Orkester Slovenske filharmonije
4th Concert of the Orchestral Cycle 2025/2026
Michael Wendeberg, conductor
Michael Martin Kofler, flute
Programme:
Jean Sibelius: Tapiola, Op. 112
Aram Khachaturian: Concerto for Flute and Orchestra in D minor, Op. 46b
Alex Hren: New Work (World Premiere)
Béla Bartók: The Miraculous Mandarin, Op. 19, Sz. 73 (BB 82), Suite
The Slovenian Philharmonic Orchestra, the orchestra with the longest tradition in Slovenia, is a regular and loyal guest of our Orchestral Cycle and the Maribor Festival. In this celebratory season, they return under the baton of a familiar and accomplished conductor, joined by an outstanding soloist—both of whom share a rich artistic collaboration with the ensemble. Michael Wendeberg brings passion for both the most demanding symphonic repertoire and bold achievements in contemporary music, while Michael Martin Kofler, professor at the Salzburg Mozarteum and solo flutist of the Munich Philharmonic, is a world-class performer known for his captivating interpretations on international stages.
The programme interweaves three significant works of the 20th century with the world premiere of a new composition by a rising Slovenian composer. Sibelius’ Tapiola, a tone poem steeped in Nordic mysticism, evokes the dark, majestic forests of Finland. Originally written as a violin concerto, Khachaturian’s D minor Concerto—transformed into a flute version through the advocacy of the legendary Jean-Pierre Rampal—stuns with its rhythmic energy, oriental colours, and virtuosic flair. After the intermission, we will hear a new piece by Alex Hren, a young composer from Celje, who studied at the Academy of Music in Ljubljana under Uroš Rojko and Vito Žuraj and is now gaining international recognition through his work in Cologne. The evening culminates with the dramatic suite from Bartók’s ballet The Miraculous Mandarin, a composition rich in expressive orchestral colours and pulsating rhythms.
Tickets:
Regular: €29
Seniors and persons with disabilities: €21
Students, pupils: €7
Family ticket: €26 (adult), €7 (child)