HISTORY

First notes about a band in Ricmanje go back to the beginning of the previous century. The activity of the band was interrupted several times because of the world wars.

In 1968, some ex-members and villagers renewed the old, almost forgotten band. They practiced in a small room on the first floor above the village hall. The musicians, beginning with fifteen, performed under the leadership of music teacher Franc Benčina. Some of them were experienced musicians, the others were beginners.
The band got a new conductor, Ennio Krisanowsky, in 1969. The band has taken part in almost all celebrations, openings and commemorations in Ricmanje and surrounding villages, and has participated at festivals in Italy and Slovenia. A desire to improve enticed the band to the first competitions in which they took part.

After Ennio Krisanowsky left in 1991, the Concert Band Ricmanje got a new conductor, a music teacher, Darij Pobega, from the music school in Koper, who injected new life into the band. Because of the small number of members at that time, the administration committee founded the Music School in Ricmanje. Many new young musicians joined the band at that time, sparking it to new levels of excellence.

Since 1993, Marino Marsič, a member of the band from his childhood, has continued the conducting legacy of the band. In 1997, the band participated in a competition after a long absence. In 1998, the band from Ricmanje renamed itself to the wind orchestra "Pihalni orkester Ricmanje". Since 1998, the band has regularly participated in national and international competitions.