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
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
»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
Results of the Best in English Competition
On November 30, twenty-nine students from the Diocesan Classical Gymnasium participated in the European online English Language Competition Best in English for the first time. They were more than eager to grasp the opportunity to compare their English language skills with those of 15 107 European peers coming from 683 schools and 28 countries. The test fulfilled the needs of students of all years and abilities.
Today we are delighted to announce some really impressive results of our students. The most outstanding achievement of Tinkara Uršič Fratina from 3C class, who held the 42th place, was just the best among other impressive results obtained by Nika Knez, Nina Katarina Štular, Mark Loborec, Matic Kotar and Matevž Herič. We offer our sincere congratulations to all our contestants! /Petra Kromar/
THE BEST IN ENGLISH for the first time at the DCG
Twenty-nine students from the DCG joined almost 11.000 other students from about 500 schools from all over Europe to compete for the first time at the international competition The Best in English. The event took place on 30th November 2016, it ran smoothly and suited the needs of students of all years and abilities. At nine o’clock sharp participants’ faces got absorbed by the tasks presented on the screens and all one could hear was keyboard typing and mouse clicking. Laughter provoked by up-to-date videos was occasionally heard and generally, a happy atmosphere was created in the classroom.
The teachers of English as well as students believe that this is a lovely way to compare their language skills with those of their European peers. What is more, the test is free of charge and especially students were satisfied with results that appear right away at the end of the contest. In short The Best in English competition is a great European experience. Presently the results are being calculated and we cannot wait to have them announced! /Lily Schweiger Kotar/
St. Stanislav Girls’ Choir to Participate in the World Symposium on Choral Music in Barcelona
St. Stanislav Girls’ Choir of The Diocesan Classical Gymnasium has been invited to participate in the 11th IFCM /International Federation for Choral Music/ world symposium on choral music, which will take place from 22nd – 29th July, 2017 in Barcelona, Spain. As mentioned on the official website, the event will follow the theme of the Colours of Peace, and bring together the world’s choirs, choral musicians, composers and publishers.
Symposium in brief
The World Choral Symposium is the most esteemed non-competing choral meeting organized by IFCM. Such events have been organised since 1987 every third year in various parts of the world. The upcoming 11th symposium will host 24 selected choirs from Spain, USA, Canada, Japan, Sweden, Germany, South Africa, Argentina, the Netherlands, Denmark, Korea, Ireland, Moldovia, the Philippines, Latvia and Slovenia. Some of them are to sing premieres of sixteen renowned composers such as Ēriks Ešenvalds, Bob Chilcott, Jocelyn Hagen, Hideki Chihara and others.
Who will be there?
The symposium’s organizers expect 3000 conductors, singers, composers and other music experts. The programme consists of concerts in the central auditorium and some other venues of exceptional architectural beauty, such as Palace of Catalan Music and the Sagrada Familia, lectures given by experts from different countries, master classes led by Elisenda Carrasco, Helmuth Rilling, Rollo Dilworth and Simon Halsey and other events. Among others, Choral EXPO needs to be mentioned where music editors, producers, festival organizers, and providers of music business will meet and highlight their services. It is an important platform for promotion of music events and activities and above all for presentation and purchase of music and professional literature.
St. Stanislav Girls’ Choir Cannot Wait to Go
St. Stanislav Girls’ Choir of the Diocesan Classical Gymnasium will perform in the second part of the symposium from 26th – 29th July. The girls under the leadership of the conductor Helena Fojkar Zupančič are looking forward to meeting and listening to some world famous choirs. The preparations are in full swing and they are proud to present Slovenia and St. Stanislav’s Institution with the Diocesan Classical Gymnasium at such a prominent choral event.
The conductor of the choir Helena Fojkar Zupančič commented on the upcoming event with the following words: “A year and a half ago we were invited to apply for the selection of performing choirs. The board of experts have chosen our choir along with 24 others from all over the world on the basis of a weighty programme, video and audio recordings as well as strong references. Now we are happy to embrace this unique possibility and perform in such outstanding music event.”
Everything is Music
The first step into an entirely new world, the first immersion into the sea of words, the first melody – everything is music …
The above verses are taken from the hymn written on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of The Music School in St. Stanislav’s Institution by Primož Bratina, pianist and piano teacher.
