Arhiv Značk: Naslovnica

One is from “our” land

5 Seconds Of Summer visiting Slovenia for the first time

After a long wait due to Covid, the famous Australian band 5 Seconds Of Summer finally performed for the first time in Ljubljana’s hall Stožice. The group performed in the Slovenian capital as part of their current tour in Europe, North America and Australia. Four Australians have become globally famous over the past ten years. They are conquering the top of the music charts, they have received a number of awards, their debut album has risen to the top of the charts in as many as 11 countries and they have sold more than 10 million albums so far. Now they have also come to us and their first arrival is connected with several attractions.
For the concert spectacle, stage equipment was brought to Slovenia in eight tow trucks and the team came with five tour buses. In addition to a large light park, a huge sound system and a large smoke generator they also had 2 large lasers on stage to perfectly stage the concert. The group and the team need 5 backstage offices, 4 locker rooms, 220 towels… They also have their own kitchen with their chefs, for which the organizers had to provide all necessary connections and accessories in the backstage of Arena Stožice, as well as a large dining room. They also needed 80 kilograms of ice in it. About 200 people are working on the project, both the international team that comes with the group as well as domestic technical, security and other teams.

Do they believe in dragons?
“It’s always amazing when we go to a country for the first time. Now, after a long lull, experiencing the excitement of the fans is especially gratifying, especially when we’ve released so much music. This is a great opportunity for us to soak up the culture and create a special night for the people, our fans, who deserve it the most,” said bassist Calum Hood about the band’s first concert in Slovenia. He also said that they will visit the capital during their stay in Ljubljana. “After almost two years of absence from touring, the band completely changed their view of touring. We will explore Slovenia as much as possible and time, we hope it will. We take such things as a kind of blessing,” he said. They visited Ljubljana Castle and the Dragon Bridge. The bridge obviously impressed them, or at least they found it interesting, as they also jokingly asked if Slovenians believe in dragons. At the concert, they added about Ljubljana that they are very far from their home Australia, but that they feel great here and jokingly added that they want to become the most popular Slovenian band. In recent years, Australians have no longer lived on the continent “down there”, but all live in Los Angeles. “We have created homes, with people we love, a space to calm down and to create projects that we want to realize. This is a place where we can rejuvenate and reconnect with each other,” he explained.

Plane and yugo roots
They don’t talk too much about their private lives, but we nevertheless heard some interesting things from them that are not exactly known. Calum Hood, for example, loves painting. He has not yet prepared a painting exhibition, at least for now, but the other three from the group praise his talent and creations. The group has its own charity, Friends of Friends. “We are aware of the scale and influence we have as a music group and we want to contribute to a world in which people will be humane and empathetic. It is important for us to be able to help those in need,” he says about their work. He is also considering donating a painting of his own to charity. He is also surprised by the revelation that he has a pilot’s exam and that he also knows how to fly an airplane.
If Hood is interesting because of the hobbies, an even bigger surprise is probably guitarist Michael Clifford. As he revealed, he also has Yugoslav roots. His grandmother was born in Belgrade. “I used to often joke that my grandmother comes from a part of the world that I will probably never see myself, but now I’m performing in these parts and I’m finally here,” he says. When he revealed part of his origins, the remaining 5 SOS trio immediately started joking that he really has a real, distinctive Slavic look. “I look at the audience and I see a lot of beautiful people. We Slavs are really beautiful,” he said to the Ljubljana audience, adding that although Yugoslavia fell apart, Belgrade, as a former part of it, is not that far away.

To be on the stage for several decades
The group entrusted us with another of their great wishes. “We want to be, and that’s our plan, on the scene for several decades. Like the legendary Smokie or Rolling Stones, which have been performing for over 45 years. The prospects and our vision of the group’s mission are completely simplified. We love doing what we do and people like it. We want to be a multigenerational group. One that will last several decades, that will be fruitful for both us and the fans. One day, we really want more different generations in the audience, just like the two mentioned groups have,” Hood added.

