Foreigners: Top 10 events in Bratislava

Tips for the top 10 events in the capital between December 1 and December 10, plus regular services in different languages, training, temporary exhibitions and highlights of the year.

International Festival of Advent and Christmas Music 2017/Illustrative stock photoInternational Festival of Advent and Christmas Music 2017/Illustrative stock photo (Source: Gabriel Kuchta)

These tips are prepared in cooperation with Eventland. Download ​the​ app and see what is going on around you wherever you are (Android, iOS).

Top 10

DONATION: Christmas 1000 and 1 drop of blood for children for life; Starts: Dec 1, 8:00
MARKET: Flea Market; Starts: Dec 2
OPERA: Il Signor Bruschino; Starts: Dec 2, 19:00
FESTIVAL: Uprising Winter Edition (reggae, hip-hop); Starts: Dec 2, 20:00
JAZZ FESTIVAL: Gypsy Jazz Festival; Starts: Dec 2, 19:00
TALK: Sunday Rest: Bazovský, The Photographer; Starts: Dec 3, 16:00
CONCERT: Musical mosaic: Concert on the occasion of the 110th anniversary of Edvard Grieg's death; Starts: Dec 5, 19:00
GAMES: Board games at French Institute, Starts: Dec 6, 16:00
EVENT: Evening of the best movies and advertisements of 2017; Starts: Dec 6, 20:00
CONCERT: International Festival of Advent and Christmas Music 2017; Starts: Dec 7 - 10

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Religious Services for non-Slovak speakers

Galleries in Bratislava: Temporary exhibitions

Training in English

Highlights of the year (selection of events for which it is advisable to obtain tickets early)

Top 10

Christmas 1000 and 1 drop of blood for children for life

Primaciálny palác, Bratislava-Staré Mesto, Friday, December 1

The popular pre-Christmas event will be held for the tenth time this year. All those who would like to help sick children can traditionally donate blood on the first Friday in December. The event is organized by the Civil Association, Children for Life. More info: goo.gl/uW4RhT.

Flea market in December

Drieňová 16, Bratislava, Saturday, December 2

Are you missing a major trendy piece from your wardrobe? Would you like to pick out some handcrafted Christmas gifts before everyone else? Home made natural cosmetics, jewellery, and much more are waiting for you. More info: goo.gl/JPMQ4D.

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Il Signor Bruschino

Slovenské národné divadlo, Bratislava-Staré Mesto, Saturday, December 2, 19:00

Il Signor Bruschino is a classic masterpiece centred on a tangled comic plot with a typical opera narrative. Signor´s son is not his real son but merely a man in love with Miss Sophia. Meanwhile, Signor´s real son is freezing in the pub at Filibert's due to unpaid bills. And that's just a small preview of the paradoxes in this opera. Admission: €6- €18. More info: goo.gl/EtMQ8B.

Uprising Winter Edition

Atelier Babylon, Námestie SNP, Bratislava-Staré Mesto, December 2, 20:00

Winter Uprising returns for the eighth time! The winter edition of the popular festival will bring a unique, friendly fight between reggae and hip-hop to the stage. One of the stars featured is legendary Swedish band, Looptroop Rockers. Sara Lugo, the young, enchanting diva of the European reggae scene, will also be participating. Admission: €17 - €20. More info: www.facebook.com

Gypsy Jazz Festival 2017

Divadlo Aréna, Viedenská cesta, Bratislava-Petržalka, December 2, 19:00

This is the sixth year of the Gypsy Jazz Festival, organized by the leading Slovak saxophonist Milo Suchomel. Come and listen to the wild music of great Slovak and Czech musicians. Admission: €19. More info: www.divadloarena.sk

Sunday Rest: Bazovský, The Photographer

Esterházy Palace, 3rd floor, Námestie Ľ. Štúra 4, Bratislava, Sunday, December 3, 16:00

Miloš Alexander Bazovský used the same modern approach in his paintings and in his photographs. He often captured interesting contemporary motifs visually, in a documentary style. This lecture will introduce Bazovský’s artwork in the context of a modern Slovak lifestyle of the 1930s and 1940s. Free admission.

Musical mosaic: Concert on the occasion of the 110th anniversary of Edvard Grieg's death

Slovenská filharmónia, Námestie Eugena Suchoňa, Bratislava-Staré Mesto, Tuesday, December 5, 19:00

Edvard Grieg was one of the unbeatable master composers. His attention centred around piano miniatures and songs that are only sporadically known to us despite their breath-taking beauty. At this concert, the artists will perform a selection of songs for the piano and the violin. Admission: €8. More info: goo.gl/m9ekCk

Board games at the French Institute

Francúzsky inštitút, Sedlárska, Bratislava-Staré Mesto, Wednesday, December 6, 16:00

Come and play French-style animation games at the French Institute's Gallery. More info: goo.gl/DcUUda.

