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Barrel organ players in the old town centre

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lajnarji Dunja Wedam

© Dunja Wedam

  • 16 Dec - 23 Dec 2025, 16:00-19:00

    City Centre

Barrel organ players in traditional bourgeois costumes will bring the spirit of bygone times to the streets of Ljubljana’s old town. The barrel organ is a far more fascinating instrument than it might seem at first glance. Although it became best known in the 19th century as the instrument of wandering beggars moving from village to village, playing it is far from effortless.

The technique of playing the barrel organ, historically the first mechanical musical instrument – a true forerunner of today’s electronic music devices – requires practice and precision. Simply turning the handle doesn’t automatically produce the melody stored on the instrument’s roll; it takes skill and rhythm to bring the tune to life.

When the sounds of the barrel organs echo through the old city centre, take a moment to stop, listen and let the nostalgic tunes carry you back to the rhythm of Ljubljana’s past.

Tickets

Free entrance

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