Slovak Dances premeire in the SND (source: Peter Brenkus)
CONCERT: The Swines – The Slovak band of three popular singers from Košice comes to Bratislava with jazz/rock and blues music. The concert tour around Slovakia brings good music by Filip Kluknavský (guitar), Lukáš Kolivoška (bass) and Martin Lechman (drums) into the downtown of Bratislava. Starts: Feb 19, 20:00 – 23:00; Rustique, Obchodná 7. More info: booking at on scherz@scherz.sk.
CINEMA: KolNoa – Israeli Film Festival – This event takes place for the third time in Bratislava, bringing the newest and most fundamental Israeli movies of various genres. All films are shown in their original version, some of them also with English subtitles. Booking: www.navstevnik.sk. Starts: Feb 18 - 20; Lumiére cinema, Špitálska 4. Admission: €3-€4 per movie. More info: www.aic.sk/kinolumiere.
BALLET: Slovak Dances (premiere) – Thirteen orchestral suite dances by Slovak composer living in New York, Peter Breiner, based on Slovak folk songs and similar suites by other composers, e.g. Bartók, Dvořák, Brahms, Beethoven, Kodály, Borodin and others. Music inspired by folk songs mainly from eastern Slovakia is full of colourful contrasts, energy, humour and unusual instrumentation. Conducted also by Peter Valentovič, libretto written, choreographed and directed by Natália Horečná. Starts: Feb 19, 20, 19:00; New SND building, Pribinova 17. Admission: €10-€20. Tel: 02/ 2047-2299; www.snd.sk.
LIVE MUSIC: Aless – The 17 years old Slovak rapper Aless who has already collaborated with Ego and Wich, presents her new album 17 in Dole club with Ego’s assistance and performance of DJ Thomas Fronix and Abe Beats. Starts: Feb 19, 22:00; Klub Dole, SNP Square 30. Admission: €7. More info: www.klubdole.sk.
LIVE MUSIC: Capo di Tutti Party – The best dance music from the 1950s to today. Three fresh local bands play their music. Operated by The Cellmates (play rock’n’roll 50s, 60s), Mr. Moon (primarily 70s) and Prešporskí junáci (R&B hits, 80s, 90s, modern music). DJ Pali is known from his beginnings in the 1980s, 1990s parties for bringing popular retro music. Starts: Feb 19, 21:00; V-Klub, SNP Square 12. Admission: €5-€7. More info: www.nocka.sk/v-klub.
LIVE MUSIC: Electroswing – The combination of vintage music from the 1920s and 1930s with recent club music will be offered in KC Dunaj; primarily, dance songs will be played, mostly by SwinGang, DJ MAX W. and Dayd & Serious SAX. SwingGang focus on swing music of the 1930s and 1940s, Manouche music and jazz. The whole crew sing, play bass, violin, two guitars and double bass. DJ MAX W. prefers to play harder percussive electro-swing and modern traditional music. Dayd combines modern electro swing and features of electronic dance music. The audience will see him with saxophonist Serious SAX. Starts: Feb 19, 21:00; KC Dunaj, Nedbalova 3. Admission: €5. More info: www.kcdunaj.sk.
FOLK MUSIC: Folklore in the Head/Catch with folk band Muzička / Folklór v Hlave s ľudovou hudbou Muzička – This event starts with performance of Muzička, and later offers a chance to dance to this music or bring your own musical instruments (violins, cymbals, double basses, clarinets, accordions, ozembuch, etc.) and join in. Music and singing until early morning. Starts: Feb 19, 20:00; Hlava 22, Bazová 9. Admission: €5. More info: www.citylife.sk, www.hlava22.sk.
DANCE SHOW: Oriental Night’s Dream – An event full of Oriental dances performed by Slovak and foreign dancers with epic costumes and unique atmosphere. Starts: Feb 19, 19:00; Cultural Centre Bratislava - Nové Mesto, Vajnorská 21. Admission: €12. More info: www.citylife.sk, www.skvajnorska.sk.
CLASSICAL MUSIC: Slovak Philharmonic Choir – The festive concert celebrating the 70th anniversary of this choir, led by Jozef Chabroň, will offer a fine selection of works from its repertory, including one tailor-made for this occasion and premiered. Starts: Feb 19, 19:00; Reduta building of Slovak Philharmonics, E. Suchoňa Square 1. Admission: €11. Tel: 02/2047-5233; or www.filharmonia.sk (www.ticketportal.sk).
JAZZ: Jazz All Night Long – A large amount of jazz is prepared for fans on this evening. The night called Jazz in Stories/ Nights with Icons makes a quick tour through jazz history, with well-known evergreens or jazz standards. The songs of last century which affected both America and Europe have been played worldwide. The audience will hear pieces by Ella Fitzgerald, Carmen McRae, Betty Carter, Sarah Vaughan, Nancy Wilson, Dinnah Washington. The current jazz scene is more about other genres, like soul or r'n'b which stem from jazz. This concert brings the queens of soul Aretha Franklin, Anita Baker or Dionne Warwick. A special guest of the host, actress Jana Gravačová, will be Polish pianist and composer Nikola Kolodziejczyk. Starts: Feb 20, 21:00; Hlava 22, Bazová 9. Tel: 0948 327 333. Admission: €5. More info: www.hlava22.sk.
