Musica Aeterna organises the Days of Early Music 2016. (source: Courtesy of Musica Aeterna)
CONCERT: Le Payaco and Swan Bride – Two Slovak well-established stars of indie-pop and indie-rock music will again join forces to play in the capital. Starts: May 20, 19:00; Hviezdoslavovo Square. Admission: free. More info: www.citylife.sk.
CLASSICAL MUSIC: Gustáv Mahler – Auferstehung / Resurrection – The composer of this piece is a giant on one side but also weak deep in his soul. He followed in the footsteps of tragic creations of Franz Schubert. In the First Symphony, Mahler created an illusion of Titan, only to let him go through a tough test in purgatory in the Second Symphony. These two concerts represent the farewell of chief conductor of Slovak Philharmonics, Emmanuel Villaume, who will continue, though, to be guest conductor. Along the Slovak Philharmonic Choir (choirmaster Jozef Chabroň) soloists are soprano Adriana Kučerová and alto Terézia Kružliaková.Starts: May 19-20, 19:00; Slovak Philharmonic, Eugena Suchoňa Square 1. Admission: €13. Tel: 02/2047-5218; www.filharmonia.sk.
THEATRE FESTIVAL: Eurokontext.sk – A the end of the theatre season, the Slovak National Theatre (SND) presents the 1 st musical and dance edition of the international festival Eurokontext.sk, one of the biggest theatre festivals in Slovakia. It is the follow-up of successful festival Eurothalia. It will feature the Eifman Ballet, Antonio Gades troupe, Balletzo (Spain), the Prague National Theatre a pantomime group from Germany, and more. Starts: May 20-June 3, mostly 19:00; new SND building. Pribinova 17. Tel: 02/2047 2111. More info: www.snd.sk.
SND staging of Gunoud's Romeo and Juliet will be part of the Eurokontext festival (source: Jozef Barinka)
SWING: Swingový majáles / The Swing Rag Day – A good deal of swing from 1930s and 1940s brings live music with the swing orchestra Fats Jazz Band led by Ladislav Fančovič. Seven musicians show the music from the “age of American prohibition” but they play also Slovak songs – compositions by František Krištof Veselý, or Inka Zemánková. Basic dance steps will be taught for free by the European champion Peter Kepič from the dance school Swing Wings. Starts: May 20, 19:00; V- klub, SNP Square 2. Admission: €1-€13. Tel: 0918/817-140; www.nocka.sk/v-klub.
Fats Jazz Band (source: Courtesy of FJB)
OUTDOOR/HISTORICAL RE-ENACTMENT: Obliehanie Bratislavy Napoleónom / The Siege of Bratislava by Napoleon – This popular event takes us 207 years back to a time when Bratislava was the capital city of the Hungarian Empire. French troops led by Napoleon tried to conquer the city during May and June of 1809. On the left side of the river Danube, a re-enactment of the battle between French and Austrian armies will take place. As usual, also artillery will be shown. Starts: May 20-22, 14:00; Sad Janka Kráľa park in Petržalka. Admission: free. More info: www.region-bsk.sk or www.citylife.sk.
CONCERT: Rock v múzeu / Rock in the Museum - The Museum of Trade offers a marathon of Polish blues as a part of the cycle “Rock in the Museum”. Three bands from Poland, Blues Time, Blues Junkers and Outsiders Blues, will play blues thanks to the support of the Polish Institute in Bratislava. Starts: May 21, 18:00; Museum of Trade, Linzbothova 16. Tel: 02/4524-3167; www.rockvmuzeu.sk or www.muzeumobchoduba.sk.
MUSEUM: Night of Museums and Galleries – Once a year, Bratislava opens it museums for a single, unified price, with the ticket being then valid for all venues. The event leads visitors also to the “hidden chambers” which will be opened, while also accompanying events try to lure locals and tourists. Starts: May 21. Admission: €2. Tel: 02/4826-4111; www.region-bsk.sk or www.citylife.sk.
MUSIC FESTIVAL: Days of Early Music / Dni starej hudby – At the beginning of the third decade of this international festival, the Centre of Early Music invites fans of classical music to this series of concerts divided according to topics, composers, historical and musical events. This year will focus on two key European personalities: Czech/Roman Emperor Charles IV (who celebrates 700th anniversary) and William Shakespeare (who died 400 years ago). Starts: May 22-June 7; various dates and venues around the city. More info: www.earlymusic.sk.
PARTY: Behind the House - House night with Thomas DeXter – DeXter started his career in 2006 with groove, vocal and all genres of house music. He was alleged to be the youngest DJ who plays funky and vocal house in Slovakia. His distinguished style of playing gained him support from Cafe Del Fun DJs. Starts: May 23, 21:00, Nu Spirit Bar, Medená 16. Tel: 0905/865-566; www.nuspirit.sk.