Photo: SOS Management

We would also like to see Slovenia

They are from a continent called “down there”, but they are one of those Australian musicians who, despite the remoteness and small size of their country, managed to conquer the world music scene. Conquering the top of the music charts around the world, they are the recipients of a number of awards. 5 Seconds Of Summer are the first Australian musicians to have 3 albums at number one on the Billboard 200. They are also, among other things, the first Australian music group to have their first 3 albums at the top of the charts in America. It is also interesting that 4 documentaries have been made about them so far.
For the giant concert spectacle 5 Seconds Of Summer will bring stage equipment to Slovenia capitol Ljubljana in eight tow trucks and the team will come with five tour buses. In addition to a large light park, a huge sound system and a large smoke generator they will also have 2 large lasers to perfectly stage the concert spectacle. The group and the team need 5 backstage offices, 4 locker rooms, 220 towels… They also bring their own kitchen with their chefs, for which the organizers will have to provide all necessary connections and accessories in the backstage of Arena Stožice, as well as a large dining room. They will also need as much as 80 kilograms of ice in it. About 200 people are working on the project, both the international team that comes with the group as well as domestic technical, security and other teams.
They have performed almost all over the world and during last weeks they are on a 2022 world tour in Europe, North America and Australia. As part of this, they are coming to Ljubljana for the first time on 6th May, to the Stožice Hall.

What are you most looking forward to and are you happy to meet Slovenian fans?
It’s always amazing to be able to go to a country for the first time. To experience the fans’ excitement especially after we have released so much music. It’s a huge opportunity for us to be able to soak in the culture and create a special night for the people who deserve it most.

Does your tour schedule consist only of concerts and hotels or can you sometimes take some time, for example, to explore the place where you are performing or have fun?
After being away from touring of nearly two years the band has totally changed its view on touring. We know for a fact we will be out exploring as much as we can of Slovenia as it’s such a huge blessing!

You have been a band since 2011. How have you changed in the meantime? You are older, more mature and have more life experience.
We have always prided ourselves on our willingness to evolve. Every album, tour and life cycle of this band is one where we can grow as musicians. This show were putting on is by far the most forward thinking of them all. We will continue to push the boundaries in the pursuit of creating greatness.

The first ten years are behind you. Do you want to be on the scene as a band for decades? Do you see yourself as the Rolling Stones or Smokie, both of whom have been performing for over 45 years?
That is the plan! The outlook and mission statement of the band has been totally simplified. We love to do what we do and there are people who resonate with that. We want to be a multi-generational band. One where we can span over decades of time and one that is fruitful as much for the fans as it is for the band.

The group is involved in many charitable projects and organizations. Do you think that today, based on the general or current situation in the world, it is necessary for celebrities to get involved in charity and other humanitarian campaigns?
We created a non-profit organization called Friends of Friends a few years ago. We realize the amount of reach and influence this band has and we want to be able to project an environment where people are humane and empathic. It’s important for us to be able to give back to those who are in need.

The tour is named after your latest hit single Take my hand. Does it have an even more concrete and deeper meaning, not just as the title of the song?
Take My Hand is totally introspective. It’s a message to your past and present self from the form of your higher self. One that can be understood at any stage of life and circumstance. It’s a song you go to, to find hope.

When there are no tours or studio sessions etc what do you do in your free time? What do you do when you’re just relaxing at home?
We’re all currently based out of LA. We’ve created a home that’s filled with people we love, space to quieten within and projects we thrive to accomplish! It’s a place where we can rejuvenate and reconnect with ourselves!

Photo: 5SOS archive

Joseph Calleja – Opera superstar with ordinary life

On 3rd February in Slovenia’s capitol Ljubljana will for the first time perform one of the most famous tenors on the world, Joseph Calleja. Artist from Malta with the voice and interpretation for which many believe is very similar to great Pavarotti, talks in interview for Estrada.si web magazine.

We are doing our interview at the last minute, just before your concert in Ljubljana. Your schedule is full, you are in America, probably tired and there are also a few hours time difference, however we managed to reconcile. Are you always so professional?
Its the life of an opera singer, made harder by Covid restrictions, many of which are completely silly. The pandemic has become endemic, at least in the several countries were vaccination uptake is high. I hope for everyone’s sakes that the various authorities realise.

