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1944 – 1949
Conservatory in Bratislava (piano – Frico Kafenda, conducting – Kornel Schimpl, composition – Alexander Moyzes)
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1949 – 1950
a conductor of SĽUK
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1950 – 1951
a conductor of the Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra in Bratislava
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1952 – 1988
a conductor and Art Chief Officer of the Military Arts Ensemble in Bratislava
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cca since 1995
cooperation with University Chamber orchestra Camerata academica and related chamber ensembles in Prešov
"Novák’s compositional work ranges from small instructive pieces and folklore adaptations, through dramatic, choral and dance work and music-and-dance scenes, to larger stage-drama formations. His works in this area are characterised by optimistic expression, temperamental rhythm, and a controlled arching movement in the vocal line.
Novák’s creativity was guided also by a spontaneous musical sense. His works reflect not only a technical and technological dexterity, but also the input of healthy intuition, anchored in true musicality."
(DOHNALOVÁ, Lýdia: Milan Novák. In: A Hundred Slovak Composers. Eds. Marián Jurík, Peter Zagar. Bratislava : National Music Centre Slovakia, 1998, p. 213.)