Concert
"OVITA for Her"
Project and Artistic Director: Mateja Lasič
Corporate Identity Design: Ana Lasič Simeunović
Direction and Set Design: Sara Lucu, Larisa Kazić
Video Production: Manuel Hahn, Mateja Lasič
Program Concept: Uršula Jašovec, Ana Semić Bursač, Gaja Klarendić
Photography: Leila Lisjak
"The full Gallus Hall of Cankarjev Dom was united in an unforgettable and authentic event of genuine and powerful emotions for a noble cause – for her, for us, for a better tomorrow."
As part of the OVITA project, the grand ceremonial event and charity concert 'OVITA for Her' was held on 14 October 2024 in the greatest Slovenian Hall in Ljubljana. Both, the project and the concert, were honoured by the patronage of the President of the Republic of Slovenia, Dr. Nataša Pirc Musar, and the Mayor of the City Municipality of Ljubljana, Zoran Janković.
The concert was dedicated to women battling gynaecological cancers and to all those who stand by their side on this journey. However, the golden thread of the event was not the disease, but life itself and what really matters in it.
"The event was more than just a concert – it was an opportunity for reflection and introspection, connection and solidarity."
Established artists of various genres, athletes, renowned experts and numerous prominent individuals have proven that diversity can unite people if there is common goal. With their example, work, efforts, creation, and performance, they have transcended the apparent trends of "instant" society and pointed out the meaning of true values.
The opening speech was delivered by the artistic director and project manager of OVITA, Assist. Mateja Lasič, followed by the keynote speech of the world-renowned Prof. Dr. Dirk Timmerman, head of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University Hospital Leuven in Belgium and head of the international research group IOTA. Renowned surgeon, inovator and writer Prof. Dr. Uroš Ahčan intertwined inspiring thoughts and stories at the round table discussion with Slovenian Olympic medalist Petra Majdič, writer, screenwriter, and director Miha Mazzini and entrepreneur Tanja Skaza.
Prof. Dr. Dirk Timmerman
Round table with Prof. Dr. Uroš Ahčan
Assist. Mateja Lasič
Empowering words were followed by profound emotions of music. Pianist Mateja Lasič and the Symphony Orchestra Grex Symphoniacorum, conducted by Miha Zupanc Kovač, performed together with the Slovenian Eurovision song representative Bojan Cvjetićanin from Jocker Out group, charismatic frontmen of Siddharta group Tomi Meglič, passionat violinist Anja Bukovec and cellist Sara Čano, inspiring scrub nurse Maja Žerjav on saxophone, and enchanting vocal groups Katrinas and Muze.
Anja Bukovec
Tomi Meglič
Katrinas
Bojan Cvjetićanin
Sara Čano
Grex Symphoniacorum Orchestra
It is important to emphasise that all speakers and musicians performed pro bono, and also during all preparations for the event, the MAURANA Institute received so much enthusiastic selfless help of family members, friends, anonymous volunteers and philanthropists, and immense help and support by the City Municipality of Ljubljana, so that all funds raised from the "OVITA for Her" charity concert could be donated for the most modern medical equipment and surgical instruments that will contribute to the best possible treatment of our women with gynaecological cancers.
Our story also touched Emmy-nominated composer Anže Rozman across the Atlantic Ocean who especially for this occasino arranged Hans Zimmer's film music which accompanied three inspiring video stories of cancer patient warriors Marta, Marija and Damjana and the staff of the Department of Gynecology at the University Hospital of Ljubljana.
Maja Žerjav
Mateja Lasič
Miha Zupanc Kovač
Muze
As ambassadors of the OVITA project, the concert "OVITA for Her" was also heartily supported by pianist Prof. Dubravka Tomšič Srebotnjak, chef Ana Roš, former head of Slovenian protocol Ksenija Benedetti, artist Oskar Kogoj, writer Majda Koren, Olympic medalist Sara Isaković, and psychologist Aleksander Zadel. The support was also joined by the Medical Chamber of Slovenia, the Europa Donna Association, the Association of Gynecologists and Obstetricians of Slovenia, the Association for Gynecological Oncology, Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology, the Section of Gynecological and Obstetrics Specialists of Slovenia, and the Medical Students' Association of Slovenia.
"Inspiring thoughts and stories, authentic and profound performances,
filled with sincere
emotions, were rewarded with a standing ovations.
The moment when the performers and the
audience were truly united."
We sincerely thank all our sponsors for their trust and support of the charity concert and the OVITA project: Slovenske železnice doo, Thomy FE doo, Blacktown construction GmbH, Institute for Public-Private Partnership Zavod Turjak, Infinum SI doo, Pilremag doo, TOSLA doo, Big Bang doo, Alkaloid doo, Les Grands Chais de France, Jezeršek doo, Tiskarna Ozimek doo and the donors: Zavarovalnica Vita dd, Medex, doo, Pokojninska družba A, dd, Telemach Slovenija doo, Merkur zavarovalnica dd, DEWESoft doo, BPT doo. We would also like to thank all the individuals who supported our efforts with numerous donations.
