Anyone who visits Alfi Nipič’s museum can marvel at precious metal, as the singer collected countless awards throughout his career. Born in 1944, he grew up listening to music. Folk sounds were not an issue for him at that time; he instead devoted himself to popular music and was soon very successful in the former Yugoslavia. During this time he performed mainly in what is now Slovenia and Croatia. He is still active there today and is also in demand internationally.
Under the sign of music
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The team visited the singer Alfi Nipič’s museum in Jarenina, north of Maribor, where many of his awards can be seen. He became known for his pop music and also for his performances with Slavko Avsenik. It’s also about Boštjan Konečnik, who designs and plays harmonicas. He has a giant harmonica and a tiny little one.
“I’m a textile technician by profession. At the same time, I attended the conservatory in Maribor. I had a talent for singing because my mother was an excellent singer. Music really has the greatest meaning in my life because I’ve been doing it professionally for 63 years.”
A decisive step followed in the mid-1970s. Alfi Nipič switched from evening suits to Oberkrainer costume and became part of Slavko Avsenik and his Oberkrainer. For a short time he performed in parallel with his own group. However, the many concerts with Slavko Avsenik put an end to these activities. A statement from him can also be read in the museum: “I’m addicted to singing. Only when I’m on stage and relaxing do I become the Alfi that I want to be. And that you’ve known for so long.”
About his career he said: “Until the time I started singing with the Oberkrainer, I only sang hits. That’s why popular light music was something special for me. Slavko Avsenik’s brother, Vilko Avsenik, helped me a lot to get into it.”
Since it was founded a year and a half ago, 10,000 people have visited the museum. There will be a new challenge in the coming year. Alfi is invited to a two-month tour of America, which he would still like to complete even at the age of 82.
Boštjan Konečnik entwirft Harmonikas
When Boštjan Konečnik from Slovenj Gradec picks up one of his harmonicas, most of which were built under his supervision, joy arises. The instrument, the “Freitonerce”, as the Styrian harmonica is called in Slovenia, became a large part of his life: “When I picked up the harmonica for the first time, I fell in love with it, and it has stayed that way. A part of me says: The Styrian harmonica is the right one, and I still feel that way after many years.”
Largest Styrian harmonica
Bostjan is a technician by profession and plans every instrument himself, which his specialist friends then build for him. One of his masterpieces is probably the largest Styrian harmonica in the world. It is at least 152 centimeters high and can be played normally as long as the arms are long enough. Bostjan would really like to have an entry in the book of records because he has one of the smallest harmonicas to offer in addition to the largest.
“I wanted to have an harmonica that I could take with me when traveling and play in America, Brazil or China, for example. That’s how my smallest accordion was created, and then, because the ‘Frajtonarca’ is such a popular instrument in Slovenia, I also built the largest example in the world.”
Boštjan Konečnik makes music and composes with enthusiasm and, due to today’s technical possibilities, likes to perform alone, play and sing and delight his audience.
