About the Festival
Allegretto Žilina is an international festival of classical music which takes place every April in the cultural and industrial center of northern Slovakia in Žilina. Festival until 2013 performed under the name Central European Festival of the Concert Art. The main mission of the festival is the presentation of artists from various countries (including Slovakia) who are winners of the most renowned world competitions. Often it is their debut performance not only in Žilina but also in Slovakia.
The festival lasts one week and audience can visit six evening concerts (at least three are orchestral concerts). Selected top young artists and chamber ensembles perform solo or in cooperation with orchestras from Slovakia and surrounding countries. The part of festival program is also an afternoon concert of the winners of the Competition of Students of Slovak Conservatories and possibly other accompanying events such as interpretation workshops, discussions, seminars, etc. In addition to the presentation of high art, the festival is a meeting place for music teachers, musicologists, music critics, representatives of agencies, cultural institutions, foreign guests etc.
The main organizer of the festival is the Music Centre on behalf of and with the financial contribution of the Ministry of Culture of the Slovak Republic. Its main partner is the domestic State Chamber Orchestra of Žilina, where festival takes place. The Radio and Television of Slovakia (RTVS) also contributes significantly to the promotion of the festival. RTVS makes recordings from selected performances of young concert artists.
The festival provides a space for the mutual exchange of cultural values, confrontation of the interpretive abilities of young artists and a closer look at the musical and interpretive art of our neighbors, as well as other European countries. Festival also helps to develop multilateral cooperation.
Allegretto Žilina festival has established itself as one of the most important Slovak classical music festivals. The festival enables the inclusion of our country in the international European cultural context and in the awareness of the general public in Slovakia and abroad. In addition to the significant contribution that the festival brings to the young performers, it also makes a rich contribution to the promotion of classical music and performing arts.
The festival committee is responsible for the dramaturgy of the festival, whose members are representatives of the organizers and leading Slovak artists.