Page 120 - Glasbenopedagoški zbornik Akademije za glasbo v Ljubljani

Slovenia, which influenced the operations and all­round development of amateur musi­
glasbenopedagoški zbornik ◆ letnik/volume 20 ◆ številka/number 41
cal societies. Individual societies, such as the Ljubljana National Railway Music Society
Sloga, attained a high standard both in performance and educational aspects, playing a
pivotal role in fostering both amateur and professional musical culture. These advance­
ments were largely propelled by key figures within the aforementioned societies, who
were predominantly music enthusiasts (choirmasters and/or educators) that honed their
skills within the societies alongside a handful of professional musicians. Frequently, they
surpassed the amateur realm and transitioned into professional musicians. The central
focus of this thesis thus lies in exploring the performance, creative, educational, and ed­
itorial activities of Heribert Svetel (1895–1962) as the leader of Ljubljana's Sloga and the
operatic conductor at the Slovenian National Theatre in Maribor. This thesis sheds light
on the sociopolitical context and, notably, the cultural endeavours in which Svetel was
immersed, tracing his educational and professional trajectory alongside his extensive
musical engagements. Starting out as an amateur musician, he began as a choirmaster
within the societies Slavec and Sloga, where he made significant contributions to mu­
sic education. He then progressed as a composer and conductor at the Slovenian Na­
tional Theatre in Maribor, ultimately shaping into a seasoned professional musician. At
the same time, this thesis meticulously examines and presents foundational facts about
the extent, nature, and characteristics of his work within the specters of operatic perfor­
mance and compositional output.
Keywords: Choral societies, music amateurism, Heribert Svetel, National Railway Mu­
sic Society Sloga, educator, conductor, Slovenian National Theatre Maribor, composer

UDK/UDC 78:061.2(497.4)"19" in 78.07(497.4)"19":929Svetel H.

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