While Slovenia is sitting out this year’s Eurovision Song Contest, a Slovenian voice will still be heard on the Vienna stage. Eva Marija, a singer of Slovenian descent, has won Luxembourg’s national selection and will represent the country at Europe’s biggest music competition with her song Mother Nature.
Eva Marija Kavaš Puc was born to Slovenian parents who moved to Luxembourg to work in EU institutions. The 20-year-old violinist and singer is currently splitting her time between Luxembourg and London, where she is studying songwriting.
Performing since the age of 14, she secured her Eurovision ticket with a song featuring a prominent violin solo, which she has described as a symbol of freedom, hope and inner peace.
A total of 35 countries will take part in this year’s Eurovision, the lowest number in more than two decades, after several countries — including Slovenia — opted out due to Israel’s participation. As a result, more Slovenian musicians are seeking Eurovision spots abroad. Among them are Zevin, who will compete in Croatia’s national selection, and four Slovenian acts auditioning for San Marino’s Dreaming San Marino Song Contest, including Eurovision 2015 representatives Maraaya and established pop singer Luka Basi.