CLASSICAL MUSIC: Magic Amadeus / Zázračný Amadeus – The concert hailing the 260th anniversary of composer W.A. Mozart, the programme of which will feature dance, music and literary-dramatic students of ZUŠ Ľudovít Rajter elementary school of art. The visual portrait of Mozart was prepared by the artistic branch of the school. Starts: May 23, 17:00; Old-Town Centre of Culture KaV-Zichy Palace, Ventúrska 9. Admission: free. Tel: 02/5443-0615; www.staremesto.sk.
PARTY: Jízda s beatbenders / A Ride with Beatbenders – Last Tuesdays in the month are devoted mainly to trips around the world. This time, visitors can follow the Beatbenders (drum’m’bass artists Michal Vinc a Peter Hilčanský) on a musical journey into the endless plains of America. Starts: May 24, 21:00; Nu Spirit Bar, Medená 16. Tel: 0905 865 566. More info: www.nuspirit.sk.
CONCERT: Rock v múzeu / Rock in the Museum – The Museum of Trade organises the concert of American musician Todd Wolfe. Composer, guitar player and singer from Queens, Wolfe started his career in New York in 1979 with the band Nitetrain. He also collaborated with Carl Olson and in 1993-1998 was a part of the successful Sheryl Crow Band (as a guitar player). He has released a total of eight albums. Starts: May 24, 19:00; Museum of Trade, Linzbothova 16. Tel: 02/4524-3167; www.rockvmuzeu.sk or www.muzeumobchoduba.sk.
CLASSICAL MUSIC: Vocal Concert of Students from Bratislava Conservatory – The University Library of Bratislava invites visitors to an event of classical music in its historical premises, in the Seminar Hall. Starts: May 25, 18:00; Univerzitná knižnica / University Library Bratislava, Michalská 1. Admission: free. Tel: 02/5980-4111; www.ulib.sk.
FESTIVAL: Viva La Película! – After one year, Bratislava inhabitants and visitors will get to see Spanish films again. The series includes a profile of Julio Medem with emphasis on his older and less known films, but also on current products which reflect modern Spain. Starts: May 25-May 29, different times, mostly at 18:00 and 20:00; A4-priestor súčasnej kulúry / A4 – Space for Contemporary Culture, Karpatská 2. Admission: €3. More info: www.a4.sk.
JAZZ: Pet Jazz 2016 – Festival presents young beginning musicians and offers also well-established personalities from the music world. Pet Jazz is the international festival which focuses on jazz. The 16th edition is trying, too, to support jazz as a minority genre and create a stable platform for young jazz domestic and foreign musicians. Starts: May 26, 19:00; DK Zrkadlový háj House of Culture, Rovniakova 3. Admission: €7-€10. Tel: 02/6829-9217; www.kzp.sk.
DESIGN: Urban Market 2016 – Spring Edition – The spring edition of this event brings modern design, jewellery, accessories and creativity in many different forms. It takes place during the Bratislava Days of Architecture and Design. Starts: May 27-29; Faculty of Architecture of the Slovak University of technology (STU), Námestie slobody 19. Admission: free. More info: www.citylife.sk.
FOLKLORE: The Evening of Authentic Folklore – A night reserved for folklore which is not dead, despite the influence of modern music and culture. Slovak folklore ensembles bring a piece of history from the village of Hrochoť. Featuring Folklore band Pentla, Hrochoťan, Ľudová hudba Paľáčovci, and Ľudová hudba Martina Pecníka with soloist Anna Pecníková. Starts: May 27, 19:00; DK Zrkadlový háj House of Culture, Rovniakova 3. Admission: €10. Tel: 02/6829-9217; www.kzp.sk.
PARTY: All You Can Eat – The legendary club night with DJ Magálová presents a combination of electro, house, breaks, mash-ups and funky grooves. The crème de la crème of what recent music selection offers. Starts: May 27, 20:00; Nu Spirit Bar, Medená 16. Tel: 0905/865-566. More info: www.nuspirit.sk or www.citylife.sk.
CONCERT: Valér Miko Trio – The musician and pianist Valér Miko introduces his own compositions in an ensemble of three. The unique sound and variability offers an interesting vision of modern concept of a trio that includes piano. Most songs are composed in romantic and expressive style, on the borderland between jazz and classics. Featuring Valér Miko (piano), Tamász Belicza (bass), Juraj Dávid Raši (drums). Starts: May 28, 20:00; Kafé Scherz Palisády, Partizánska 2. Admission: €4. More info: www.kafe.scherz.sk
CLASSICAL MUSIC: Eastman Wind Ensemble – The Eastman School of Music operates in Rochester, New York, and is one of the most prestigious music schools in the US. This highly selective school was founded in 1921, while only 15 per cent of applicants pass exams. The Eastman Wind Ensemble, American brass octet, gives a concert in the Slovak capital. Starts: May 29, 18:00; Klarisky concert hall. Admission: free. Tel: 02/5910 3133. More info: www.citylife.sk or www.bkis.sk.