Evening of the best movies and advertisements of 2017

Kultúrne centrum Dunaj, Nedbalova, Bratislava, Wednesday, December 6, 20:00

The year 2017 is not over yet, but it is already clear that it has brought extraordinary works to world cinema, television production and advertising. During this movie night, we will introduce only the best of modern audiovisual art. More info: goo.gl/e1qVFb.

International Festival of Advent and Christmas Music 2017

Bratislava, Thursday – Sunday, December 7 – 10

The twelfth, unique Christmas festival dedicated to choral singing brings the most talented of the choirs. We invite singers from all over the world to contribute to a peaceful pre-Christmas feeling with their songs, traditional culture and spontaneous performances. We believe that the performances of these ensembles will contribute to an atmosphere that is characterized by their peace and unusual joy. There will also be a contest during which those choirs that wish to participate will perform their singing qualities before an international jury who will evaluate them. Free admission to all festival activities. More info: goo.gl/q2YRbU.

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Training

TRAINING: Pilates in English three days a week; Starts: Every Tuesday and Thursday evening, 20:20 and Wednesday morning 7:15
TRAINING: Zumba in English Every Tuesday; Starts: Every other Tuesday, 17:50
TRAINING: Yoga in English on Tuesdays and Thursdays; Starts: Every Tuesday, 7:15 and Thursday 18:45
TRAINING: Belly Dance in English Mondays; Starts: Every Monday, 18:00
TRAINING: Pilates in English three days a week– The class of Mindfulness Pilates held in English is suitable for everyone. The class is limited to 10 persons, so reservation is needed in advance: info@internationals.sk. Starts: Every Tuesday and Thursday evening, 20:20 and Wednesday morning 7:15; Internationals Bratislava, Square SNP 22. Admission: €8,5 (one-time charge). More info: www.internationals.sk.
TRAINING: Zumba in English Every Tuesday – Not a dance lesson, but rather a party which the organisers call the Zumba dance. Organised by Internationals Bratislava, a non-profit organisation that brings people together from all around the world living or visiting Bratislava, regardless of their cultural origin. Starts: Every other Tuesday, 19:30; Centrum Radosť, Lýcejná 4. Admission: €6 (one-time charge). More info: www.internationals.sk.
TRAINING: Yoga in English on Tuesdays and Thursdays - Hatha Yoga sessions every Wednesday, beginner's level. Reservations and own mats are not necessary. Fruit and water are free. Starts: Every Tuesday, 7:15 and Thursday 18:45; Internationals Bratislava, Square SNP 22. Admission: €7,5 (one-time charge). More info: www.internationals.sk.

TRAINING: Belly Dance in English Mondays - A beginer&intermediate level of belly dancing, the oldest form of dance, according to many experts, having roots in all ancient cultures from the orient to India to the middle east. Starts: Every Monday, 18:00.EtnoDance, Súťažná 18. Admission: €6,5 (one-time charge). More info: www.internationals.sk.

Temporary exhibitions

SLOVAK NATIONAL GALLERY
Bazovský, The Photographer; Open: Tue – Wed 10:00 – 18:00, Thur 12:00 – 20:00, Fri – Sun 10:00 – 18:00 from Nov 17 until April 15, 2018
BRATISLAVA CITY GALLERY (PÁLFFY PALACE)
ADAM FRIEDRICH OESER; Open: Tue – Sun 11:00 – 18:00 until Dec 17
DANUBIANA
Edward Quinn: My friend Picasso, Open: Tue – Sun 10:00 – 18:00 from Nov 3 until Jan 18.
Francesca Martí: Transformation, Open: Tue – Sun 10:00 – 18:00 until March 11.
THE CENTRE FOR FOLK ART PRODUCTION
Ľsti Plsti; Open: Mon – Fri 14:00 – 18:00 from Oct 26 until Jan 26, 2018
Vlnenie; Open: Mon – Fri 12:00 – 18:00 from Oct 27 until Feb 14, 2018
KROKUS GALLERY
I feel weird again; Open: Wed – Sat 14:00 – 18:00 until Jan 13, 2018

