Piran Wind Orchestra and Koper Wind Orchestra

Conductors: Iztok Babnik (Piran Wind Orchestra) and Boris Benčič (Koper Wind Orchestra)

The Piran Wind Band, which celebrated an impressive 170 years of uninterrupted activity in 2021, currently has around 40 permanent and occasional members. Over the course of its long and diverse history, the orchestra has been led by as many as 14 different conductors. The current conductor, Iztok Babnik, took over the baton in 2009, succeeding Benjamin Makovec, who led the orchestra for 17 years. In 2017, the Piran Youth Wind Band changed its name and became the Cultural Association Piran Wind Band.

Each year, the orchestra organizes a summer concert and a New Year’s concert, promenade performances, and takes part in various municipal events and other occasions. It gladly participates in tours and guest performances in Slovenia and abroad. Last year, after many years, it took part in the Slovenian wind band competition, where the jury placed it in the first difficulty category.

The Koper Wind Band was founded in 1981 and over the years has grown from a small group of 30 musicians into a symphonic orchestra with more than 60 members. It performs regularly at concerts, festivals, and competitions at home and abroad. Throughout its rich history, it has given more than 1,000 concerts and released nine CDs.

Its successful work has also been recognized at numerous competitions, where it has received gold plaques and other awards. Most recently, at the national competition of the Association of Slovenian Wind Bands in Krško in 2023, it received a Gold Award with Distinction and was promoted to the first difficulty category.

One of the highlights of the orchestra’s concert season is the traditional Christmas and New Year’s concert, which every year attracts more than 1,000 listeners. With its varied program, this event has become an indispensable part of the festive atmosphere of Koper.

Thanks to its intensive activity and outstanding achievements, the Koper Wind Band has become a key component of the cultural life of Koper and Slovenia. It is sure to win you over with its repertoire, energetic performances, and great passion for music.