This year, the Police Orchestra is celebrating the 60th anniversary of its founding. This jubilee, yesterday, on 2 April 2008, filled the Gallus Hall of Cankarjev Dom in Ljubljana for an official concert.
Under conductor Milivoj Šurbek, the Police Orchestra played many well-known musical works, and soprano Vera Danilova, tenor Janez Lotrič, police officer Matjaž Mrak and singer Alenka Godec performed as well.
The official speaker at the event, Director General of the Police Jože Romšek, underlined that "the reputation which the Police Orchestra has built in 60 years of its existence is an invaluable property. This is indicated by unanimous praise from domestic and foreign audiences, and listeners often lack the words to describe the performances. Performing at home and abroad, the Orchestra has earned many awards and the admiration of the expert public. These accolades, a reflection of tireless work and commitment, make us all proud, the members of the Orchestra and the whole police organisation as well."
Director General Romšek and Minister of the Interior Dragutin Mate used this opportunity to present commemorative Police Orchestra badges.
The commemorative badges were given to the following:
- Public Fund for Cultural Activities of the Republic of Slovenia, which has cooperated with the Police Orchestra for many years in organising concerts with foreign conductors. Among the important projects, the Festival of Choirs in Šentvid pri Stični is well-known. The commemorative badge was acepted by Igor Tršar.
Igor Tršar and Janez Kukec, leader of the Police Orchestra
- Police Orchestra for successful and productive cooperation with the Slovenian Police Orchestra. A tour by the Vienna Orchestra in Slovenia as well as a tour of our Police Orchestra in Austria were important events. The commemorative badge was accepted by orchestra leader Ernst Zehetner.
Guests from Austria
- Police Orchestra of Slovakia for international exchange of connections and experiences. The commemorative badge was accepted by Jan Nemcek.
Guests from Slovakia
- Association of Slovenian Brass Bands for fruitful cooperation. Since 2000, the Association and the Police Orchestra have offered numerous seminars with foreign conductors, among whom are American composer and conductor Alfred Reed and other renowned European conductors and composers. The commemorative badge was accepted by the President of the Association, Ervin Hartman.
Janez Kukec and Ervin Hartman
- The first members of the People's Police Band, established in 1948, who participated in the Orchestra until retirement: Marjan Bat, Vili Bedenikovič, Anton Šajn, Mirko Jurak and Marjan Zavadlav.
Doyens of the People's Police Band Vili Bedenikovič, Marjan Bat and Anton Šajn
- The oldest member of the Orchestra, Boris Galičič, employed in the Police Orchestra for 32 years.
Boris Galičič and Milivoj Šurbek
- Maestro Milivoj Šurbek, universal musical creator, who was regular conductor of the Police Orchestra between 1991 and 2000. Under his leadership, the Orchestra developed its artistic expression. Maestro Šurbek achieved a truly symphonic sound, which still remains characteristic of the Police Orchestra.
In the lobby of Gallus Hall, Biserka Debeljak curated an exhibition celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Police Orchestra, which was enthusiastically appreciated by the guests.