Helena Fojkar Zupančič Meets Bob Chilcott

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Helena Fojkar Zupančič and Bob Chilcott in Minneapolis

The conductor of St. Stanislav Girls’ Choir Helena Fojkar Zupančič took part in the American Choral Directors Association convention, which was held from 8th – 11th March 2107 in Minneapolis, USA. There she met the British composer Bob Chilcott, who wrote the song God of the Open Air especially for St. Stanislav Girls’ Choir. The world premiere of the song will take place in July 2017 at the 11th World Symposium on Choral Music in Barcelona, Spain.

New Website of St. Stanislav Girls’ Choir

 

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We are happy to announce that a new website  of St. Stanislav Girls’ Choir of The Diocesan Classical Gymnasium, Ljubljana has been launched. Here you will learn more about the choir, its history, achievements, concerts, including the details about the latest news on the choir’s concerts and in particular the 11th World Symposium on Choral Music in Barcelona, where the choir is to perform in July. We hope you enjoy browsing the new site!

https://en.stanislav.si/11th-world-symposium-in-barcelona/

National Winner of Juvenes Translatores comes from Diocesan Classical Gymnasium

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The winner Maruška Schenk (the first on left)

Habemus victorem! Maruška Schenk has joined twenty-eight other students from all over Europe for winning the 2016-2017 translation contest for secondary schools ‘Juvenes Translatores’! Besides, another student from the DCG, Matija Šprogar, received a special mention for his translation. They both translated from German to Slovene and agreed that Latin, which they have been learning now for the third year, contributed to the excellency and accuracy of their work. Mirjam Lindič, the teacher of German at the DCG, is their mentor. This year The Diocesan Classical Gymnasium has competed for the third time in a row and won the competition twice! Well done indeed!

The Commissioner Günther Oettinger, responsible for Budget and Human Resources at the European Commission congratulated the winners, parents and teachers, pointing out that »languages open minds and break down barriers. They help us understand other peoples and cultures. Congratulations for showing creativity and flair in all 24 EU languages.« The aim of the contest is to promote language learning in schools and give young people a taste of what it is like to be a translator.

The Contest in numbers

For the 10th time since 2007, over 3000 students from across the European Union translated texts, this time on the subjects of languages and translation. They could choose from any of the 552 possible combinations between any two of the EU’s 24 official languages. Students used 152 language combinations. All winners chose to translate into their strongest language or mother tongue, as the official translators in EU Institutions do.

The Slovene Context of Juvenes Translatores

On the national level, there were 35 students competing from eight Slovene high schools. There were five contestants from the DCG, translating from English, German and Spanish. Peter Jakša, Language Officer from the Representation of European Commission in Slovenia, congratulated warmly the students, mentors and the headmaster Simon Feštanj on the outstanding success of the school. In terms of languae learning at the DCG, Latin and English are compulsory and all students have to choose a third foreign language from German, French, Spanish or Russian. Classical Greek is optional.

Maruška will travel to Brussels to collect her award for the most accurate translation of Slovenia on 6 April 2017. /Lily Schweiger Kotar/

 

St. Stanislav Girls’ Choir Sings a Song Premiere by Lojze Lebič

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Lojze Lebič with St. Stanislav Girls’ Choir photo: Janez Eržen

St. Stanislav Girls’ Choir performed on Wednesday, 25th January 2017, on the occasion of presenting Gallus awards in the field of amateur cultural activities. The event took place on Ljubljana Castle hill. The Slovenian Public Fund of Cultural Activities annually awards the deserving musicians. The piece was the song premiere by Lojze Lebič, a contemporary Slovene composer. The composition entitled “Something is in the air” is based on a poem by Tone Pavček, one of the most renown Slovene contemporary poets. The composition is said to be wonderful and inspiring with full of positive vibe. It has brought about so much optimism!

Bob Chilcott Composes for St. Stanislav Girl’s Choir

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Chilcott’s Composition for the Girls

Breaking news: we are thrilled about the brand new piece composed by Bob Chilcott, British choral composer, conductor and singer. It is dedicated exclusively to St. Stanislav’s Girls’s Choir and its conductor Helena Fojkar Zupančič. It bears title God of the Open Air and is based on a heartwarming ode to nature – a poem by Henry Van Dyke (1852-1933), an American author, educator and clergyman.

And what is the conductor’s first reaction? »The piece is exactly up my street! It is wonderful, soft, melodious, lively and airy. I believe this compostition will enable the girls to show all the attributes of their singing and interpreting. What a lovely challenge!«

We cannot wait for the first performance to take place in July at the 11th World Symposium on Choral Music in Barcelona!

