The Liszt Institute Ljubljana concluded an eventful week with a series of activities showcasing Hungarian literature and art in Slovenia. Hungary had its own dedicated stand at the prestigious 39th Slovenian Book Fair, a prominent literary event co-organized with the Petőfi Cultural Agency. Additionally, Tóth Barnabás’s film "Akik maradtak” (Those Who Stayed) was screened at the 9th House of Tolerance Festival, and Hungarian artists were given the opportunity to present their work at the Coperi Music Dialogues.
The Hungarian stand at the book fair exhibited Hungarian book productions, featuring nearly 30 volumes translated into Slovenian over the past six years with the support of the Hungarian Cultural Institute. Four accompanying events were held during the fair to promote Hungarian culture. One such event was a discussion titled "For Those Who Haven't Tasted It, They Haven't Been to Hungary," which explored the most famous Hungarian dishes, their history, and recipes. The literary magazine "The Continental," based in Hungary, was presented with the participation of Keresztes Balázs from the Petőfi Cultural Agency. The fair also included the Hungarian-Slovenian literary translation competition, where prizes were awarded to young translators who had not yet published their own translated books. The selected works for translation are chosen from the latest works of contemporary Hungarian literature.
A literary lecture titled "The Future of Heroes" featured discussions by Dr. Urška Perenič, Prof. Dr. Szilágyi Márton, and Dr. Florinel Oprescu, focusing on the literary legacies of Petőfi Sándor, France Prešeren, and Mihai Eminescu. The lecture delved into their cult status, their role in the education of future generations, and the enduring relevance of their works.
The Liszt Institute Ljubljana also participated in the 9th edition of the House of Tolerance Festival, which emphasized tolerance and the education of young people. The festival offered a range of events, including theatre performances, a Holocaust exhibition, concerts, and film screenings. Tóth Barnabás's film "Akik maradtak” (Those Who Stayed) (2019), a poignant story of a teenage girl and a middle-aged man who meet after World War II, was screened at the Mini Teater in Ljubljana on November 21, 2023.
As part of the Music Dialogues in Koper concert series, which highlights classical music from different countries, Hungary was invited to participate this year. Thanks to the support of MOL Slovenia and the Hungarian Academy of Arts, three Hungarian musical ensembles performed in the Slovenian port city in November, with the organization led by the Liszt Institute Ljubljana. On November 23, 2023, violinist Osztrosits Éva and pianist Csabay Domonkos gave a concert as participants of the Hungarian Academy of Arts Scholarship program. The sold-out concert received great acclaim among Slovenian classical music enthusiasts.
Hungarian Cultural Presence in Slovenia's Literary and Art Scene