian and English surtitles, making it suitable for younger audiences as well as for those experiencing opera for the first time.

Sometimes, just a single evening in the theatre is enough for music to inspire new dreams, new goals, or even the first step onto the stage.

SONATA FROM THE STREET

Responses from participants and visitors of the SONG OF THE FUTURE Festival Kamnik 2026:

"As a mother who took her daughter to this type of competition for the first time, I was truly surprised by how many talented young artists were gathered in one place and what a joy it was to listen to them and watch them on stage. I would like to thank you (you and the other organizers) for a truly excellently executed event, for the relaxed atmosphere, and for what can I say, the 'artistic vibe' that brought all the young singers together." – Ajda M.

"We would also like to sincerely thank you for the wonderfully executed Song of the Future festival. It is rare to experience an event that is so professionally organized, while at the same time retaining so much warmth, heartfelt feeling, and a sense that every child on stage truly matters. You could feel how much effort, dedication, and love went into every detail, so that the young performers could feel relaxed, safe, and accepted. Such events give children not only the opportunity to perform, but also an invaluable experience, motivation, and encouragement for the future. You are creating a space where young talents grow, gain confidence, and can show their love of music. It was especially wonderful to see how new friendships were formed among the children, how they encouraged one another, genuinely celebrated each other's success, and together created a wonderful energy. It is precisely these moments that give the festival its special value. Sincere thanks for all your effort, kindness, and warmth that was felt throughout the entire festival. For our family, this day will remain a very fond memory." – Maša K.

"Thank you for an unforgettable weekend." – Jana J.

"Congratulations to the organizers of the festival and to all the participants! We are impressed by the quality of the performances. Hats off to all the young singers." – Manca R.

"We are still full of impressions from your festival! First of all, sincere congratulations to all the performers and award recipients – the level of talent was truly exceptional. Great respect to the team for a superbly executed event. The festival treated us to so many remarkable voices and young talents that it was a joy to listen to. Special praise goes to the excellent organization accomplished in such a short time. Thank you all for a wonderful day full of music and great energy!" – Brigita J.

LALA QUIZ

Who is the composer of the renowned opera La traviata?

A) Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

B) Giacomo Puccini

C) Giuseppe Verdi

D) Ludwig van Beethoven

This composer is one of the most important Italian opera creators of the 19th century, known for works full of powerful emotions, dramatic stories, and unforgettable melodies. His operas, among them Rigoletto, Il trovatore, and Aida, are still among the most performed on stages around the world today and represent the foundation of the classical opera repertoire.

TINY TREASURES

You are invited!

To a performance of the musical Hotel Paradiso, taking place on Sunday, 21st June at the Cultural Centre Radomlje.

This musical has been prepared this year with extraordinary passion by the students of the School of Musical for Adults. Get ready for an evening of laughter, music, emotion, and moments that will stay with you for a long time.

Hotel Paradiso is not just a musical – it is a transformation you never knew you needed.