You will perform in Ljubljana. Do you know any of your Slovenian colleagues? Have you performed with anyone before?
I have encountered some very beautiful voices from Slovenia along the years. Looking forward to performing with more.

You have recently sang in a duet with your daughter. Were you just a father or also a singing colleague, an educator?
When you are a good father, you have to be everything. Children are born perfect, it’s the parents job not to damage them as much as possible.

Do you think that your daughter might one day follow your footsteps into the world of music? Would you like any of your children to go to the opera?
My children like to go to the opera occasionally. My daughter is studying music, albeit in the pop world. I try not to impose my art on them, after all they have to hear me singing all the time.

Mario Lanza was your big idol, you also recorded a record with the songs he sang. Have you ever wanted to star in a movie about him? You’ve played Caruso already. By your opinion, would the role of Lanza be ideal for you?
My role of Caruso was very small and just a nice Cameo. I think that a movie about Mario Lanza is not needed – his life was a movie and we have plenty of footage of him in his various and great movies.

There is a recording of your duet with Bocelli on the internet. Have you ever considered recording an album of duets with opera colleagues?
I have collaborated with colleagues but never for a duo album. Good idea! Andrea is a good friend and of the greatest and complete artists of our generation.

You also sing Strangers in the night, which is one of Frank Sinatra’s most famous songs. Some believe it is dedicated to Ava Gardner, who was his wife. Have you ever recorded such a confessional song yourself? Dedicated to a woman? How is to sing a song that became world famous in the performance of another singer? Is this a big challenge?
I love Sinatra and Strangers in the night can be anything to anyone. Yes, I definitely am guilty of having some songs that remind me of some people in my past.

There are some world-famous opera stars in the generation before yours. Alagna, Safina, Frangoulis, Bocelli,… It doesn’t seem to be as much competition in your generation.  
There are great voices coming out – Freddie De Tommaso, Jonathan Tetelman, just to mention 2 great tenors with a bright future.

Years ago, Pavarotti, Carreras and Domingo made a big boom in opera with their trio. Why doesn’t anyone else do such things? Would you join to such a project?
I have mixed feelings about this. I prefer to be involved in something different, after all, who can top what they have achieved? They were fantastic as a trio, and the Great Pavarotti, is truly missed.

What is the position of opera today, especially in connection to young public?
Now that I have been singing for 25 years I think that, generally speaking, Opera is in decline. We need to focus more on young people, and make the arts important again in schools.

As a singer you are in your best years. How do you rate your voice, colleagues, competition?
The only competition is with myself – I can be my biggest enemy or my biggest friend.

New generations of singers are coming. In your opinion, is it easier or harder for them to succeed in opera today than it was for your generation for example?
Hard question – today opera is less popular than before, and to find jobs is also harder. A situation only made harder by Covid.

Your two foundations help singers from socially disadvantaged situations to study. You yourself are also a singing educator. How are you different from the educators you had during your studying years?
I raise money for young artists, I don’t teach yet. Teaching is a very serious and responsible matter and my career doesn’t allow me the time to teach yet.

In one of your interviews you said an interesting thing. You said that you achieved things too quickly or too young. Why? And do you still think so?
I started when I was 19 – my voice is intact and I never damaged it. But some roles and recordings I would have done better if I waited 5 – 8 years. Still, I have no regrets, as opportunities must be taken when they come.

You are the cultural ambassador of Malta, one of the directors of the European academy of Music Theater. Do you ever feel tempted to go into politics one day? For example as Minister of Culture?
Never say never, but so far I have no intention to pursue politics.

You are opera super star, in private you have two children. Is it difficult to have a family and be famous face the same time? Is it hard to have a privacy and to take children away from media, fans?
I behave the same with everyone. In the end opera singers are not movie stars etc.

Do you have any hobbies, pet,…?
Too many! I love dogs, cats, have 2 aquariums. I also love scuba diving, trekking and perhaps my biggest love – wine from St emilion. My friend and wine guru, Michael Fermier Tabone, has introduced me to the amazing world of Bordeaux. Too bad I cannot drink it whilst I am on tour!

