ORIGINALLY, the festival of percussions called World of Drums, which takes place in Bratislava, was conceived as a biennial event.
However, after last year’s success, organisers decided to make an edition also in 2014; and so on October 11 and 12, fans and connoisseurs can flock to the House of Culture in Ružinov.
The main concert takes place on the first day, and apart from Slovak performers (G. Jonáš/J.
Kalász/E. Portella, Thierry&Friends, La3no Cubano and Musica Medica), there will be a guest star from abroad: percussionist Martin Verdonk who last enchanted the local audience – interspersed with foreign visitors – and staged a terrific “drum clinic” will offer a gig inviting laymen to play various instruments, preferably new for them, in an awesome improvised orchestra.
Verdonk, an acclaimed musician who has performed with stars like Santana and George Benson, now lectures at Rotterdam conservatory.
Apart from playing with Jonáš/Kalász/Portella on October 11, he will also give a workshop the next day.
The festival will also include a playful workshop for children and a joint “drum-circle” and thus all creative Bratislava inhabitants and visitors can pop in to taste what drumming can be about and how rhythms and vibrations can enhance people’s lives.
Tickets cost €7 in advance (predpredaj.sk, www.citylife.sk) and €10 on the site.
More information can be found at www.shiraz.sk/en/festival.