TOURISM: Free guided tour in English. Starts: Feb 20, 14:00; plague column on Rybné námestie square; Admission: free. More info: www.ssscr.sk.
ETHNO MUSIC: Latin music – This music party takes place and brings hot Latino rhythms to one of Bratislava’s club. Fiesta Mexicana, the cooperation of Mariachi Sin Fronteras band, DJ M(o)no, offers a unique opportunity to learn something about Mexican music. Starts: Feb 20, 21:00; La Fiesta, Prievozská 18. Tel: 0917 287 971. Admission: €6. More info: www.lafiesta.sk.
CONCERT: We are the Champions - Within the cycle of family concerts, Slovak Philharmonics invite to the programme We Are the Champions; performed by Classical Music Maniacs, Jarolím Emmanuel Ružička (art director – violin) and narrated by Martin Vanek. Programme presents talented children from Schools of Art. Starts: Feb 20, 16:00; Reduta building of the Slovak Philharmonics, E. Suchoňa Square 1. Admission: €7-€9. Tel: 02/2047-5233; www.filharmonia.sk.
CLASSICAL MUSIC: Slovak Musical Comedy – Metropolitan orchestra - The evening of musical comedies and ball performances will take place in the DPOH city theatre, conducted by Peter Uličný, with junior dancers from Nové Zámky’s dance school VIVA – Patrícia Piešťanská and Lukáš Bačkády. Starts: Feb 21, 17:00; DPOH City Theatre of P.O. Hviezdoslav, Laurinská 19. Tel: 02/ 5910/3100. Admission: €12-€15. More info: www.mestskedivadlo.sk.
LIVE MUSIC: Metal Night – The Sunday evening belongs to British, American, Slovak, Czech and Hungarian bands. The metal and hardcore bands are displaying their talents in the centre of Bratislava. Performed by Kingdom of Giants (UK, decisive metalcore), High Hopes (UK, melodious hardcore), Continents (UK, metalcore, hardcore), Landless (SK, metalcore), Chasing Christy (CZ, hardcore) and Faminehill (HU, melodic hardcore, metal). Starts: Feb 21, 19:00; Fuga, SNP Square 24. Admission: €10. More info: www.citylife.sk.
CLASSICAL MUSIC: Metropolitan Orchestra Bratislava – The atmosphere of traditional balls in Bratislava will be revived in this concert, led by Metropolitan Orchestra Bratislava art director Peter Uličný. Bringing you a mixture of classical dances that Bratislava balls saw in the past, also with leading junior dancers from Nové Zámky dance school VIVA - Patrícia Piešťanská and Lukáš Bačkády. Starts: Feb 21, 17:00; City Theatre of P. O. Hviezdoslav, Laurinská 19. Admission: €15 (€12 seniors, students). More info: www.ticketportal.sk.
LIVE MUSIC: Pohoda FM Elections in the Deaftown – The five musicians from Považská Bystrica – Lukáš Zdurienčík (lead vocals, guitar), Lukáš Harvánek (guitar, vocals), Juraj Hariš (bass, vocals), Martin Husarik (synthesiser, vocals) and Ľubo Šamaj (percussions) made their debut album Glue in late December 2015. Starts: Feb 22, 20:00; Concert Hall of the Slovak Radio, Mýtna 1. Tel: 02/ 5727-3624. Admission: free. More info: www.citylife.sk/miesto/koncertne-studio-slovenskeho-rozhlasu.
OPERA: Romeo and Juliet – The most famous story about tragic love takes place in the Slovak National Theatre. Consisting of five acts and prologue in French language; conducted by Rastislav Štúr, Martin Leginus, directed by Diego de Brea. Cast includes Eva Hornyáková, Jitka Sapara-Fischerová, Martin Gyimesi, Roman Krško. František Ďuriač. Starts: Feb 23, 19:00; Slovak National Theatre, Pribinova 17. Tel: 02/2047-2299. Admission: €5-€30. More info: www.snd.sk.
CLASSICAL MUSIC: Franz Schubert – The renowned musician composed clearly sad melodies, bringing thoughts about death – due to his bad health condition. His period of Zimná cesta / Winter Journey is a confession of a Nomad without hope, love and belief. Schubert called it a period of horrible songs. This time, it will be performed by Gustáv Beláček (bass-baritone), Peter Pažický (piano), Szidi Tobias (spoken word). Starts: Feb 23, 19:00; Slovak Philharmonics, Medená 3. Tel: 02/2047 5218. Admission: €8. More info: www.filharmonia.sk.