The Music School was established in 1996 by the then Archbishop of Ljubljana dr. Alojzij Šuštar. The occasion matches the 200th anniversary of the music education in Slovenia, which is being celebrated this year. In the two decades the Music School has left a remarkable trace and offered countless joyous music events of artistic excellence.
Today The Music School employs 25 teachers engaged in teaching and inspiring about 240 students. Apart from musical theory, sight singing, jazz singing and preschool music, 11 instruments are taught, along with music making in chamber and large string orchestra as well as the guitar ensemble. Teachers devote special attention to students’ creativity. A lot of students excel in competitions at different levels from regional to international, some take in music as a professional path in their lives and continue studies at music academies at home and abroad.
To commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Music School several events will unfold. The solemn celebration to honour the patron’s day of St. Stanislav’ was already set up on 15th November by the staff of the music school and understandably music played an important part. If you missed it, another concert will be put on in the Slovenian Philharmonic on 1st December 2016 at 6. p.m. This will offer another opportunity to listen instrumentalists, singers, guitar ensemble and to Bratina’s Hymn accompanied by four choirs and the large string orchestra. What an appropriate was to celebrate the life of a music school – with music touching everybody’s heart! /Lily Schweiger Kotar/
English Drama Club in A Midsummer Night’s Dream
The students of the DCG from the English Drama Club act in William Shakespeare’s Midsummer Night’s Dream. The first night will take place on 28th November 2016 at 7 p.m. in Matija Tomc Hall (St. Stanislav’s Institution), two reprises are to follow on 2nd and 12th December 2016, both starting at 7 p.m. Twenty-seven students, of who nineteen actors, set up the entire play in English language, providing themselves for the scenery, props, lighting and audio-visual media. They rehearsed under the mentorship of Alenka Battelino, teacher of English and mentor of English Drama Club as well as Mojca Lavrič, theatre actress and mentor of the Slovene Drama Club at the DCG.
The comedy A Midsummer Night’s Dream has been selected to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death. It is one of Shakespeare’s most popular works for the stage and widely performed in theatres. It is set in the woods outside Athens, which are a busy place on this magical night! Four runaway lovers find themselves in the middle of the dispute between the King and Queen of the fairies. What could possible go wrong? Come and see for yourselves! We are looking forward to meeting you in St. Stanislav’s Institution! /Lily Schweiger Kotar/
St. Stanislav’s Day – Life is a Road
Each year the entire school community celebrates St. Stanislav’s Day to mark the feast of the Institution’s patron. We have the pleasure of inviting you to this year’s celebration which will be marked with holy mass and a solemn celebration on Tuesday 15th November 2016. Holy mass will be celebrated at 3 p.m. in the parish church of St. Vitus in Ljubljana Šentvid by the Archbishop of Ljubljana Msgr. Stanislav Zore. The solemn celebration will take place at 5 p. m. in the new sports hall of the Alojzij Šuštar Primary School. Mrs. Vlasta Doležal Rus, a long serving Headmistress of The Music School in St. Stanislav’s Institution, will hold the official speech. In the heart of our educational process is a person growing up from kindergarten children to high school and university students. Every period will be marked by poetry, music and speech, which complementary interact and establish relations, thus forming a sensible entity.
The performance will be given by the students of all schools in St. Stanislav’s Institution and they will attempt to answer the following questions: Why is school important? What advantages does a school community offer? What road does your life take? What is your next step? We look forward to meeting you.
Roman Globokar, Ph. D., Director of St. Stanislav’s Institution
Fancy a Competition in English Language?
THE BEST IN ENGLISH CONTEST is a truly European online English language competition, open to all high schools within the EU. The test is designed for high school students aged between 15 and 19. So far 10.985 students from almost 500 schools from 19 countries have been involved. The purpose of the test is to motivate students towards greater language comprehension having the chance to compare the results with other students across the world.
The next competition will take place on 30th November, 2016 and The Diocesan Classical Gymnasium is to participate for the first time. First thirty students will be able to join in the competition! The organisers of the Contest are the Institute for Competencies Development, a non-profit organisation, and two student agencies. The Test has been put together by Akcent International House Prague language school. More on: http://bestinenglish.org/ You are kindly invited to join in the competition! The contact person at the DCG is Petra Kromar. /Lily Schweiger Kotar/