Strong Bonds Among DCG Alumni in Wurzbürg, Germany

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Jan Pintar (first on the left) with fellow students at the “Ankneipe”

Pavel Orešnik, alumnus of The Diocesan Classical Gymnasium (the first generation) is an attorney specialised in German transport, civil engineering and architecture law, with an office in Tettnang, Bavaria, Germany. Pavel is a member of Slovene-Bavarian Economic Club as well as of Academic Society Unitas Würzburg.The latter enabled him to study law in Germany and consequently he has been helping other DCG students ever since to pursue their studies in Germany. This year the opportunity was offered to Jan Pintar, who graduated at the DCG in July 2016. Irena Bolta, teacher of German at the Diocesan Classical Gymnasium and Pavel’s class teacher, has been in charge of the link with Society Unitas since its very beginnings in 1997.

Jan Pintar is the third student of the Diocesan Classical Gymnasium Pavel has assisted so far in this matter. Jan, after successfully passing a comprehensive test DSH (Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang) has taken up socio-political studies at Bayerische Julius-Maximilians Universität Wurzbürg. Jan says: “A new life started for me in October 2016. I got to learn many new friends and I feel very much at home here. Especially the Academic Society Unitas Hetania Würzburg provides a fruitful environment for a foreign student.” The so- called Ankneipe introduced him successfully to the student community, where he met other freshmen as well as senior members of the club.

We wish Jan all the best in his studies and would like to thank warmly Pavel Orešnik for his kind and steady support to the students of St. Stanislav’s Institution. /Lily Schweiger Kotar/

Choir Exchange with the Bischöfliches Gymnasium in Graz, Austria

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Bischgym with conductor Valentin Zwitter

The second choir exchange between Bischgym, the mixed choir from The Bischöfliches Gymnasium Graz and the (Re)Mixed Choir of the Diocesan Classical Gymnasium took place from 10th-12th January 2017. On the first evening the guests took part in the rehearsals for the traditional  New Year’s concert in St. Stanislav’s Chapel. The next day they presented themselves to the school community at the lunch concert which attracted many students and teachers. For an energetic performance they were welcomed and rewarded with a loud applause. In the afternoon the sightseeing tour of Ljubljana took place, during which some even went up the castle hill to admire the stunning winter view of the capital city. After the common rehearsals, members of both choirs offered an unforgettable singing event.  To start with, Matija Tomc Hall was packed. The (Re)Mixed Choir of the Diocesan Classical Gymnasium presented itself for the first time this school year and sang same inspiring spirituals as well as the Queen medley for good old rock lovers. The guests came up with some Christmas repertoire, both traditional and modern as well as some eye-catching choreography. Both choirs sang jointly the introductory and closing pieces.

The occasion has proven that the exchanges are a good way to learn new things, broaden horizons and make friends. Most of the hosts welcomed their Austrian friends from last year and were most pleasantly surprised by their peers’ eagerness to see Ljubljana sights, the school and join the common endeavours for a lovely musical experience. Each and everybody invested in the event loads of energy, love for music making and kind understanding to which all member choirs, host families and above all both conductors, Valentin Zwitter and Helena Fojkar Zupančič, are highly beneficial. /Lily Schweiger Kotar/

New promotional video of St. Stanislav Girls’ Choir is released

Voila! The video presentation of St. Stanislav Girls’ Choir on the occasion of their visit to Barcelona is out! The girls have it all: subtle interpretation, colourful sonorities, fascinating creative and vivacious performances, youthful passion with incredible concentration and sound accuracy. So they say. Check it yourselves and simply enjoy!

SHAKESPEARE`S MIDSUMMER NIGHT`S DREAM STAGED BY ENGLISH DRAMA CLUB

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English Drama Club of The Diocesan Classical Gymnasium is staging this year A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare. In this way, St. Stanislav’s Institution commemorates the 400th anniversary of the lasting legacy of the world’s greatest playwright in English language. Twenty-eight student-members of English Drama Club acted in four reprises, which took place in November and December 2016. Among them, there were eighteen actors, six scene artists, two lighting and sound designers, a photographer and a designer of hair and makeup. Thus, the play was entirely in student’s hands, who worked under the mentorship of Alenka Battelino and Mojca Lavrič, who have been with the English Drama Club since 2012. After Oscar Wilde’s Ideal Husband, this is already the second play to in English language at the DCG.

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These are some reflections on the play by Anamarija Mihovec (Year 3), who acted in the play: William Shakespeare. Is there anybody who does not know his name? Not only did he write 37 acts and 154 sonnets, but there are also an enormous amount of new words and phrases he left behind. His works have had a huge effect on writers and literature worldwide. What an honour to act in one of his comedies!

How did it all start?

It all started quite simply, with an invitation over the school loudspeaker. But, let us take it step by step.

