Feb 15 • 11:04 UTC 🇸🇰 Slovakia Postoj

Where to go for opera and classical music / The round anniversary of the Slovak Chamber Orchestra in Bratislava and Beethoven's Pastoral in Žilina and Košice

The Slovak Chamber Orchestra is celebrating its 65th anniversary with a concert on February 22 at the Slovak Philharmonic, honoring its founding conductor, Bohdan Warchal.

On Sunday, February 22, at 16:00, the Slovak Chamber Orchestra (SKO) will celebrate the 65th anniversary of its first performance at the Slovak Philharmonic Concert Hall. The orchestra was founded by the renowned violinist of Silesian origin, Bohdan Warchal, who led it until 2000. Warchal is recognized as one of the most significant figures in Slovak musical life, transforming the ensemble into one of the most popular domestic orchestras and a leading representative of Slovak art abroad. Under Warchal's leadership, the ensemble, colloquially referred to as 'Warchalovci', produced numerous recordings for radio, television, and music publishers while also engaging passionately in educational activities at various music academies in Slovakia and the Czech Republic. The first concert of the Warchalovci took place on February 22, 1961, at the Bratislava-Nivy Cultural House, setting the stage for a rich legacy in classical music. This anniversary not only commemorates the orchestra's contributions to the cultural landscape of Slovakia but also serves as a tribute to Warchal's enduring impact on the development of classical music and music education in the region. As part of the celebration, Beethoven's "Pastoral" Symphony will be performed, underscoring the orchestra's dedication to both historical and contemporary classical repertoire, which has been a hallmark of their programming over the decades.

📡 Similar Coverage