LIVE MUSIC: Semester-opening Party – A new semester, a new welcome party: another student event in the ELAM club, featuring Strapo & DJ Spinhandz, Attomic, DJ Shamel, DJ Alex B, DJ Mathew. Starts: Feb 23, 21:00; Club Elam, Staré Grunty 53. Tel: 02/6542-6304. Admission: free. More info: www.elam.sk.
CLASSICAL MUSIC: Four Hands for Rachmaninoff – Rare music project provides an opportunity to listen to a complex set of songs by Sergei Rachmaninoff for different combinations of instruments accompanying piano. Visitors will be able to hear and see at least two pianists at the same time, playing simultaneously. In total 15 pianists will try to discover the complex work of Rachmaninoff during the evening. Starts: Feb 24, 19:00; Dvorana Hall of VŠMU, Zochova 1. Tel: 0905/403-032. Admission: €1-€3; booking at info-htf@vsmu.sk. More info: www.htf.vsmu.sk.
MUSIC FESTIVAL: Slovak music – The festival of Slovak music will be held in the Ružinov borough of Bratislava, featuring folklore band Karpaty, Bystričan choir, duo Richter (piano-violin), Ján Litecký-Šveda – blues, Jurajova Rodina – country music, Radix – rock, Bacil – rap, Zóna A – punk-rock and Samo Tomeček – pop. Starts: Feb 25, 16:00; Cultus-The House of Culture Ružinov, Ružinovská 28. Tel: 02/4333-0523. Admission: free. More info: www.cultus.sk.
LIVE MUSIC: Saxophone Syncopators – Four saxophone musicians present music based on an authentic interpretation genre of ragtime in arrangements for four saxophones. For the best experience they use period instruments from the 1920s. The band is composed of Pavol Hoďa (soprano saxophone), Ján Gašpárek (alto saxophone), Ladislav Fančovič (tenor saxophone) and Frederica Babuliaková (baritone saxophone). Starts: Feb 28, 10:00; Mirbach Palace, Františkánske Square 11. Admission: €2. Tel: 02/5443-1556(-8); www.saxophonesyncopators.com; www.citylife.sk.
LIVE MUSIC: Emir Kusturica and Michal Horáček – Famous Serbian film director (who disclosed that he has a special relation to Slovakia and the Czech Republic, as he had studied in former Czechoslovakia, and even had a girlfriend from Bratislava) and also musician Emir Kusturica (who also directed globally famous films like Arizona Dream, Underground) will perform with his No Smoking Orchestra, supported by Czech songster Michal Horáček. Starts: March 1, 19:00; Incheba – Expoaréna, Viedenská Cesta 3-10. Admission: €25. Tel: 02/5293-3321; www.ticketportal.sk.
FILM FESTIVAL: Japanese Film Festival 2016 – This festival in Bratislava will offer four contemporary Japanese movies – Dancing Karate Kid, Kanzaburo, High Kick Angels and King of Excuses – which reflect various aspects life there, connection of martial arts and dance, or show the traditional national theatre, Kabuki. All films are in Japanese, with English and Slovak subtitles. Starts: March 2- 5; 18:00; Lumière cinema, Špitálska 4. Admission: free. More info: www.aic.sk/kinolumiere.
EXHIBITION/GALLERY: Dutch Painting – The Slovak National Gallery (SNG) offers more than 250 Dutch and Flemish works of art from 1500-1800. Most of them come from original collections from Slovakia. The paintings primarily focus on ethics, the short span of human life, family life and close connection to nature. Visitors can see paintings such as Sailboats in Harbour from Jan Van Goyen, Coastal Landscape with Fishermen from Salomon van Ruysdael, At a Healer from Gerrit Lundens, or Portraits of Gerrit Schapp and Johanna Vissch from David Bailly. Open: Tue-Wed 10:00-18:00, Thu 12:00-20:00, Fri-Sun 10:00-18:00 until May 22; Ľudovíta Štúra Square 4. Admission: free. More info: 02/2047-6111, www.sng.sk.
EXHIBITION: Hats “to Eat Up” Are Only in Aupark – The rare exhibition welcomes visitor, especially the hungry ones. The Israeli artist, Maor Zanbar, combines food, style and hats. Every one of his pieces of art is unique, tailor-made in terms of size and look. Maor’s hats were worn at the Royal Ascot in England, the Kentucky Derby in USA or the Melbourne Cup in Australia. He likes to imitate life, but with his own sense of humour and perspective. Starts: Feb 15-21 9:00-21:00; Aupark Shopping Centre, Einsteinova 18. Tel: 02/6826- 6111. Admission: free. More info: www.aupark-bratislava.sk.
EXHIBITION: Ján Hlavatý: Dance with Paints – More than three decades of paintings of Ján Hlavatý are displayed in this exhibition curated by Eva Trojanová, from expressionism in the beginning through intense work with colour to his latest works, figural, meditative, symbolic and landscape paintings.Open: Tue-Sun 10:00- 20:00, until Feb 28; Danubiana Gallery near Vodné dielo/ Waterworks Čunovo. Admission: €3-€6. Tel: 02/6252-8501; www.danubiana.sk.
By Michal Hlúbik