Month of photography, Starts: Oct 31, various venues across Bratislava

TEMPORARY EXHIBITION IN SLOVAK NATIONAL GALLERY:
Bazovský, The Photographer - The fine art of Miloš Alexander Bazovský (1899 – 1968) as one of the founders of modern Slovak painting has been introduced in many exhibitions and publications. As a photographic visual artist, he was the first to succeed as a modern artist and modern photographer at the same time. Bazovský was interested in not only traditional rural topics – in this area, he was somehow rougher and more of a documentary counterpart to Karol Plicka, he also focused on a variety of manifestations of modern life-styles: sport, tourism, travelling. He often portrayed his friends, perhaps mostly the artist with a tragic destiny — Arnold Peter Weisz-Kubínčan. Open: Tue – Wed 10:00 – 18:00, Thur 12:00 – 20:00, Fri – Sun 10:00 – 18:00 from Nov 17 until April 15, 2018, Námestie Ľ. Štúra 4. More info: sng.sk.
TEMPORARY EXHIBITIONS IN BRATISLAVA CITY GALLERY (PÁLFFY PALACE):
Adam Friedrich Oeser - In February 2017, three hundred years passed since the birth of Adam Friedrich Oeser, a painter, engraver, sculptor and art teacher. On this occasion, the Bratislava City Gallery mounted an exhibition mapping the life and work of the native of Pressburg who became a reputable figure of cultural and artistic life in Dresden, Weimar and Leipzig. His life and work are interesting for scholars in the area of not only art history but also literature, pedagogy and book culture. He has been perceived primarily as a spiritual driving force of early classicism, a friend and a teacher of the giants such as Johann Joachim Winckelmann and Johann Wolfgang Goethe. Open: Tue – Sun 11:00 – 18:00 until Dec 17. Palffyho Palác, Panská 19. More info: gmb.sk
TEMPORARY EXHIBITION IN DANUBIANA GALLERY:
Edward Quinn: My friend Picasso - Quinn began to take photos of famous movie stars and celebrities at the French Riviera. He worked for Paris Match and numerous other magazines and agencies. Meeting Picasso in 1951 was a crucial event which influenced his photography. He won the artist’s trust and their close cooperation continued until 1972. Picasso allowed him to take photos of various activities: Picasso while painting, Picasso the sculptor, Picasso in the pottery workshop in Madoura. Quinn’s camera was even privy to the artist’s private life. Open: Tue – Sun 10:00 – 18:00 from Nov 3 until Jan 18. Vodne Dielo, Čunovo. More info: danubiana.sk.
Francesca Martí: Transformation - “Transformation” is the title of the retrospective exhibition of the Spanish multimedia artist Francesca Martí. This exhibition will offer a wide approach to one of the most innovative European art productions, both in the sphere of traditional languages as well as in the domain of new technologies. The artist’s work goes beyond the limits of painting and sculpture to explore the languages of photography and video art as dynamic mediums. Her deep and engaged reflection about human emotions, ideals, cultural backgrounds or common universal challenges takes form in thematic series of artworks such as The Fly, Movements & Soul, Tears, Screen, Crystal, The Wall, Scream, Planet of Fusions, Cities in the Crooked Line & Migrants. Open: Tue – Sun 10:00 – 18:00 until March 11, 2018. Vodne Dielo, Čunovo. More info: www.danubiana.sk
THE CENTRE FOR FOLK ART PRODUCTION
Ľsti Plsti – Exhibition presenting current creations from felt. Five young artists prove that felting wool, one of the oldest textile techniques, still has a place in current design. Hats, scarves, accessories and other objects offer inspiration to renew your closet or home decor. Open: Mon – Fri 14:00 – 18:00 from Oct 26 until Jan 26, 2018, Dizajn štúdio ÚĽUV, Dobrovičova 13. More info: www.uluv.sk
Vlnenie – Wool is presented as a “main character” in the exhibition and a unique material for both practical and aesthetical use. From interior design to accessories, visitors can see the various techniques of wool processing. Open: Mon – Fri 12:00 – 18:00 from Oct 27 until Feb 14, 2018, Gallery ÚĽUV, Obchodná 64. More info: www.uluv.sk
TEMPORARY EXHIBITION IN KROKUS GALLERY
I feel weird again – Artists working with photography use lenses to reflect past events, mythology and a century-long artistic tradition. The exhibition shows parallels to the fin de siècle which was an answer to technological changes and the criticism of materialism and liberal democracy. Exhibitors: Radek Brousil, Ján Pfeiffer, Michaela Knížová, Maroš Rovňák, Tereza Zelenková. Open: Wed – Sat 14:00 – 18:00 until Jan 13, 2018, Námestie 1. Mája 3. More info: www.krokusgaleria.sk

Month of Photography – The 27th year of the biggest photo festival in Slovakia brings exhibitions by foreign as well as prominent Slovak photographers. More than 30 exhibitions will be accompanied by events including a portfolio review, and photography workshops led by world renowned authors. Starts: Oct 31, various venues across Bratislava. Admission: festival pass – €13. More info: sedf.sk.