Photos: Andrew Borg

Villanelle adores evergreens, doesn’t like pop and rock

Famous French pianist Richard Clayderman has a new piano company since last year. The romantic prince, as he was named because of his magic fingers on the piano keys by former American First Lady Nancy Reagan, is listened during his rehearsals by his pet Villanelle. The one-and-a-half-year-old velvet beauty of the Rag doll breed almost always sneaks along to listen the sounds of piano keys. “Sometimes she’s even on the piano, on the keyboard, or on the music stand. I don’t know what other cats are like in terms of music, but mine obviously adores it. Maybe it calms her down, relaxes her or she just likes the sound of the piano keys. She loves evergreens, but obviously she doesn’t like pop and rock, ”says Clayderman exclusively for Estrada.si.
Villanelle is Clayderman’s first cat. His mother, however, always had cats, and apparently he inherited a love for these animals, but Villanelle is the first cat he owns. Since he and his wife live in Paris again, he thinks that it is not the most suitable place for a dog there. They live in an apartment with a beautiful view of the city and the Eiffel Tower and for a dog they believe is not the best environment. Dogs and cats are his favorite animals. “My wife persuaded me to decide to have a cat. Now I don’t regret it at all. I used to have dogs, but there were no problems with the change,” he says.

A cat fan of the piano is a completely domestic cat. She has more than enough living space, as the apartment is large and she can take good walks during her wanderings. “At first, I also thought that, like some other pet owners, I would take her somewhere on a leash, but she doesn’t like it, so we gave it up right away,” he says. The Claydermans often play with Villanelle, preferring to throw balls and plush mice. She also loves the so-called cat climbing tree, which also has a bed. If she doesn’t like a leash, she likes to cuddle on Clayderman’s knees or in his lap and spend the night in couple’s bed. Otherwise, she chose a maestro as her own. Judging by the behavior, she prefers to be with him. She is very friendly in terms of importance and loves to nurture. She always hides the claws and does not scratch. The Claydermans take care of the cat themselves completely. If there is a situation that will be necessary, they will hire a cat babysitter.

“Even though she has her own basket, she’s happiest in our bed. God thank we have a big bed, haha! She likes to stretch as long and as far as she can,” he says. In the apartment Villanelle has access to all rooms as it is a clean cat and also does no damage. Last year, due to the situation and Covid, the Claydermans didn’t go on holiday, but spent time in Paris. This year, however, it promises to be different. They are planning holidays at Saint Mallo, by the sea. This will also be the first holiday for Villanelle. She’ll go with them, too. The holiday will be a test for everyone, for the Claydermans and for the cat. It will take a few hours by car and accommodation in a residential hotel must be arranged. Namely, to make the first trip and temporarily move Villanella to a new environment, making them want the best that can be provided in avoiding any inconvenience.

Photos: Richard Clayderman personal collection

Placido Domingo became an honorary ambassador in his hometown

Spanish opera star Placido Domingo has received a number of different accolades and awards around the world in his fifty-year career. One of the honorary ones was awarded to him in his hometown these days. He became the honorary ambassador of the Association for the Dissemination and Promotion of the Spanish World Heritage ADIPROPE. The president of the association Ignacio Buqueras y Bach presented him a plaque and a copy of the book Cultural, Natural and Intangible World Heritage of Spain. Although it could be said that the tenor, conductor and artistic director of some opera houses is accustomed to awards and recognitions, his response to the awarding of the title of Honorary Ambassador was noticeably emotional.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, friends. To receive the title of Honorary Ambassador of Spain’s World Heritage from Adiprope and its president Don Ignacio Buqueras y Bach, in my Madrid, in this Teatro Real, which is so dear to me and to which so many experiences unite me, is something for which I am grateful with tremendous emotion and with a deep sense of responsibility. I would especially like to stress and appreciate the importance of your Association. Spain possesses a cultural, natural and intangible heritage of incalculable value. We are the third country with the most properties declared by UNESCO as World Heritage. Throughout my life and my career I have always been proud to try to make known – especially through our music – beyond our borders the beauty, sensitivity, integrity and character of Spain. Your promotion, help in the conservation and dissemination of our Heritage are an example of nobility, service and exemplary will. The honor you have bestowed on me today will always be with me and will encourage me to spread the treasures of our land with even greater strength, wherever my career and my life may take me. Thank you very much« he said in a speech. The Maestro was touched because of the reception of the audience and participants of the event.

