is a renowned Slovenian clarinetist and one of the most influential cultural leaders in Central Europe. His career is marked by extraordinary achievements both as a performing artist and as a visionary arts administrator.
Early Career and Musical Achievements
Brlek is celebrated internationally as a concert clarinetist, performing regularly on stages around the world.
He has played a pivotal role in nurturing young talent, founding the Young Virtuosi initiative, which has helped launch the careers of many prominent Slovenian musicians.
Leadership Roles and Cultural Impact
In 1991, at just 26, Brlek became the youngest-ever director of the Slovenian National Theatre Opera and Ballet in Ljubljana.
The following year, he was appointed the youngest artistic director of the Ljubljana Festival, Slovenia’s premier cultural festival, and became its executive director in 1995.
Under his leadership, the Ljubljana Festival has grown from a modest event to an internationally recognized festival, now hosting over 300 events annually and attracting more than 60,000 visitors.
He is also the founder and first president of the Cultural Chamber of Slovenia and the Association of Slovene Festivals.
International Recognition and Influence
Brlek has held several prominent international positions, including Vice President (1997) and later President (2005–2017) of the European Festivals Association (EFA).
He currently serves as President of the Festival Academy, an EFA initiative for young festival managers, and is an honorary member of the European Festivals Association.
Awards and Honors
Brlek’s contributions have been recognized with numerous awards, including:
The Betetto Award for artistic achievements.
The Župančič Award, the highest prize granted by the City of Ljubljana for outstanding work in art and culture.
The Order for Merits from the President of the Republic of Slovenia for his impact on Slovenian culture and the international acclaim of cultural events (2018).
The annual management award for outstanding economic achievements (2016).
Ongoing Activities
Despite his extensive administrative commitments, Brlek remains active as a clarinetist, continuing to perform and advocate for the arts both in Slovenia and internationally.
He is also involved in various advisory and leadership roles within Slovenian cultural institutions, including serving as President of the Expert Council of the Slovene National Theatre Maribor and as a council member of Avditorij Portorož.
