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CONCERTS, THEATER & FILM
Cankarjev dom, Prešernova 10, 01/241 71 00
Relic and reminder of times when culture was a centralized,
state-controlled affair, this enormous arts and convention center boasts
13 performance spaces of varying size, all designed in the same familiar
palace-of-culture style known from Warsaw to Tirana. And it's still the
place where almost everything happens, whether it be concerts of classical
or popular music, dance performances, art exhibitions, trade fairs, film
screenings, or workshops. So there's really no escaping it.
Križanke Summer Theatre, Miklošičeva 28, 01/439 64
45
Situated on French Revolution Square is one of
the architectural and cultural masterpieces of Ljubljana. Formerly a monastery,
the site has been renovated into a modern open-air theatre complex that hosts
world renowned performers. The main stage with an orchestra pit is suitable
for various theatrical and musical stagings (operas, operettas, ballet, etc.),
symphonic concerts, as well as pop and jazz concerts. The entire theatre
and audience area is even outfitted with a large sliding roof making performances
possible in the event of bad weather, so you can leave your umbrellas at
home.
Ljubljana Castle
You should know that the castle above Ljubljana doesn't offer only a beautiful view. In the Estate Hall
concerts take place regularly, and during the summer, the Ljubljana Festival
organizes many music and theater performances right on the central square.
Other interesting events are also happening year-round. In the winter
(October 1 to April 30) the castle is open from 10 am to 7 pm and
in the summer (May 1 to September 30) from 10 am to 12 pm. The Virtual Museum
and Castle Tower are definitely the best sources of information about
Ljubljana if you don't have a lot of time. Information and reservation:
Phone and fax: 01/232 99 94.
Philharmonic Hall, Kongresni trg, 01/241 08 00
After more than a year of reconstruction, the traditional home of the
Slovenian Philharmonic Orchestra is open once again. This custard-yellow
concert hall shows its bare modern backside to the river, turning a
more elegant face (cryptically inscribed "Academia Philharmonicorum")
towards Kongresni trg. The spiritual ancestor of one of Europe's oldest
musical societies, Philharmonic Hall has now reassumed its rightful place
as Ljubljana's foremost classical music venue.
Slovenian National Drama Theater,
Erjavčeva 1, 01/252 15 11
Founded in 1867, the Slovenian National Drama Theater is housed today
in an Art Nouveau style building originally constructed for a German
language theater. In fact the theater's current name dates only from 1992.
SND has two stages at its disposal here, a large one for drama and other
spectacles, as well as a smaller one for more intimate performances.
Slovenian National Opera and Ballet Theater, Župančičeva 1, 01/425 48 40
Ljubljana's opera house, built in appropriately grand style by two
Czech architects, first opened in 1882. Following a century marked by the
usual succession of politically-motivated name and language changes, it
now hosts the Slovenian National Opera and Ballet companies. The opera's
2001/2002 season includes favorites by Verdi, Mozart and Smetana.
CLUBS & DISCOS Global, Tomsiceva 1 (top floor of the Nama dept. store),
Wait
in line by the glass elevator doors outside Nama along with other
late-night partiers for a chance to strut your stuff with Ljubljana's
"in" crowd. The newest addition to Ljubljana's entertainment scene,
Global combines a functional daytime restaurant and cafe with a
fantastic view of the city, plus a popular nightclub, and even an
emergency ATM machine next to the bar.
Hound Dog, Trg prekomorskih brigad 4 (part of the Hotel-M complex),
01/519 50 55
Spacious, stylish venue with quality live music and good service. DJ
program every night (e.g. Mon. guitar heroes, Tues. modern rock, Wed. disco
roots, Thurs. soul, surf rock etc, Fri. mixed, Sat. mixed, Sun.
melancholy tunes).
Jazz Club Gajo, Beethovnova 8, 01/425 32 06
Great
central setting for quality live jazz. There are jam sessions every Monday,
while gigs by domestic and foreign jazz acts tend to happen on Wednesdays.
For program details check the club's fancy website at http://www.jazzclubgajo.com/.
K4, Kersnikova 4, 01/431 70 10, 9pm to 4am daily
A watchword on the Ljubljana alternative scene since the late 80s, K4
is still striving to maintain its cutting edge. This chrome-and-neon
downtown club is up to something different each night: rock, jazz, folk
and hiphop gigs, techno events, student parties, performance art, even
travel lectures. It also features one of the city's rare gay and lesbian
outlets every Sunday.
KUD France Prešeren, Karunova 14, 01/283 22 88, 11am to 1am
daily
Born way back in 1919, KUD is still a leading player on the local
alternative scene. On any given day you'll find it serving as a
performance space, art gallery, discussion forum or concert stage, and
sometimes even all of these at once. This Trnovo landmark's monthly
schedule is loaded with literary happenings, workshops, children's
activities and lectures as well. There's also a nice little cafe on the
premises.
Metelkova mesto, Metelkova cesta, 01/432 33 78
This squatted former federal army barracks was once a primary test case
for social tolerance in post-independence Ljubljana. But the city seems to
have finally conceded it to the enterprising free spirits who've turned
Metelkova into the most unique and lively nightspot in town. Venues here
include Gala Hala (punk/metal), Gromki (performance),
Tiffany (gay), Klub Monokel (lesbian), Mizzart
(low-fi), Menza (eclectic) and Channel Zero (dance). Program
info can be scant; best go see for yourself what’s happening.
Orto Bar, Grablovičeva 1,
01/232 16 74, 8pm to 4 am daily
An archetypal red velvet lounge dispensing hard liquor and heavy tunes,
Orto is one of Ljubljana's leading live music venues, with punk, blues and
"trash" acts appearing weekly. Bands perform in the upstairs room, which
usually gets packed and smoky to the point of asphyxiation. The spectacle
of ceaselessly spinning turbine fans in the downstairs walls is likewise
not for the faint-hearted.
Sub Sub Club, Celovška 25, 01/434 75
55
Open since the end of 2000, this recent arrival on Ljubljana's
none-too-diverse dance club scene offers the most consistently fresh mix
of new sounds. That's mainly because Sub Sub is the brainchild of Radyoyo,
a collective of local breakbeat DJs who also have a weekly radio show and
a record label. Located down in the basement of Hala Tivoli, the club has
yet to go full time, but usually hosts two or three events a week: look
out for their sharp, streamlined posters. |
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