Laibach and the Slovenian Philharmonic Orchestra

In 1997 Laibach, together with the Slovenian Philharmonic Orchestra, gave a concert, which was recorded by the Slovenian television. The film was broadcast for the first time in Germany and is the Slovenian original with German sub-titles (approx. 120 min). Two members of Laibach gave a short introduction about the film. Ivan Novak of Laibach explains:

"It is the first time after more than three years that this event (which was also transmitted on TV as the main event of the month in Slovenia, on the main programme) is shown in public again. It was a highly controversial event with extremely strong reactions pro and contra before and after the concert. Church and political circles in Slovenia strongly reacted against Laibach and the entire opening manifestation and also the Philharmonic orchestra was totally split after the concert; conductor Marko Letonja, who is at the same time artistic director of the orchestra, was attacked and almost overthrown by the members of the orchestra. We (Laibach) were absolutely forbidden to use or show this material publicly for several years. Now the situation is getting better and we hope to get the event released on DVD some day. Laibach understands this event in total as a pure artistic action and a perfect Laibach social sculpture, similar to the famous TV interview in 1983. None of this events could possibly be repeated."

Information is taken from the web site of Mute in Germany. www.mute.de