We sincerely thank everyone who helped us spread the vision of the OVITA project so that it could reach as many people as possible - Jana magazine (read the article), Onaplus (read the article), Družina (read the article), Metropolitan (read the article) and on radio VAL 202 (listen to the interview) and Ognjišče (listen to the interview).
The charity concert "OVITA for Her" was supported by the SAZAS Association as a co-participant of the event.
PERISTALSIS
OF LIFE
"Mind and body, imbued with surgery and care for others."
Video: Mateja Lasič
Piano: Mateja Lasič
Music: H. Zimmer, arr. M. Lasič: "Interstellar"
In collaboration with colleagues from the Department of Abdominal Surgery
A video story created on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Clinical Department of Abdominal Surgery, University Medical Centre Ljubljana (September 2023).
A story of dedication, captured in melody, imagery, and droplets of sincere thoughts and emotions.
HEARING
FOR AFRICA
Project leader: Mateja Lasič
Musical content: Uršula Jašovec
Video content: Ana Lasič Simeunović
Photography: Peter Kordiš
In collaboration with Faculty of Medicine Ljubljana
In November 2012, we organized a concert in the Linhartova hall of Cankarjev dom featuring students from the Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana (MF UL). The event was titled "Hearing for Africa", as the concert had a charitable purpose with collection of donations for four charitable missions by MF UL students to Africa. The event left a strong impression of connection and collaboration, as colleagues from the Medical Faculties of Zagreb and Rijeka form Croatia also joined us on stage.
Beside series of captivating solo performances, specifically tailored for this occasion, was the establishment of the MF UL Orchestra which joined chamber orchestra, the Big Band MF UL and four vocal ensembles. A notable highlight was the specially for this occasion crafted arrangements of Michael Jackson's compositions, "Heal the World" and "Earth Song" (arranged by U. Jašovec), a collaborative effort on stage featuring over 100 students from various Medical Faculties, which garnered standing ovations.
This event not only stands out within our local milieu but also holds a distinctive place on a broader scale. It brought together the diverse talents of young individuals from both domestic and international spheres, all of whom generously dedicated their time, energy and passion for music and medicine to contribute meaningfully to the aid of developing nations.
30th ANNIVERSARY
OF THE LJUBLJANA MATERNITY HOSPITAL
Video and piano: Mateja Lasič
In collaboration with Department for Perinatology UMC Ljubljana
In 2017, 30 years passed since the construction of the new building of Ljubljana Maternity Hospital, where today more than 4300 new lives are born each year.
The short film 'Birth' was created on the occasion of the celebration of the 30th anniversary of Ljubljana Maternity Hospital. Film was presented at the Knight's Hall of Ljubljana Castle and accompanied with live piano music.
The film tells the story of a maternity hospital that never sleeps; a tale of newborns, their mothers and fathers; a narrative of dedicated staff ensuring a safe and beautiful childbirth experience through a comprehensive approach and state-of-the-art care throughout the prenatal, delivery and postnatal period.
BREAST CANCER
Piano music: Mateja Lasič
Camera: Manuel Hahn, Miha Bernard
In collaboration with prof. Uroš Ahčan
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. Once, mutilating mastectomy procedures left a large scar on the chest, physically and emotionally marking a woman's body, often at the cost of lives. Today, state-of-the-art surgical treatment not only enables recovery from the disease but also offers the possibility of simultaneous breast reconstruction using one's own tissues and employing the latest surgical and technological approaches (microsurgery, 3D reconstruction).
In Slovenia and worldwide, the recognised expert and visionary, Professor Uroš Ahčan, MD, PhD, a specialist in plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery, has presented a comprehensive approach to treatment of breast cancer in his book "Breast cancer and best reconstructive options." Alongside the book, a video accompanied by piano music was created.
With this project, our aim was to inform both the professional and general public about all the treatment options for women with breast cancer, and, above all, to demonstrate comprehensive support for patients and their families on the path to the recovery from this disease.
SUPER
MARKET
OF BEAUTY
Video: Ana Lasič Simeunović in Mateja Lasič
Piano: Mateja Lasič
In collaboration with prof. Uroš Ahčan
Together with Prof. Dr. Ahčan, through the writing and presentation of the book, we delved into the exploration of what beauty means in various contexts, from different professional perspectives, and from different angles in words, art, photography, fashion, physical exercise, makeup, cosmetics, psychology, dentistry, medicine, and surgery.
We collaborated with the designer Nina Šušnjar, makeup artist Maja Šušnjar, photographer Aljoša Rebolj, trainer Mito Šinkovec, dentists Matija Gorjanc and Barbara Hrovatin, clinical psychologist Bernarda Logar Zakrajšek, neurologist Gaja Klarendić, and surgeon Uroš Ahčan.
