In the 5th episode of the series “Kongres on chat: Back to Slovenia?” we get to know Dr Gal Faganel, who is an internationally renowned and award-winning cellist and associate professor at the Academy of Music in Ljubljana.
Dr Faganel gained his first musical experience at competitions in Slovenia’s neighbouring countries, Portugal and Japan. He continued his education at the High School of Music in Zagreb, and then in the United States. After his doctorate at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, he performed as a cellist soloist in the Phoenix Symphony Orchestra until 2010.
After that, he taught at the University of Northern Colorado for ten years, most recently as professor of cello and head of the string department, and was a guest of many institutions around the world. He has also taught at the University of Southern California, Scottsdale Community College and the University of North Texas.
Welcome to watch the video below, where you will find out why he decided to return to Slovenia and where he sees the biggest differences between studying at home in Slovenia and abroad.