List of author's articles, page 3
‘Utter woe betides a nation that ignores her history’
HIS EXILE was both involuntary and unplanned, yet he says he has never regretted his departure. Thousands of kilometres away from home, he had to start from nothing. But he soon gained renown greater than writers considered loyal to the totalitarian regime. Today, when he can freely visit his homeland, he stresses the importance of a country remembering its past and learning lessons from it.
Countrywide Events
Western SLOVAKIA
Concert for the Aware draws crowd of thousands
EVEN those totally ignorant of Slovakia’s recent history might have noticed that last week, especially Tuesday, was somehow special – with streets and squares filled with more people than usual. The reason was not only that autumn this year has been milder than in previous years, but that the Slovak nation was commemorating one of the most decisive moments in its social and political life.
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Western SLOVAKIA
Learning through singing
SINCE the times of Plato’s Academy, thousands of papers have been written about the ways of keeping pupils interested in the subject matter in spite of all the temptations lurking outside the school window. Vojtech Kresťanko, the founder of the Bratislava-based Modern English Language School, did not wait for researchers or curriculum writers to do his job: he came up with his own method and the results speak for themselves.
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Western SLOVAKIABratislavaCONCERT:EVEN those who are not die-hard jazz fans may appreciate the concert by Diana Krall, world-acclaimed Canadian singer and pianist, who appears in Bratislava on November 12 at 20:00. The 44-year-old diva, boasting two Grammys and also the prestigious Order of Canada, has never before visited Slovakia. She will offer the audience well-known singles from her 12 albums, including her 2009 release, Quiet Nights, which continues in the same vein as her previous work. Krall’s concert will be staged at the Sibamac Arena (National Tennis Centre) at Príkopova 6 with tickets costing between €55 and €70. More information at www.xl.sk.
An echo of classical melodies in the Tatras
TOGETHER with rustling trees and the songs of hikers, the Tatras will this week echo with the delightful melodies of centuries past, as an unusual festival is held at the very foot of the mountains. The organisers say that for “the culture-loving public, young professional musicians, teachers, students, experts and those eager to discover” it will be a platform for artistic, scientific as well as philosophical exchanges, and a celebration of music in all its forms.
Countrywide Events
Western SLOVAKIA
Countrywide Events
Western SLOVAKIA
Slovakia's cradle of music celebrates ninety years
“TO GIVE Slovakia artists and music teachers; to help Slovakia produce its own music.” With these words noted composer Miloš Ruppeldt opened the Music School for Slovakia in Bratislava on November 6, 1919. Later to become the Bratislava Conservatory, now celebrating its 90th anniversary, composer Ruppeldt has indeed given the country several generations of top-ranking artists.
Jazz Days line-up is full of stars
WHEN Slovakia was still in the iron grip of communism, musicians from all around the globe, including the most “rotten” capitalist countries such as the USA, were already coming to take part in Bratislava Jazz Days (BJD). And while dramatic changes have taken place on the political stage, the festival seems to have hardly changed: after a third of a century, it still offers the best of the world’s jazz.
Countrywide Events
Western SLOVAKIABratislava EXHIBITION: WORKS by one of the most noted 20th century Slovak painters, Koloman Sokol, who spent most of his life in exile in Mexico and the United States, are on show in Bratislava until October 25. Even though small in size and less well-known, the 25 paintings, found by chance in the artist’s closet by his son, are considered to be some of his best pieces of modern graphic art. Originally, the collection was not supposed to be seen by Sokol’s admirers: it was hidden in a carton box labeled simply cuadros (Spanish for paintings). Now, six years after his death, they are available at the Pálffy Palace at Panská 19 daily except Mondays. Admission is €3.32. For further details, call 02/5443- 1556 or go to www.gmb.sk.
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Western SLOVAKIA Bratislava CONCERT: POP-ROCK fans from all around Slovakia can look forward to hearing some of the best-known hits by singer-songwriter Richard Müller, who only recently announced his comeback after several years of retirement, as he is touring the country between October 14 and 27. Within his 2009 Best Of Tour, the 48-year-old musician, former member of the Banket band, performs singles such as Milovanie v daždi (Making Love in the Rain), Tlaková níž (Cyclone) or Nebude to ľahké (It Won’t Be So Easy). This week the singer will perform in Bratislava, Levice and Ružomberok, and later in October, seven more towns will host his concerts. Tickets cost between €12.90 and €17. Further information can be found at www.muller.sk.
Countrywide Events
Western SLOVAKIA
Countrywide Events
Western SLOVAKIABratislava MUSIC: DOUBLE Grammy laureate Andreas Vollenweider, prominent world-music and jazz composer and performer from Switzerland, is heading to Bratislava for the first time in his career. On October 4 at 20:00, the 55-year-old musician will offer the local audience a cocktail of his best-known works, written mostly for a special electro-acoustic harp of his own design. Vollenweider, who has cooperated e.g. with Luciano Pavarotti, Bobby McFerrin and Milton Nascimento, will not arrive in Slovakia alone: he will be accompanied by surprise guests. The concert will be held at the Ružinov Palace of Culture at Ružinovská 28, with tickets costing €39. For more info, call 02/4333-0523 or visit www.cultus.sk.
Western breeze sways local cultural scene
ACCORDING to US diplomatic representatives to Slovakia, cooperation in the domain of culture is as important as the links in business and industry. The American embassy’s cultural calendar suggests these words are not just idle talk.
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Western SLOVAKIA Bratislava EXHIBITION: AS MANY as 35 artists, including both professionals and students from secondary schools and universities, have prepared a joint design exhibition in Bratislava focusing on the environment and recycling. Until October 11, visitors to the event will have the opportunity to admire various objects made from old electrical cables, empty bottles, pens, water pipes or clothes. Often surprisingly funny and unique, the resulting pieces examine the border between waste and art. Moreover, several lectures and film screenings are available as part of the project. Recycle, Repair, Respect is available at the Satelit Exhibition Hall at Dobrovičova 3 daily, except Mondays, from 13:00 to 18:00. There is no admission charge. Further details can be found at www.sdc.sk. Designer: Silvia Bárdová, STU Košice;
A piece of Slovakia among the maple leaves
THOUGH many generations have come and gone since the first Slovaks landed on Canadian shores, the Slovak community in the world’s second biggest country, reinforced by several waves of immigration, has seemingly managed to preserve some of its most precious treasures.
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Western SLOVAKIA
Slovaks pay tribute to the “Radio Priest”
CALLED by his biographers “radio’s forgotten genius”, “priest-scientist” and “Renaissance man”, he is considered to be a pioneer in the domain of wireless transmission. Even though he was an emigrant, he directly participated in the founding of the first independent Czechoslovak state. Jozef Murgaš, known in the US as Reverend Joseph Murgas, is one of the few Slovaks that have become famous worldwide.
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- After years of straddling two worlds, this American is now reconnecting with his Slovak roots
- Irish outlet hails Slovak spa town as top European holiday spot
- Why a British teacher chose Slovakia as home Audio
- The law changed. Our family papers were ready. Now my kids are Slovak citizens
- Slovakia’s secret weapon is living abroad
- Where can vegetarians and gluten-free diners eat out in Bratislava?
- Bratislava unveils its first 3D-printed bus stop Photo
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- Neo-Nazi gang in Bratislava plotted armed attack and called their leader ‘Mr Führer’, court documents reveal
- The hidden costs of Slovakia’s complicated tax system
- Last Week: Central bank governor found guilty, but Fico accuses the judge
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- Slovak universities, SAV, local governments top 2025 trust rankings More articles ›
