SLOVENIA'S 5 CORE VALUES

Organisers and volunteers often include a guitarist, bassist and singer Sebastjan Vukan, who has been committed to music all his life. 

A few years ago, Kočevje residents once again came together and helped the students of the Kočevje Secondary and High School to organise a charity concert, the aim of which was to help those students who come from poor families and cannot afford to buy basic school supplies such as textbooks and workbooks. 

"So clever are these little pumpkinsand they can't even get notebooks for school. That is very sad. How can I not help them if I can? And we are happy to do it." said Sebastjan. 

The concert took place in the Kočevje Event Hall on Saturday evening. It was well attended, with several different musical groups and soloists from the Kočevje and Rybnik area performing. There was something for every taste. 

"The concert took a while to organise. It takes an eternity just to prepare all the necessary permits and collect all the paperwork. Then there's the scheduling of the performers, setting up the stage, the sound system, etc. But it's worth it, definitely. I'm very proud of us, the main organisers and everyone who took part in the concert." said Sebastjan enthusiastically. 

After that, Kočevci organised many other charity concerts, and Sebastjan performed as an invited performer elsewhere, either alone or with his band. Finally, they raised funds to buy new instruments for the Kočevje Music School. 

They have also designed a compilation Kočevje goes from strength to strengthwhere each musician presents an original song, which is then released on CD. The aim is to support the musicians of Kočevje and promote their music. 

Sebastjan is always happy to respond to any invitation, as he is a person with a big heart who is always ready to help those in need. 

"I do what I do with all my heart. I am in love with music, the stage and the audience. I am always happy to help any beginner who shows an interest in an instrument, and I am extremely happy that Kočevje music lives on. And of course, charity is always rewarded - with broad smiles from those we help.," he concluded. 

 Nuša Želko, 20. 2. 2025