BeJazzy – A Story Written by Voices

The story of the vocal group BeJazzy began in 2013, when a large group of former singers received an invitation to perform at the celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Komorni zbor Gaudeamus, later known as Perpetuum Jazzile, on the big stage at Stožice in Ljubljana. Preparing for the event brought together people who had once sung together and revived their love for vocal jazz and a cappella singing.

But the first meeting was not the end of the story. Quite the opposite. In May 2014, trial rehearsals began, bringing former singing friends together once again. At first, the group performed under the name Perpetuum Gaudeamus, but it soon developed its own identity. On 23 December 2014, the Cultural Association BeJazzy was officially established, and the new vocal ensemble became part of Ljubljana’s cultural life.

From Memories to a Sound of Their Own

At the beginning, the group focused mainly on repertoire that the singers already knew from their earlier years of singing together. But BeJazzy did not want to remain simply a revival of old memories. Its repertoire gradually expanded, and the group grew from an intimate ensemble into a strong, rhythmic vocal collective that over the years has included around thirty singers.

From the very beginning, the group has been artistically led by Ksenja Pirc, who brought to BeJazzy her experience as a singer and répétiteur with Perpetuum Jazzile, together with her teaching expertise. Her particular attention to harmony, rhythm, vocal detail, and stage expression has played an important role in shaping the group’s distinctive sound.

BeJazzy grew around the idea that the human voice can be used as a complete musical instrument. A cappella singing without instrumental accompaniment is at the heart of the group’s work, with an emphasis on multi-part harmonies, swing rhythm, jazz harmonies, and rhythmic vocal energy. A special challenge is presented by pieces that were originally written for instruments but have been rearranged so that they can be performed entirely by voices.

Jazz, Pop, Evergreens, and a Lot of Curiosity

The core of BeJazzy’s repertoire consists of jazz standards, Slovenian popular songs, international evergreens, and contemporary vocal arrangements. The group also enjoys exploring folk songs and presenting them in a modern vocal form. Their programmes move freely from classic jazz to Slovenian pop songs, as well as songs from different countries and musical traditions.

From its early years, the group has also incorporated beatboxing and vocal percussion into its sound. Its concerts are not limited to the world of singing alone: over the years, BeJazzy has shared the stage with tango, tap and swing dancers, instrumentalists, guest vocalists, and other artists.

First Concerts and Important Performances

In 2016, BeJazzy gave its first concert in the Red Hall at Ljubljana City Hall. In the same year, the group also appeared at Sozvočenja with the programme Noč nad Ljubljanico (Night over the Ljubljanica), a concept created by Ksenja Pirc. She received special recognition for the programme’s thematic design, which connected the Ljubljanica River, Ljubljana’s bridges, the starry sky, and the city itself into a musical story.

BeJazzy soon began performing outside Ljubljana as well. In 2018, the group took part in a joint concert with the American choir Con Brio in Ljubljana Cathedral.

In 2019, the group performed at the City Museum of Ljubljana in a concert that took the audience on a musical journey from the golden age of Slovenian popular music through jazz evergreens to Latin rhythms. The performance also featured beatboxer Sašo Vrabič and guest vocalists.

Music That Travels

Over the years, BeJazzy has performed at numerous cultural events and choral gatherings. The group has appeared throughout Slovenia and at festivals and musical gatherings in Zrenjanin, Serbia; Trieste, Italy; and Šmihel, Austria.

The group regularly takes part in Ljubljana’s choral events, including Sozvočenja, Praznik petja, and the concert series Plečnik in a-cappella. A particularly important moment came in 2024, when BeJazzy performed as part of Plečnik in a-cappella. The programme presented a characteristic mixture of folk songs, Slovenian popular music, songs from different countries, and jazz standards, together with vocal versions of pieces that were originally instrumental.

BeJazzy Is More Than a Stage

Although music is at the heart of everything they do, BeJazzy sees singing as a way of bringing people together.

The group brings together singers of different generations. The youthful energy of younger members and the experience of older singers complement one another, creating an environment in which every voice has its own place. Beyond concerts, the group is also connected by rehearsals, intensive singing sessions, and time spent together away from the stage.

BeJazzy also enjoys bringing its music to people who may not always be able to attend concerts themselves. The group has performed in homes for the elderly, hospitals, and charity events. Special attention is also given to young musicians, who are invited to take part in selected concert projects.

Ten Years – and Beyond

An important milestone came in 2024, when BeJazzy celebrated ten years of its activities. Its anniversary project MISIJA MOGOČE was presented in November in the main hall of the Ljubljana Conservatory of Music and Ballet. Due to strong interest, the concert was repeated in March 2025.

The first part of the programme was based on the group’s characteristic a cappella sound. In the second part, the musical picture was expanded through collaboration with a jazz trio featuring drums, keyboards, and double bass, together with other guest performers.

The anniversary became an opportunity to look back at the journey the group had travelled while also looking ahead. BeJazzy continues to explore new possibilities of vocal expression, connect musicians of different generations, and invite guests from a variety of artistic backgrounds to its concerts.

And Today?

BeJazzy remains a vocal group from Ljubljana united by a love of a cappella singing, jazz, rhythm, and creating music together. Its story began as a reunion of old singing friends, but over the years it has grown into a musical story of its own.