Although Slovenia did not have a performing representative at this year’s festival (in the past Slovenian acts such as Teo Collori & Momento Cigano, Širom, Magnifico, Brina, and Vlado Kreslin & Beltinška banda have showcased at WOMEX), several delegates and representatives of various Slovenian institutions took part. The central meeting point for all Slovenian guests was the Music Slovenia stand, represented by SIGIC’s project manager Manca Ogrin, and the chair of its board Rok Košir (also representing the Most Music Agency). Other Slovenian delegates included Jure Novak and Tina Lešničar (Cankarjev dom Ljubljana), Bogdan Benigar (International Festival Druga Godba), David Braun, Marijan Ornik, and Maša Novak (Narodni dom Maribor), and Chris Eckman (Glitterbeat Records).

Officially, about 2,000 music professionals attended this year’s WOMEX. However, a noticeable decline in delegate numbers compared to previous years could not be overlooked - likely due to the location (Finland being among Europe’s most expensive destinations). The organizers (the license holder being the German company Piranha) also cited the current global climate - marked more than ever by armed conflicts and political unrest - as another reason for the drop in attendance.

Nevertheless, the Music Slovenia stand was well visited and lived up to its motto “Small country, big music scene.” In the coming months, this will be reflected both in performances of Slovenian musicians abroad and in concerts by international artists in Slovenia.

The next WOMEX will take place from October 21 to 25, 2026, in Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, Spain. Applications for showcase performances will open in the first week of February next year.

(RoK)