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The Slovak Philharmonic / Slovenská filharmónia

Address: Medená 3, Bratislava - Old Town

It is the most significant symphony orchestra in Slovakia. It was founded in 1949 and has resided in the reduta concert hall. The Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra‘s programme includes a wide range of concerts for adults and children. The Orchestra participates regularly at international music festivals.

The Slovak Philharmonic is also the main organiser of the Bratislava Music Festival. http://www.bhsfestival.sk/

Bratislava Music Festival (November/December)

Bratislava Music Festival is the most prestigious music festival in Slovakia. It has been organized since 1964 by the Slovak Philharmonic. The festival lasts for two weeks and there are held about 25 symphonic and chamber concerts. Prominent Slovak and international music ensembles are performed.

Bratislava Jazz Days (October)

Address: Nábrežie arm.gen.L.Svobodu 3 (PKO), Bratislava – Old Town

This international jazz festival is one of the biggest events of this kind in central Europe. It welcomes famous jazz stars. The festival has been organized every year since 1975 in the second half of October. Visitors can listen to various jazz streams performed by bigbands, chamber ensembles and soloists.

Coronation Ceremonies (September)

Bratislava used to be the capital of Hungary and got the privilege of a coronation town. To commemorate the events when Hungarian kings were crowned in the Dome of St.Martin, early in September there is organised a popous spectacle of Coronation Ceremonies in Bratislava. Bratislava lives in a medieval atmosphere and actors in historical costumes come back to the coronation tradition.

Bratislava Christmas Market (November, December)

Address: Main Square/Hlavné námestie, Bratislava – Old Town

Traditionally, the center of Bratislava is full of savour of various delicacies and Christmas carols can be heard. In the Main Square and in the courtyard of the Old Town Hall, there can be found various handicraft products, traditional Christmas dished and drinks, mainly cabbage soup, barbecued meat and fish, wafers, lokše (baked potato pancakes), honey cakes and hot toddy, punch or Christmas mead.

The Summer Shakespeare´s Festival (July, August)

Address: Bratislava Castle, Bratislava - Old Town

It is an open-air theatre festival held in the unique scenery of the Bratislava Castle and every year it is dedicated to a different topic, e.g. Shakespeare’s tragedies like Romeo and Juliet or Hamlet, comedies like the Merchant of Venice or the Twelfth Night. The plays are performed by significant Czech and Slovak troupes and some are performed also in English. The Summer Shakespeare´s Festival is part of the Castle Festival organized within the Bratislava Cultural Summer.

Biennial of Illustrations Bratislava - BIB (every odd year in autumn)

Address: Panská 41, Bratislava - Old Town

It is the most important competition and exhibition of original illustrations of books for children and youth and a unique event of this kind in the world. The festival has been organized in autumn (September, October) every odd year since 1967. During the festival there are presented the best illustrations of children's books from all over the world. The most beautiful ones are printed on stamps of Slovakia.