Countrywide Events

Western SLOVAKIA

Bratislava SHOW:ALMOST half a year after Michael Jackson’s unexpected death, the world of music has not yet finished paying tribute to the King of Pop through various events dedicated to his dancing and music. On December 18 and 19, the city of Bratislava will join in this celebration of one of the greatest entertainers with three performances of a show entitled Thriller Live, which brings to life on stage the sensational dancing and distinctive sound of Jackson’s greatest hits, as well as the most famous singles of his family’s band, The Jackson Five. The show, held at the Pasienky Sports Hall (Trnavská cesta 29), is available for an admission of €20 to €45. For further information about dates and times, see www.music-art.sk

Bratislava

LIVE MUSIC: Christmas Megaconcert – Popular local band Desmod have prepared a Christmas gift: they will perform a concert featuring their greatest hits but they have also invited other musicians, such as Zuzana Smatanová, Aya and Metropolis.

Starts: December 15, 19:00. Admission: €14.90 - €19.90. Pasienky Sports Hall, Trnavská cesta 29. Tel: 02/4342-6758, www.megakoncert.sk.

Bratislava

SPORTS: Tennis Classic – Some of the world’s former top tennis players such as Michael Stich, Goran Ivanišević, Henri Leconte, Mansour Bahrami, Karol Kučera and Miloš Mečíř will show their sports artistry in singles and doubles matches.

Starts: December 17, 19:00. Admission: €30 - €40. Sibamac Arena (National Tennis Centre), Príkopova 6. Tel: 02/4920-9888, www.ntc.sk.

Bratislava

CLASSICAL MUSIC: Christmas Concert – The Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra's Christmas gift is a performance of Camille Saint-Saëns’ Oratorio de Noël and several Christmas carols in three repeat performances.

Starts: December 17-19, 19:00. Admission: €9 - €11. The Slovak National Theatre, Hviezdoslavovo Square. Tel: 02/5920-8233, www.filharm.sk.

Bratislava

OPERA: Baroque Christmas – Renowned soprano Helena Becse Szabó, accompanied by pianist Vladimír Harvan, performs opera arias by Corelli, Händel and Vivaldi.

Starts: December 20, 10:30. Admission: €5 - €25. The Slovak National Theatre, Hviezdoslavovo Square. Tel: 02/5778-2534, www.snd.sk.

Bratislava

EXHIBITION: Aven Romale – To mark the recent World Human Rights Day, the Royal Netherlands Embassy in Slovakia and its partners have prepared an exhibition of photographs taken by Roma children from Košice during a workshop led by Dutch artist Rob Houkes.

Open: all day, every day, until January 7, 2010. Admission: free. Nový most (the New Bridge). www.slovakia.nlembassy.org.

Dunajská Streda

LIVE MUSIC: The Golden Voices of Gospel – This gospel choir from New York’s Harlem finish their tour around the country only a few kilometres from the Hungarian border.

Starts: December 18, 18:00. Admission: €20. Protestant Church, Námestie Jána Kalvína 1. Tel: 031/5516-342, www.elokoncert.sk.

Trenčín

EXHIBITION: From Our Collection – On the occasion of the gallery’s 40th birthday, the most interesting pieces from its collection of works of art are available in one show.

Open: Tue-Sun 9:00-17:00, until February 14, 2010. Admission: €1. Miloš Alexander Bazovský Gallery, Palackého 27. Tel: 032/7436-858, www.gmab.sk.

Central SLOVAKIA

Žilina

DANCE: Baga-Basta – Milan Tomášik, Slovak dancer and choreographer, presents his modern dance performance with dancer Alexander Gottfarb and musician Nikolaus Herdieckerhoff. Baga-Basta is followed by a concert for violoncello, Cellolitis by Herdieckerhoff.

Starts: December 15, 20:00. Admission: €4. The Stanica Žilina-Záriečie Culture Centre, Závodská Cesta 3. Tel: 041/5623-564, www.stanica.sk.

Martin

EXHIBITION: AniMars – A score of Slovak artists, students and professionals present a collection of animated cartoons, meant not only for children.

Open: Tue-Sat 10:00-17:00, Sun 13:00-17:00. Admission: €0.66. Turiec Gallery, Daxnerova 2. Tel: 043/4224-448, www.turiecgallery.sk.

Eastern SLOVAKIA

Košice

CONCERT: “ONLY love can heal wounds, only patience can bring people together, only an open heart can spark hope in a despairing soul.” This is the motto of an upcoming fundraising event, simply called Christmas Concert, which will enliven the Steel Arena at Nerudova 12 in Košice on December 14. Starting at 19:00, the evening will include performances by bands and musicians from Slovakia and the Czech Republic such as Petr Muk, Gypsy Devils, Fragile, Železiar, Róbert Opatovský & Band and many others. Tickets cost between €10 and €30 and the proceeds will be used to support the Children’s Oncology Centre in Košice. More information can be found at www.promo-stars.sk.

Košice

FESTIVAL: Convergences – Three unique concerts close this chamber music festival.

Runs: December 15-17. Admission: €4 - €7 (one performance), €15 (festival pass). Kulturpark – The Barracks, Kukučínova 2. www.kulturpark.sk.

Poprad

EXHIBITION: Crowds – The revival of the Tatra Gallery continues with a display of paintings by young Slovak Kamil Kozub.

Open: Tue-Sun 10:00-17:00, until January 31, 2010. Admission: €1. The Electricity Plant of the Tatra Gallery, Hviezdoslavova 12. Tel: 052/7722-617, www.tatragaleria.sk.