Idrija Miners' Band Association: 360 Years of Music, Fellowship, and Tradition
A concert at Gewerkenegg Castle on the 10th anniversary of its inclusion in the UNESCO list of world heritage sites,
June, 2022.
Idrija Miners' Band Association dates back to 1665, which ranks it among the oldest musical organisations in Slovenia and, allegedly, in Europe.
Nowadays, marches and parades are still characteristic of most performances, while promenade concerts are gentler in style and intended for a wider audience. Conductors after 1945 were Jožef Klemenčič, Rafael Lapajne, Drago Kanduč, Miroslav Matić, Julijan Vidmar, Ludvik Velikonja, Domen Prezelj, and Aljoša Deferri.
In 2001, conductor Domen Prezelj introduced significant changes, transforming the band into a wind orchestra enriched with new instruments (e.g. bassoon, oboe, various percussion instruments, bass clarinet), raising the level of performance, and attracting many young musicians who continued their musical education and contributed significantly to the growth of the band.
The orchestra rehearsals were always accompanied by a unique energy, significantly influenced by the distinctive personalities and characters of the musicians. The memories and thoughts of former and current band members, written in life stories in the historical collection of the Idrija Municipal Museum, reveal the rich tradition and importance of the Idrija Miners' Band Association:
Neva reminisces about parades and marching, where the band members expressed their unity through rhythmic movement. For Albin, marching represented discipline and belonging, in which starting ‘by the left’ represented harmony and unity.
Zoran nostalgically remembers the old brass band, which he will always associate with the pleasant characteristic smell of cigarettes and memories of his youth.
According to Igor, brass band music will no longer play the same role as it once did in the lives of miners and the community.
Among musician colleagues (initially all from the company of miners), David (Darko) always felt good. Many interesting events happened to them during rehearsals and performances, and on tours.
Marijan is glad the 1990s had passed. At that time, more musicians performed on stage during the New Year concert than there were listeners in the audience.
For Cveto, music has always been a form of entertainment and an opportunity to develop musical ambitions. Margerita cannot imagine life without music, as the band brings her relaxation, fun, and precious time spent with friends.
Gianni believes that musical families and patriots will ensure the longevity of tradition. Tomaž highlights that the young members, with their enthusiasm and hard work, are building the orchestra's reputation, guaranteeing its stable existence, especially with the constant influx of new talented members from the Idrija Music School.