  • The beginnings, the idea. The first meeting was interesting: new faces, new opinions, new friends. Just a little bit about the author himself. A Midsummer Night`s Dream (our aim). First homework (already!): read the play in Slovene and think about the cast. First conversations and discussions, then reading (in quite difficult Shakespeare`s) English. There was (and still is) a lot of text. More than three quarters of it also incomprehensible at first. We did have a Slovene translation that helped us out. If as an actor, you do not know what you talk about, you cannot tell it right, can you? Casting definition. Rehearsals. Learning the text by heart (some have a lot of it, others a bit less).
  • Rehearsals are underway. I stopped counting them at twenty. (Just kidding). Actually, I did not have to count them. It was a pleasure to be there. Talks in Slovene, then in English and some laughter. The first part of rehearsals consisted of sitting and reading with a book in our hands, the second part were movements over the stage. Every Thursday one hour and a half spent in the company of people who all wanted to put Shakespeare`s work on stage. Slow, but sure progress.
  • Doubts? Intense rehearsals at the beginning of holidays. First clear “visions” of how the scene should look like. A few problems. Illness, not (yet) knowing all the words, bad mood (not a lot, of course!). We still tried to pull it all together and do our best. And that`s how it progressed – a bit better every time.
  • Talks about the costumes and hairstyles. A lot of ideas. Brain storming. Scribbling notes. The main idea of simplicity, black leggies and shirt, in different colours, depending on the character. “Let the story be obvious!” Hairstyles. Variety of them among actors. A day when we tried on all of them. (Also the day when I scared myself by looking in the mirror. I really adore my hair now.). Whole play. Getting to know the scene (those shades – a beautiful idea, if you ask me.). We all hoped it would go well.
  • Open rehearsal. First group photo. Back to play. A huge surprise – a nice one – for all of us. A thrilled crowd (I`m joking, it was not really a crowd), but those ten who did watch the play were thrilled. That provided us with fresh energy. One last practice before the premiere.
  • The first night. Just a little bit of stage fright. Improvising. Every time we liked it a little bit better. First critics. We were pleasantly surprised by the good ones. Different aspects, different opinions.

Play reviews by some actors and visitors

  • “When I watched A Midsummer Night`s Dream for the first time I had no expectations. I was pleasantly surprised. The first thing I noticed was the scene, which was quite minimalistic. The floor and background were white and the only thing in the background were the shades of tree leaves and mushrooms.  Nevertheless, it was clear what the scene presented and the audience was made to concentrate on the play. As a photographer, I especially liked the lights. They made the scene rather three-dimensional. Thanks to Slovene up-titles, the audience can understand the play despite original Shakespeare’s English. I kindly recommend watching the play to everybody – theatre lovers and beginners; the play catches your attention from the very beginning until you realise it`s over!” Andraž Novak; photographer
  • “I have participated in the play three times already, but I have never really watched it. I have always been working backstage and tried my hardest for the scene to look great. As I heard, the play is dynamic and interesting. I can hear that the actors are really trying their best.” Ajda Kok, scene artists
  •  “I starred “Nick Bottom” in the play. I was, at least others said so, the star of the night. I couldn’t really say that I stood out. (…) Anyway, I am happy about the play. It was my first big theatre experience. “You know, theatre is not the only stage-managed thing in life. It`s one of the many that tells it publicly and with pride. Life is a play. The Earth is our stage and we are actors. Every day we put on a different mask, trying to convince our friends and peers that we are cool enough, teachers and co-workers that we are smart, employers that we are very capable and a parish priest that we are loyal to God and devoted believers. We even get so accustomed to our masks that we cannot take them off and the face we look at in the evening is not us anymore … think about it… Do you really need to be a theatre actor to learn how to act? I absolutely disagree. I challenge you to prove me wrong…” Luka Benedičič, “Nick Bottom”, actor
  • “A Midsummer Night`s Dream in the interpretation of The English Drama Club of DCG was a unique experience. Excellently-prepared actors upgraded the original and always actual Shakespeare’s play. The interpretation, which is with this playwright always important) was first-class and represented a quality “theatrical” experience. Personal engagement of everybody involved should be emphasised. Especially the actors were well prepared and got accustomed to the roles taken, which resulted in an outstanding performance. Thus, acting was a key element in excellent characterisations and differentiation of characters. All actors formed on stage a convincing, effective and quality lot, though the scenery was occasionally too dry for me. Definitely worth visiting.” Rok Jan Špiletič, theatergoer

Fin

Maybe the most important opinion of the main directors, A. Battelino and M. Lavrič. They thought it was good. They deserve the biggest “thank you” of course! One can do everything, if you really want to. Happy audience. The feeling of satisfaction, after all the input it was worthwhile. (Cake for everyone!). Hugs. We are one little family. It passed way too fast. That`s how our early winter day’s dream is ending. Say that Shakespeare is boring or too hard, if you dare! /Anamarija Mihovec, year 3/

 

 

Merry Christmas and a Joyful New Year 2017

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Christmas Light by Rok Pogačar, Counsellor at The Jeglič Student Home

»Those who walked in the dark have seen a bright light. And it shines upon everyone who lives in the land of darkest shadows. A child has been born for us. We have been given a son who will be our ruler. His names will be Wonderful Advisor and Mighty God, Eternal Father and Prince of Peace.« (Is 9,1.5)

May these festive days strengthen our desire for the light and peace. Allow the light of the newborn Jesus to illuminate the darkness of our lives and fill us with the joy of life and open our eyes, heart and hands for the needs of our neighbours.

I wish you all Merry Christmas and a Joyful New Year 2017.

Roman Globokar, Ph. D., Director