Slavko Kovacic

SLAVKO KOVAČIČ is widely recognized as one of Slovenia’s most accomplished clarinetists and educators, representing the middle generation of musicians. His passion for the arts, his dedication to his craft, and his commitment to education have made him a prominent figure in the artistic, professional, and academic spheres. Currently holding the position of Associate Professor of Clarinet and Chamber Music, he is a valued member of the Faculty of Education at the University of Maribor. Previously, from 2010 to 2015, he served as the head of the Department of Music at the same institution and, from 2014 to 2018, as a member of the Faculty Senate. In 2015, he was appointed Vice Dean for Artistic Activities, further demonstrating his leadership and impact in the academic realm.

For over two decades, Slavko Kovačič has been nurturing young talents and shaping the future of music as a dedicated clarinet professor at the Music School and Art Gymnasium in Celje, where he imparts his expertise at both primary and secondary levels.

As an artist, Slavko Kovačič has earned the sponsorship and support of prestigious companies such as Royal Global, Silverstein Works, Gleichweit Mouthpieces and D’Addario Woodwinds, affirming his reputation as a musician of exceptional talent and artistry.

His musical journey began at the renowned Academy of Music in Ljubljana, where he studied clarinet under the tutelage of esteemed professors Prof. Mihael Gunzek and Prof. Alojz Zupan. Graduating with honors in 1995, he continued his pursuit of excellence at the University of Mozarteum in Salzburg, where he studied with Prof. Alois Brandhofer and once again earned honors upon completing his studies.

To further refine his skills and broaden his horizons, Slavko Kovačič has participated in masterclasses and seminars led by distinguished musicians, including Charles Neidich of Juilliard School of Music in New York, USA, and Alois Brandhofer of Mozarteum in Salzburg, Austria.

Throughout his illustrious career, Slavko Kovačič has graced numerous international stages with his exceptional performances. Notably, in 2013, he captivated audiences with a memorable recital at the World Congress of Clarinetists – ClarinetFest in Assisi, Italy. His presence and artistry have been sought after at European clarinet festivals and congresses from 2014 to 2024, where he has shared his musical gifts in countries such as Poland, Belgium, Italy, Netherland and Hungary. In 2016, he had the honor of participating in the prestigious festival Clar.Meet.Porto’16 in Portugal, and in 2017, he represented Eastern Europe at ”The Dream Clarinet Academy, International Clarinet Summer Camp” in Baoding, China, leaving a lasting impact on aspiring clarinetists.

In 2018, Slavko Kovačič embarked on a successful concert tour across the United States, performing with the Clarguitar Duo. Their mesmerizing performances included appearances at the ”American Single Reed Summit” festival in Kirksville, Missouri, a concert at the esteemed Steinhardt Academy in New York City, a concert in New Paltz, NY, and two performances in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

In 2024 he performed at the exceptional Yuuban International Clarinet Festival in Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico.

Slavko Kovačič’s collaboration with esteemed orchestras, such as the Panonian Orchestra Graz and the Academie Ars Musicae in Klagenfurt, as well as all major Slovenian symphonic orchestras, including the Maribor Opera, Ljubljana Opera, Maribor Philharmonic Orchestra, RTV Slovenia Symphony Orchestra, and the Slovenian Philharmonic, has further solidified his status as an outstanding musician.

His devotion to chamber music is evident through his involvement in various ensembles, including Trio Musica Camerata, Trio Onix, Maister Trio, Trio Tanguango, Spiri Art Trio, Ensemble Arc-en-ciel, Trio Virtus Sonora and PanArs Clarinet Sextet.

Passing on his knowledge and expertise to the next generation, Slavko Kovačič actively conducts international summer schools and workshops, both in Slovenia and abroad. His impactful lectures at renowned institutions such as the Italian Clarinet University in Camerino, Italy in 2015, ”The Dream Clarinet Academy, International Clarinet Summer Camp” in Baoding, China, at Yuuban Clarinet Masterclasses, Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico, at 13th European Clarinet Congress in Salerno, Italy and the Longy School of Music of Bard College in Cambridge, MA, USA, have left a lasting impression on aspiring musicians.

His skillful artistry can be appreciated on nine impressive CDs, including a solo CD recorded with pianist Larisa Čanji in 2011, which received glowing reviews from ”The Clarinet” magazine (Volume 40, no. 2, March 2013). In 2021, he released a CD with the Clarguitar Duo, featuring guitarist Žarko Ignjatović, which garnered rave reviews from ”De Klarinet” magazine (Netherlands, No. 139, March/April 2022) and ”The Clarinet” magazine (USA, Volume 50/3, June 2023).

Slavko Kovačič continues to enrich the world of music with his remarkable talent, inspiring countless musicians and music lovers alike with his artistic brilliance and dedication to his craft.