The 21st Viva Musica! festival Celebrated Musical Diversity
Fifteen concerts over seven weeks, more than 250 artists from 12 countries
Bratislava, August 13, 2025
Fifteen concerts over seven weeks, more than 250 artists from 12 countries, international masterclasses, and countless unforgettable musical moments – the 21st edition of Viva Musica! once again proved that classical music can be experienced in many different ways.
This year’s festival presented a vibrant mosaic of Slovak and international performers. Audiences enjoyed Slovak premieres, innovative program combinations, and concerts staged in venues with a distinctive atmosphere. “This edition was extraordinary above all thanks to the outstanding musicians who brought their artistry to Bratislava. Some appeared at the festival for the first time, others returned after many years. For the first time, we also expanded beyond Bratislava, with concerts in Modra, Senec, and Pezinok. Alongside unforgettable performances, we placed emphasis on education and commemorated important musical anniversaries. I believe we showed once again that classical music has many faces and colors, through which it can reach a truly wide audience,” said festival director Janka Kovalčik.
Musical Diversity and Strong Emotions
The festival opened with the return of the world-renowned Janoska Ensemble, who first appeared at Viva Musica! in 2015. Performing in Bratislava’s Old Market Hall, they presented the Slovak premiere of their new Deutsche Grammophon project: Vivaldi’s Four Seasons in the distinctive “Janoska style,” and for the first time in a version with orchestra. The result was an evening of dazzling virtuosity, improvisation, and infectious musical humor, met with multiple standing ovations.
The grand finale featured mandolin virtuoso Avi Avital and his ensemble Between Worlds, joined by Italian guest vocalist Alessia Tondo. Their program Italy received its Slovak premiere, taking the audience on a musical journey through Apulia (Puglia) region, complete with passionate tarantellas, traditional Italian songs, and works by classical composers inspired by Italian folklore. “Between Worlds is not just the title of the project, but also the central idea uniting this remarkable ensemble of musicians from diverse corners of the world and different musical traditions. Together, they have created a safe space where differences do not divide or erase, but instead complement and enrich one another. I wish that in our daily lives we, too, could connect different worlds, seek common ground, and value diversity,” added Janka Kovalčik. A recording of the concert will be broadcast on Rádio Devín on Friday, September 12, 2025, at 7:00 p.m.
Other festival highlights included the Slovak premiere of German percussionist Vivi Vassileva with the local Percussion Collective, who transformed the Arena Theatre into a pulsating world of rhythm and color. British saxophonist Jess Gillam and her ensemble thrilled audiences with their unbridled energy and fresh approach to what classical music can be. The Estonian vocal ensemble Vox Clamantis captivated listeners with a concert dedicated to their compatriot, Arvo Pärt, exploring the beauty of the human voice and its spiritual depth. The music of Philip Glass returned to the festival in the form of his Mishima Concerto, performed by Japanese pianist Maki Namekawa with the Brno Philharmonic under the baton of Dennis Russell Davies. Slovak singer Júlia Kozáková appeared twice, presenting her projects Flor nueva and Manuša, inspired by Roma traditions, jazz, and flamenco. The festival also welcomed pianists Nora Lubbadová, Haimoni Balgavá, and Kristína Smetanová, as well as the Moyzes Quartet and the Bratislava Boys’ Choir.
Rescheduled Concert of Dalibor Karvay
The concert Dalibor Karvay 40, originally scheduled for July 25, 2025, to mark the violinist’s 40th birthday, has been postponed for health reasons. It will now take place on Thursday, August 6, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. at the Large Concert Studio of Slovak Radio. Tickets already purchased remain valid for the new date. If the new date is not suitable, they could be refunded until August 15, 2025, through the Ticketportal network.
Thank you for being part of this year’s journey. See you at Viva Musica! 2026!