Super market of beauty in the Midnight Club
"The pathways of today do not all lead to Rome but rather to the supermarket," are the opening words of Prof. Dr. Uroš Ahčan, the editor, and author of the book "Supermarket lepote, z ostrino uma in ostrino noža" (The Supermarket of Beauty, with the Sharpness of Mind and the Sharpness of the Knife). In the introduction, Prof. Ahčan addresses: "Supermarket. A contemporary sanctuary, a modern rehabilitation center, a social meeting point for the elderly with a children's playground simultaneously. They are super large, with a super offer, at super prices, promising super satisfaction. Beauty also has its supermarkets, and unfortunately, more people get lost in them than in a wild tropical jungle full of traps and unknowns. The future lies in beauty supermarkets, where highly educated professionals with the highest moral and ethical principles will sell only what people truly need – high-quality and precisely tailored services personalized for each individual."
HOW DONKEY DEFEATED MONSTER
Story: Špela Kaplja
Music: Uršula Jašovec
Ilustrations: Jana Fak
"How Donkey Defeated Monster" is a therapeutic musical fairy tale designed to help children cope with fear. It was inspired by a real donkey named Bard. Bard is a mischievous, brave and heartwarming little donkey who inspired the author Špela Kaplja to write a story for his birthday.
It's a tale about how we create our own fears and how the donkey, who faces them, shows the townspeople how to overcome them. Uršula Jašovec took great joy in composing music for this charming story, which came to life with illustrations by Jane Fak.
The book was published and presented in December 2022 by Terra Anima publishing and is available for purchase from Chiara publishing. As Špela is also a storyteller, we started traveling around with this book, performing the songs live throughout Slovenia to help children realize that fear is just a big fluffy, furry friendly "monster."
POWER OF SWAMP
Music: Uršula Jašovec
Story: Špela Kaplja
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Upon the initiative and in collaboration with the Terra Anima society, a musical performance and fairy tale titled "Moč močvirja" (The Power of the Swamp) was created to raise awareness about the importance of the swamp ecosystem for our environment.
Wetlands are disappearing faster than tropical forests - globally, we have lost almost 90% of wetlands since 1700. These highly vulnerable ecosystems are crucial as climate regulators in managing climate change, providing drinking water, and purifying and enriching groundwater. Wetlands serve as the kidneys of the landscape and a treasure trove of biodiversity, being the most biologically diverse ecosystems.
Our goal was to demonstrate how to advocate for them, how to become their guardian, or simply someone who lets the power of the place flow through them, thus becoming something much more significant.
PEARL
BAY
Ballet school Ana
Music: Uršula Jašovec
Story: Karolina Graj
Choreography: Ana Trojnar
In the beginning of 2022, we started ballet performances for children with an environmental touch: to initiate the conservation and care of our planet. Everything begins with a small gesture; all it takes is to start. In May 2023, we successfully concluded our tour with 32 fully packed shows. Choreographer and ballet dancer Ana Trojnar ensured that the music came to life.
Doctor Turtle Živa has more patients every day. The sea is drowning in plastic, and marine animals are seeking ways to get rid of it, thus preventing their demise. Are the recently hatched turtles in Pearl Bay the key to a brighter future?
DRINK
DIFFERENTLY
Foto: Ana Lasič Simeunović
In collaboration with Cheryl Dunn
As part of the "Drink differently" competition, initiated by Pivovarna Union, a special photography workshop took place where young photographers aimed to capture the fun of young people and, above all, raise awareness of the consequences of excessive drinking. Ten young photographers, aged 16-25, participated in the competition. Together with the internationally acclaimed photographer Cheryl Dunn, they wanted to address their peers and encourage responsible behavior.
The photographs of Ana Lasič Simeunović were selected for the best series and communicative value. With her photos, Ana aimed to present her perspective on excessive and irresponsible alcohol consumption among young people. The photo series was exhibited at the Galerija Fotografija.
FOTO STORIES OF OUR NEIGHBOURHOOD
Foto: Ana Lasič Simeunović
In collaboration with UIRS
As part of the competition "Photo Stories of Our Neighbourhood," Ana's photograph was also awarded, contributing to the thematic collection of photographs depicting the current state of neighbourhoods in Slovenia and elsewhere. The competition was organized by the Urban Planning Institute of the Republic of Slovenia (UIRS) as part of the international project Humane Cities: Challenging the City Scale (Creative Europe 2014–2020) in collaboration with the Museum of Architecture and Design (MAO) and the local initiative Together on the Platform!.
GREEN
LJUBLJANA
Foto: Ana Lasič Simeunović
In collaboration with Tina Ramujakić and MOL
As part of Tina Ramujkić's photography course, Ana presented her photographs at the Prežihov Voranc Library in collaboration with the City Municipality of Ljubljana. The exhibition was titled "Green You Are, Ljubljana, Through the Photographer's Eye." In her photographs, Ana aimed to capture the enchantment of everyday moments in the urban pulse of the city of Ljubljana.