Religious Services for non-Slovak speakers

SERVICE: Apostolic Church; Starts: Sundays, 9:30, Bratislava City Church, Trnavské mýto 1, English
SERVICE: God’s Service Church (Božie služby); Starts: Sundays 9:30, Mondays 17:00, Malý kostol, Panenská street, English
SERVICE: Brotherhood Church (Cirkev bratská); Starts: Sundays 10:00, Cukrová 4, English
MASS: The Church of Saint Ladislav; Starts: Sundays 11:00, Špitálska, English
MASS: Church of St. John of Matha; Starts: Sundays 9:00 Latin
MASS: St. Martin’s Cathedral; Starts: Sundays 7:45 German, 9:00 Latin
MASS: Church of the Merciful Brothers; Starts: Sundays 11:30 Italian
SERVICE: Small Evangelical Church; Starts: Sundays 10:00 English, 11:30 German, Panenská Street (entrance from Lýcejná Street)
SERVICE: Citylight Church, Starts: Sundays 10:00 English, Námestie 1.mája 1
SERVICE: Bratislava International Fellowship, Starts: Sundays 10:00 English, Trnavské mýto 1, (Istropolis)
SERVICE: International Baptist Church; Starts: Sundays 10:00 English, Súľovská 2
JEWISH SERVICE: Synagogue on Heydukova Street; Starts: Friday evening (before twilight), Saturday morning (usually at 9:00), and during feasts, Hebrew

Highlights of the year

DANCE CONTEST: United Movement 2017; Starts: Dec 3, 12:15
BALLET: Swan Lake; Starts: Dec 4, 19:00
CONCERT: Piaf! The Show; Starts: Dec 5, 19:00
CONCERT: Kraak & Smaak; Starts: Dec 10, 19:00
BALLET: The Nutcracker, Starts: Dec 16, 15:00, 19:00
CONCERT: Piotr Rubik; Starts: Jan 13, 19:00
OPERA: Semiramide (MET Opera: Live in HD); Starts: Mar 10, 18:55

DANCE CONTEST: United Movement 2017 – During six hours of dancing performances, you will get the chance to see Bboying, Otec Mirec Chicago footwork, Senna/Jamahl collab and Paradox. Starts: Dec 3, 12:15; Academia Universum, Mlynské nivy 34, 821 09, Bratislava. Admission: €3 - €20. More info: predpredaj.zoznam.sk
BALLET: Swan Lake – the Royal Moscow Ballet comes to Bratislava after its American tour with Swan Lake, one of the most famous and frequently performed ballet shows ever. This performance has taken the stage since 1877. Bratislava can expect a story of romance and betrayal in a brilliant ballet performance by a classical Russian ballet school. Starts: Dec 4, 19:00, Incheba Expo Aréna - hall C, Viedenská cesta 3-7, Bratislava. Admission: €19 - €75- More info: www.ticketportal.sk
CONCERT: Piaf! The show – The most popular chanson songs of Piaf poetically expressing her attitude, feelings and thoughts will sound within the show. The main character of the majestic show is the talented Anne Carrere. Starts: Dec 5, 19:00, AEGON aréna, Príkopova 6. Admission: €19-€79. More info: predpredaj.zoznam.sk
CONCERT: Kraak & Smaak – Dutch producer trio returns to Slovakia for seventh time. Kraak & Smaak connects the club sound of audio recording with live band and vocals. Their album Plastic People was so successful that they immediately jumped to the stages of the Coachella, Glastonbury and Sziget festivals. Today, the band has five albums, including many remixes of records by Moby, Aretha Franklin, the Chromatics and Royksopp. Starts: Dec 10, 19:00, Majestic Music Club, Karpatská 2. Admission: €15 - €25. More info: ticketportal.sk
BALLET: The Nutcracker – Cirque De Monte Carlo and Edvin Marton present Tchaikovsky’s classic ballet in a new form – an acrobatic ballet performance. Starts: Dec 16, 15:00, 19:00, Ageon Arena, (National Tennis Centre), Príkopova 6. Admission: €29.9-€49.9. More info: www.ticketportal.sk.
CONCERT: Piotr Rubik – A Polish composer of symphonic popular music for orchestra, film and theatre. Piotr Rubik and author Zbigniew Książek in songs that they call psalms, ask about the meaning of faith that may lead to terrorist attacks and hope for life after death which is the greatest good and the only rescue from mad world. Starts: Jan 13, 19:00, Zimný štadión Ondreja Nepelu, Bratislava. Admission: €19. More info: www.ticketportal.sk
OPERA: Semiramide (MET Opera: Live in HD) – Rossini’s opera returns to the Metropolitan opera after 25 years, under the baton of Maurizio Benini. Angela Meade debuts as Semiramide, Elizabeth DeShong performs as the commander of the Assyrian army, Javier Camarena as the Indian king Idreno, Ildar Abdrazakov as prince Assur and Ryan Speedo Green as the high priest Oroe. Starts: Mar 10, 18:55, Theatre Aréna, Viedenská cesta 10, Bratislava. Admission: €15. More info: www.ticketportal.sk

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