Domingo, who still performs a lot despite his stage Abraham, will also perform in Slovenia on Thursday, 8th July again. At the 69th Ljubljana Festival he will sing to Slovenian audiences at a concert of his favorite operettas. With guests, sopranos Sabina Cvilak and Saioa Hernandez, they will perform a selection of compositions by Verdi, Puccini, Giordano and Thomas and the RTV Slovenia Symphony Orchestra will be conducted by maestro Jordi Bernàcer.

Domingo has a dark, dramatic voice with a large vocal range. He has performed in more than 140 different opera roles. They also achieved world fame together with Jose Carreras and the late Luciano Pavarotti as the Three Tenors. He has also performed successfully as an opera conductor for the past twenty years and has also been the artistic director of opera houses in Washington and Los Angeles. In the last decade, interestingly, he has mainly performed in baritone roles. In Slovenia, he performed for the first time in January 2018 in Arena Stožice.

Photos: PD Management

Handsome legendary Hollywood star beat the Covid two times

Classic Blue lagoon movie and Dallas tv series star Christopher Atkins says that Covid changed his life the same or similar way as it changed life of millions of  other people. He is very energetic man, with many interests, always doing something, traveling a lot and living no doubt full life. Actor, director and in fact so called multi talent man is always busy and doesn’t know the meaning of boredom. Now Covid partly changed his life too. But Atkins didn’t want to let it changes his life completely.
Still charming and handsome star was lucky. He didn’t get virus, but he faced it closely. He was in quarantine not just once, but twice and despite of that he is healthy. How it was, what were his feelings, fears, experience etc he spoke about in interview for Estrada.si

How exactly happened that you came into danger because of Covid?
The virus is everywhere here. Seems everyone I’m close with has had it. Nothing terrible has happened to any of them thank goodness. Just flu like symptoms and loos of taste and smell. I don’t know why I haven’t gotten it yet. Maybe it’s the CoQ10 I take (lol). I had to quarantine for 14 days at my son’s place after their babysitter came down with it two days after she was at the house and I was exposed to her. I got back to Connecticut and saw a buddy at the coffee shop and we talked a bit then I left. Two days later he texts me he has the virus. So I’ve been quarantined again. I’m fine. Didn’t get it.

Were you and family on tests?
We take a test after about 10 days of quarantine. All negative. I also test before I see my mother who is in her 80’s. She is now lined up for the vaccination.

You say you and family are in quarantine. Did you decide to go yourself or it was official decision from doctors?
The quarantine is what is recommended by the government. Unless there are serious complications the doctor will only tell you to stay at home and quarantine.

What happened with the nanny? If I understand correctly, virus came through her?
The sitter is in her 20’s. She lost her taste and smell, was run down lethargic, had no fever. Bounced back quick. No problems.

How long you’ll be in quarantine?
I’m out now. They say 5 days after exposure is when you would get symptoms but could go to 14. I’ve done both now.

How are you feeling? What are you doing? What is your day like? Do you have contacts with outside world?
I’m feeling fine! I get out and hike. I can’t handle being inside. I just stay away from people. Now that I’m not sick I’m headed back to the gym and can be around people.

What is your opinion about Covid in America? Is this big problem? What is people behavior generally?
There is tremendous fear that has been instilled in America. The statistics don’t warrant the fear. All the people I know who have had it have had no problems. There is a virus and there are issues for the elderly and people with underlying conditions. People here have been devastated by the lockdowns and panic. It’s very, very sad to see.

Will you get or have already got anti Covid vaccine?
No. There is too much weirdness about this that doesn’t quite add up to me and seeing my friends get it and get over it I’m going to wait.

Do you wear mask, clean and wash hands etc with disinfectant?
Yes. I follow all the protocols. There is that old saying, safe than sorry.

What this experience generally means to you? Did you get any new knowledge, views…? What is your biggest fear in connection to Covid?
The experience is like living in a sci fi movie. My biggest fears are there are more questions than answers. It’s a very strange time we are living right now.

Photo: personal collection