the conductor, remarkably composed
the conductor, remarkably composed upcoming
9 Sept 2026
Combo Private event — by invitation
The Big Band Grosuplje Combo performs at a U.S. Embassy reception in Ljubljana.
15 Sept 2026
Combo Private event — by invitation
The Big Band Grosuplje Combo performs at a U.S. Embassy reception in Ljubljana.
18 Sept 2026
Big band Free entry
Opening night of the 14th Grosuplje in Autumn festival, under the (hopefully merciful) open sky. Vocalist Rok Ferengja and joint choirs from Grosuplje bring a night of beloved Slovenian pop classics with big band punch. Weather won't stop us — in case of bad forecast the concert moves to a backup venue.
Guests Rok Ferengja, pevski zbori
10–11 Oct 2026
Workshop Free entry registration required
For arrangers and arranging enthusiasts: working on concrete examples, we'll tackle participants' questions and find practical solutions to arranging challenges. Entry is free, but seats are not endless — register early or share with friends who like their scores up close. In collaboration with JSKD, the Municipality of Grosuplje, ZKD Grosuplje and the Grosuplje Music School.
Guests Lojze Krajnčan
13 Dec 2026
Big band
An unlikely pairing: the full instrumental arsenal of Big Band Grosuplje against the razor-sharp, topical lyrics and comic satire of guest duo Slon in sadež. A programme that is easier to enjoy than to categorise.
Guests Slon in sadež
since 1997/98
Big Band Grosuplje is a classic big band that has been active since the 1997/98, when it was founded at the Grosuplje Music School by the renowned Slovenian musician Braco J. Doblekar together with the school’s then headmaster Franc Korbar. Since 2001 the orchestra has operated as an independent cultural association. Over three decades it has performed at leading venues in Slovenia and abroad, appeared on radio and television, and worked with a long list of distinguished Slovenian and international artists. The orchestra brings together experienced amateur and professional musicians, and offers young players a development path into the full jazz orchestra through its combo and saxophone quintet. Alongside its concert work it regularly prepares themed programmes and educational workshops for musicians. Its artistic director and conductor is Klemen Kotar.
1997/98
Braco J. Doblekar and the then headmaster Franc Korbar found the orchestra at the Grosuplje Music School.
2003
The central Statehood Day ceremony at Trg republike; Braco J. Doblekar receives the Golden Emblem of the Municipality of Grosuplje.
2012
Klemen Kotar becomes conductor and artistic director. The era of themed programmes begins.
2018
Ellington’s Far East Suite on the main stage of the festival in Niš, to critical acclaim.
2027
An international anniversary project is in preparation.
from the archive
Photo: KD Big Band Grosuplje archive
recordings archive
Big Band Grosuplje
Soloists Peter Savizon (vocals)
Concert at Kulturni dom Grosuplje, 2018
Camera: Brane Petrovič, Gorazd Križanič · Audio: Klemen Kotar · Editing: Žan Pajek Arambašić
Big Band Grosuplje
Soloists Peter Savizon (vocals)
Concert at Kulturni dom Grosuplje, 2018
Camera: Brane Petrovič, Gorazd Križanič · Audio: Klemen Kotar · Editing: Žan Pajek Arambašić
Big Band Grosuplje Combo
Soloists Peter Savizon (vocals)
Concert at Kulturni dom Grosuplje, 2018
Camera: Brane Petrovič, Gorazd Križanič · Audio: Klemen Kotar · Editing: Žan Pajek Arambašić
get in touch
A gala evening, festival or celebration? A big band adds sparkle to any event — with a repertoire spanning the greatest hits of the big band golden era, Slovenian popevka classics, Latin grooves and more demanding jazz literature, as a full orchestra or a tailored combo.
Do you play trombone, trumpet, saxophone, drums, double bass, guitar or piano? Do you sing? Interested in recording and live sound? We welcome new members to the big band and the youth ensemble, and offer technicians opportunities to learn and work with our equipment. You can also use this form to register for our educational events and workshops.