Iztok Kocen is a Slovenian conductor and composer of the younger generation. He studied conducting under the guidance of Professors Marko Letonja and Simon Dvoršak. In November 2021, he successfully completed his master’s degree with a captivating performance of Alban Berg’s Violin Concerto and Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s Serenade for Strings.

Iztok has had the privilege of making his debut with all of Slovenia’s professional symphony and opera orchestras, showcasing his exceptional talent and versatility. Notably, he conducted Gounod’s Faust and Verdi’s Il trovatore at the Ljubljana Opera.

He maintains a regular collaboration with the Slovenian Chamber Music Theatre (SKGG), where he has conducted numerous premieres and repeat performances. Furthermore, during the challenging times of the pandemic, he successfully led the House of Culture Celje (HKC) in a remarkable performance of Mahler’s First Symphony.

Since 2022, Iztok has been serving as an assistant professor at the Academy of Music in Ljubljana.

In addition to his accomplishments as a conductor, Iztok Kocen is also an accomplished composer. He studied composition under the guidance of Prof. Dušan Bavdek. His repertoire includes three operas, with his latest work (opera for children A special sort of Squirrel) enjoying an impressive run of 50 performances. He is prolific in writing both vocal and chamber music, which has been performed both in Slovenia and abroad.

Overall, Iztok Kocen’s remarkable career is a testament to his dedication, artistry, and profound contributions to the world of music as both a conductor and composer.