CLASSICAL MUSIC: Solamente Naturali – The ensemble presents programme Musica Sacra in the Musica Poetica da Camera cycle in the Slovak National Gallery (SNG). The early music ensemble Solamente Naturali which was founded by violinist Miloš Valent in 1995 focuses on the repertory of early music, which also has influence on the number of musicians: Solamente Naturali is a trio, septet or baroque type of ensemble according to the situation. This concert brings the works of Johann Jakob Froberger, Pietro Andrea Ziani, Johann Erasmus Kindermann (all celebrate 400th anniversary); Paul Siefert, Massimilian Neriho (both 350th anniversary); Johann Christoph Pez (300th anniversary of death). Starts: May 29, 18:15; SNG, Ľ. Štúra Square 4. Admission: €2-€4. More info: www.sng.sk.
Solamente Naturali (source: Courtesy of Solamente Naturali)
OUTDOOR/CHARITY: MDD – Na palube jednorožca / International Children’s Day – Onboard a Unicorn – The 5th anniversary of this event takes place in Sad Janka Kráľa park on the left side of the River Danube. Moonlight Camp civic association organises it to support talented children from socially disadvantaged backgrounds. Starts: May 29, 10:00; Sad Janka Kráľa Park. More info: www.citylife.sk.
EXHIBITION: Stavri Kalinov - The Bulgarian Institute in Slovakia welcomes people who are interested in sculptors and painter, presenting one of them, Stavri Kalinov who works with silk, plaster, bronze, silverware, gold, pottery and glassware. His works are known in the US, Switzerland, Great Britain and other countries. Open: weekdays 9:00-12:00, 13:00-17:00 until May 31; Bulgarian Institute of Culture, Jesenského 7. Admission: free. Tel: 02/5441-0140. More info: www.bulkis.sk.
EXHIBITION: Znovuobjavené dedičstvo / Heritage Rediscovered – The Jewish Community Centre which resides in the last preserved synagogue in Bratislava opens its 5th season with an exposition of unknown historical treasures shown for the first time, Judaica objects connected to Bratislava. Open: Fri 10:00 - 16:00, Sun 10:00 - 16:00 except for Jewish holidays, May 26-Oct 9; Jewish community Centre, synagogue, Heydukova 11-13. Admission: €6. More info: www.synagogue.sk.
EXHIBITION: Z jari do leta / From Spring to Summer – The joint exhibition of 25 artists from Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Poland, Ukraine and Germany is curated by Ľudmila Pašková. Open: weekdays 9:00-18:00, Sat 9:00-13:00 until September 8; Audi Exclusive Gallery, Harmincova 2/B. Tel: 02/3229-2411; www.audibratislava.sk.
EXHIBITION: Národná cena za komunikačný dizajn 2016/ National Award for Communication Design 2016 – The biggest exposition of contemporary design in Slovakia shows the best from the communication campaigns, illustrations, covers and graphic layouts of books and magazines, posters, including videos and multimedia projects. Visitors can see more than 100 works as curated by Maria Rišková, graphic design by Julo Nagy and Róbert Paršo. Open: Tue-Sun 13:00-18:00 until July 10; Satelit, Hurbanove kasárne (Hurban’s Barracks), Kollárovo Square 10. Admission: free. Tel: 0918/110-247; www.sdc.sk.
EXHIBITION: Inventions and Discoveries that Changed the World – Musem of Transport – Collections from the Slovak Technical Museum are presented in the Transport Museum in the capital, in professional presentations of curators’ collections. Visitors can see a set of 11 topics focused on watches, emergency lights, annular wheels and more. Open: Tues-Sun 10:00-17:00 until May 22; Museum of Transport, Šancová 1/A. Admission: €1,5-€3,5. Tel: 02/524 441 63; www.muzeumdopravy.com.
EXHIBITION: Celebration of Painting / Oslava maľby - Rudolf Fila, recently deceased Slovak painter, lecturer and art organiser, has completed many of his characteristic works throughout his long and prolific life. A set of them is exhibited in the Bratislava City Gallery (GMB), as curated by Jan Kukal. The paintings stem from five Slovak galleries – Slovak National Gallery, Bratislava City Gallery, Orava Gallery of Dolný Kubín, Central-Slovakian Gallery of Banská Bystrica, Danubiana Museum of Modern Art and the 1 st Slovak Investment Group, a.s. Open: Tue-Sun 11:00-18:00 until June 5; GMB, Pálffy Palace, Panská 19. Admission: €4. More info: www.gmb.bratislava.sk.
