The representative artistic ensembles Mladosť (The Youth) are musical ensembles covering three components of performing arts at Matej Bel University. These are vocal music, represented by the choir, instrumental music, represented by the chamber orchestra, and both types of music, in conjunction with dance, are performed by the folklore ensemble.

The origins of these ensembles date back to the 1960s, and in 1971 the brand Mladosť was created, under which they are known to this day. Each ensemble has its own repertoire, while being able to

provide full-fledged concert production and on important occasions they create joint interconnected programs integrating all forms of performing arts.

The university choir and chamber orchestra have a dominant activity during the academic year, when in addition to performances at academic ceremonies, they also perform at other events in the region, in Slovakia and abroad. Before each important series of concerts, a gathering is held, which is usually held outside the university environment, where, in addition to building the repertoire, informal relationships within the ensembles are strengthened, thereby supporting student life and cultivating the spirit of the university.

These ensembles begin their activities every year in September at the ceremonial opening of the academic year, which they ceremonially open with the full strength of the cast from the previous period.

University Folklore Ensemble Mladosť

The summer season is the peak of activity for the folklore ensemble - from May to mid-October, the ensemble members performed a number of representative activities. The most important are performances at the International Folklore Festival in Strážnica, then in Východná, Akademická Nitra with a new work that resonated with the use of special visual elements in the block called Ornaments. With a selection from the new work, the ensemble opened the academic year and then in October advanced to the national choreography competition Jazykom tanca na Donovskej pód in the reconstructed Aula Beliana. By presenting the program MIESTO NA ZEMI - obrazy z Dolné zeme (PLACE ON THE EARTH - pictures from Lowland), representing the culture of compatriots, Slovaks living south of Slovakia at the Gorolski swieto festival in Jablunkov on the border, Mladosť recorded another strong audience response and success. Mladosť enjoyed similar success in Osijek, Croatia, in early October, a few days before the Bystrická folklorna Haravara festival at the UMB premises, which it co-organizes with the Central Slovak Education Center in Banská Bystrica.

UFS consists of a dance group, folk dulcimer music, and a female and male singing group, which together create impressive music and dance performances. The group's leader and choreographer is Dr. Martin Urban.
Contact: www.ufsmladost.sk

Urban Martin, Mgr. art., PhD.

Lecturer

Office phone:

+421484464272

E-mail:

[email protected]

Position:

Scholarly assistant

Office:

A317, Tančiareň PF UMB

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University Choir Mladost

Its history has been closely linked to the academic environment of Banská Bystrica since 1969. It was formed by such personalities of Slovak music pedagogy and conducting as Tibor Sedlický or Milan Pazúrik, who stood before the choir for 41 years. The strength of the choir tradition of Mladost even led to the birth of the permanent international festival of academic choirs Academic Banská Bystrica, which is held every 2 years on the grounds of the Matej Bel University.

Since its inception, the choir has undergone several transformations and today operates as a modern mixed ensemble at the Center for Art and Culture of the Faculty of Education MBU. During its history, it has performed numerous concerts at home and abroad and has received many prestigious awards.

The choir works at the Faculty of Education with Regular Exams, every Tuesday at 6:00 PM and is constantly progressing. In addition to traditional choral arrangements of classical music, the repertoire also includes works inspired by music or arrangements of modern popular melodies.

The choir works under the leadership of choirmaster and conductor Leonóra Súdiová.
Contact: 

Mgr. Pavel Martinka, PhD.

Lecturer

Office phone:

+421 48 446 4515

E-mail:

[email protected]

Position:

Scholarly assistant

Office:

A 303

•  ORCID ResearchGate Academia.edu

University Chamber Orchestra Mladosť

The Chamber Orchestra is an ensemble that unites university students and friends of good music. The work of the chamber orchestra has continuously followed the premiered program on the occasion of the 15th anniversary of its founding. In 2024, a publication was published that provides a brief overview of the 15 years of the ensemble's life. During 16 years, the orchestra has studied 75 compositions, 35 of which were performed in world premieres.

The orchestra focuses on works of Slovak historical and contemporary music and has long been dedicated to reviving the silent places of the Slovak musical past. With a specific repertoire, it has managed to reach beautiful historical places, which it has filled with the tones of its music - castles, chateaux, churches. It is currently working on preparing a series of concerts Musica regis et de regibus - music of kings and about kings, which includes works from the 16th century to the present.

The orchestra has a different instrumental composition every year, depending on the instruments played by members and those interested in playing in the orchestra. This way, even older works each time take on a new sound, which results from the instrumentation of Dr. Pavel Martinka, who composes, arranges and artistically directs the orchestra, organizes musical productions and conducts concerts.

Contact: 

Mgr. Pavel Martinka, PhD.

Lecturer

Office phone:

+421 48 446 4515

E-mail:

[email protected]

Position:

Scholarly assistant

Office:

A 303

•  ORCID ResearchGate Academia.edu