Palace of Art in Košice hosted SAS New Year’s Concert

On January 16, 2025, the New Year’s concert of the Slovak Academy of Sciences in eastern Slovakia took place in the Palace of Art, the main residence of the Slovak State Philharmonic. This event is already a traditional and important social event bringing together scientists, artists and friends of the Academy. It was attended by members of the SAS Presidium, the Chairman of the SAS Assembly, directors of several SAS organizations and many employees from academic institutions located in the eastern part of the country.

Musical program of the concert included exceptional works from the symphonic repertoire. The Overture to the opera William Tell by Gioacchino Rossini, the composer’s last stage work, presents dramatic moody images inspired by Friedrich Schiller’s famous drama. This was followed Concerto for Horn and Orchestra No. 3 in E flat major, K. 447, by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, a work known for its fresh melodic lines and precise instrumentation. The program was closed by Schumann’s Symphony No. 3 in E flat major, Op. 97, “Rhineland”, which was composed in 1850. This work celebrates the countryside and folk music through joyful and dynamic passages that contrast with its lyrical moments. The evening was led by renowned conductor Radek Baborák, who also performed as a horn soloist. His precise performance of Mozart’s concerto and excellent interpretation were rewarded with hearty applause from the packed auditorium.

During the break, the members of the SAS Presidium and other invited guests were welcomed in the Philharmonic lounge by the General director of the Slovak State Philharmonic, Lucia Potokárová. After her, the President of the Slovak Academy of Sciences Prof. Pavol Šajgalík, appreciated the extraordinary and long-standing cooperation with the Slovak State Philharmonic and wished this institution, and also all artistic organizations, more cultural leadership in the new year.

After the concert, the program continued until late night with feast and dancing in a pleasant atmosphere. At the beginning, Prof. Šajgalík gave a speech in which he highlighted the long-term work of the organizers of the SAS concerts – Branislav Peťek, Gloria Gajdošová and the management of the Slovak State Philharmonic. He then reminded that this was the last time he would speak at this event as the President of the SAS.

“I will soon return to my home institute as an ordinary employee. I am happy that we are changing the pilot and crew of the aircraft in a cultured manner. I believe that we are handing over a modern aircraft that can withstand the turbulence of this world. I look forward to what is to come with great confidence and respect and I also call on you, my colleagues, to trust the new team. I also ask the new President, Martin Venhart, to trust us, the ordinary employees of the SAS. Then, in my opinion, even in these turbulent times, a very good future awaits us,” concluded the President of the SAS with hope.

The co-organizer of the event, associate professor Branislav Peťko, also spoke, and before the dinner and the subsequent musical and entertainment program, he wished everyone “sustainable health, recyclable happiness, and renewable sources of income.”

Source: SAS News