(source: Courtesy of SND)
Western SLOVAKIA
Bratislava THEATRE: THE SLOVAK National Theatre hosts La Comédie-Française, one of the world’s most famous theatre ensembles, on December 15. Arriving in Bratislava after 33 years as part of the European Cultural Season programme, they are presenting La Festa by Spiro Scimone and Les Précieuses ridicules by Moliere. "La maison de Moliere”, which is now touring 10 Central and Eastern European countries to mark the final weeks of the French presidency of the European Union, was established in 1680 and has performed more than 3,000 pieces since. The plays, performed in French with Slovak subtitles, take place at the new Slovak National Theatre building at Pribinova 17, starting at 19:00. Tickets cost between Sk150 (€4.98) and Sk590 (€19.58). For more information, call 02/5778-2534 or visit www.snd.skLiptovský MikulášEXHIBITION:WORKS BY two Finnish artists are being displayed in Liptovský Mikuláš. Ritva Kovalainen and Sanni Seppo spent 1993-1997 intensely researching themes from primitive mythology in several regions of Finland, Estonia and Russia. Their exhibition, titled Tree People, portrays different places and especially trees that are somehow connected with the rites of our ancestors. It also reflects the relationship today’s people share with nature. The display is available for free at the House of Photography at Tranovského 3 daily except Mondays from 10:00 to 17:00 until March 8, 2009. For more information, call 044/5624-454 or go to www.domfoto.sk.Žilina FESTIVAL: Pecha Kucha Night Volume 5 – A popular event featuring dozens of Slovak artists presenting 20 images screened 20 seconds each. A Christmas party with traditional kapustnica (sauerkraut soup) follows the presentation. Starts: Dec. 19, 20:20. Admission: Sk100 (€3.32). The Stanica Žilina-Záriečie Culture Centre, Závodská cesta 3. Tel: 041/5623-564,www.pechakucha.sk. EXHIBITION: 2008 Logo – A competitive international display of logos and logotypes by 35 talented designers. Open: Tue-Fri 10:00-17:00, Sat-Sun 10:00-16:00, until December 23. Admission: free. Central Slovak Gallery, Dolná 8. Tel: 048/4701-615, www.ssgbb.sk. Košice LIVE MUSIC: Christmas Concert – Chantal Poullain, Joel Bros, Jiří Vondrák and the Chanson Theatre Orchestra perform well-known French chansons. Starts: Dec. 20, 19:00. Admission: Sk350 (€11.62). The Evangelical Church, Mlynská 25. Tel: 055/16-186, www.mickosice.sk. ŠtrbaFOLKLORE: Starting Christmas under the Tatras – The 19th edition of this festival features a number of Slovak folklore ensembles. A fireworks show and a live nativity scene add to the Christmas atmosphere. Starts: Dec. 21, 17:00. Admission: free. Štrba Town Hall, Hlavná 188. Tel: 052/7781-461, www.strba.sk.
Bratislava
SPORTS: All Stars – East and West meet in this thrilling basketball match. Several skills competitions and other attractive events are available.
Starts: Dec. 16, 17:00. Admission: Sk100 (€3.32). Pasienky Sports Hall, Trnavská cesta 29. www.ebasket.sk.
Bratislava
DANCE: Gasp, the Best of – A collection of scenes by choreographer Ján Ďurovčík featuring famed foreign dancers.
Starts: Dec. 17, 19:00. Admission: Sk390 - Sk490 (€12.95 - €16.27). Heineken Tower Stage, Pribinova 25. Tel: 0907/401-880, www.heinekentowerstage.sk.
Bratislava
LIVE MUSIC: Pacora and Sklo – The ethno-jazz trio Pacora and the vocal band Sklo perform Christmas carols at a public recording.
Starts: Dec. 17, 19:00. Admission: Sk100 (€3.32). Ducha Svätého Church (Holy Spirit Church), Devínska Nová Ves. www.pacoratrio.sk.
Bratislava
BALLET: The Nutcracker – The ballet that has charmed generations, danced to Tchaikovsky's symphonic score, adds to the Christmas season.
Starts: Dec. 19, 19:00; Dec. 20, 17:00. Admission: Sk200-Sk400 (€6.64-€13.28). The Slovak National Theatre, Pribinova 17. Tel: 02/5778-2534, www.snd.sk.
Bratislava
LIVE MUSIC: Christmas Chants – The noted German ensemble Gregorian, who call themselves the “Masters of Chant”, arrive in the capital with an attractive repertoire of Christmas songs.
Starts: Dec. 20, 19:00. Admission: Sk890 - Sk1,490 (€29.54 - €49.46). Incheba Expo Arena, Viedenská cesta 3-7. Tel: 0907/721-382, www.xl.sk.
Trenčín
FESTIVAL: The Magic of Christmas under the Castle – The rich programme consists of cultural events for families featuring a variety of concerts, exhibitions, competitions and workshops.
Runs: Dec. 15-Jan. 6. Admission: free. Mierové Square and other venues. Tel: 032/7435-657, www.trencin.sk.
Nitra
EXHIBITION: Super Hi-Fi Stereo Video – This display presents the best in Slovak student video art.
Open: Tue-Sun 10:00-17:00, until January 18. Admission: Sk20 (€0.66). Nitrianska Galéria (Nitra Gallery), Župné námestie 3, Nitra. Tel: 037/6579-641.
