On Monday 9 May we opened the concert season in the Križanke Summer Theatre, which reopened its doors for the first time since 2019. The theatre has acquired a new roof, designed by the architect and professor Peter Gabrijelčič.

The new roof replaced the original construction, which was designed by the engineer Miloš Marinček and built in the years 1964 and 1965. The retractable canvas roof was considered a feat of engineering at the time and even attracted attention from abroad.

In 2016 Marinček’s roof was severely damaged by unexpected snowfall in late April. Construction of the new roof began in 2021, and it consists of an independent, fixed structure that allows cultural events to be held throughout the year. The new roof has thirteen steel beams that are connected and mounted on eight tall and slender columns. This allows the audience to have a good view of the stage.

The upper structure is covered with a slightly translucent canvas membrane and snow guards. The roof can bear a weight of up to 1,000 tonnes – equivalent to 1.5 metres of snow. On the southern side curtains fitted with sensors provide protection against wind and rain.

We are very pleased to be able to celebrate the jubilee 70th Ljubljana Festival in the Križanke Summer Theatre under the safe shelter of the new roof. Some outstanding events are promised in the auditorium, including the musicals West Side Story and The Water Man, Béjart Ballet from Lausanne, a pair of ballets by Stravinsky, choreographed by Edward Clug, concerts by Tonči Huljić with Petar Grašo as guest, Marko Hatlak with the FUNtango ensemble, Vlado Kreslin, Dinamitke and the Slovene Octet, a spectacle by the band Laibach, the premiere of the film Gaja’s World 2 and an evening of Spanish opera arias and zarzuelas with the opera star Plácido Domingo.

We began the season of concerts in the KrižankeSummer Theatre with performances by renowned Slovenian musicians and ensembles: Vlado Kreslin, the Srečko Kosovel Male Choir, Nina Strnad, Omar Naber, Elvira Hasanagić, Oto Pestner, the Slovene Octet, Nuška Drašček, Lenart Krečič, Gregor Ravnik, the RTV Slovenija Symphony Orchestra and the RTV Slovenija Big Band conducted by Patrik Greblo and Simon Krečič, who performed some of Slovenia’s most beautiful popular music. There was also a performance by the Ukrainian ballet dancers Anastasia and Denis Matvienko.