Vienna, 17 April 2025 – Austrian cities such as Graz (2003), Linz (2009) and Bad Ischl (2024) are among the holders of the prestigious title of European Capital of Culture. In 2026 they will be joined by the Slovak city of Trenčín, which is already actively reaching out to European audiences. It will bring to the Austrian capital a remarkable musical performance by the Quasars Ensemble, which will offer a varied palette of chamber music across genres, generations and geographical boundaries.
The concert will take place on 14 May 2025 at 20:00 at the ORF RadioKulturhaus Wien, Großer Sendesaal.
Musical invitation from Trenčín
The performance of the Quasars Ensemble, organised in cooperation with the Slovak Institute in Vienna, is a precursor to the programme of the European Capital of Culture Trenčín 2026. The ensemble, known for its emphasis on Slovak music and the performance of rare or forgotten compositions, will present works by both classical and contemporary composers.
The concert programme pays tribute to several important musical personalities – the jubilant Maurice Ravel, the tragically deceased Ukrainian composer Hanna Havrylets and the Slovak composer Ivan Buffa, whose works are an important part of the contemporary Central European music scene. “This concert is not only a cultural calling card of Trenčín, but also a symbol of the connection between European values and creativity,” said Stanislav Krajči, director of the Trenčín 2026 project.
Ivan Buffa and Quasars Ensemble
The Quasars Ensemble has been led since its foundation by composer, conductor, pianist and teacher Ivan Buffa, one of the most outstanding personalities of Slovak classical music. He studied in Bratislava and at the Universität für Musik und darstellende Kunst in Vienna under Michael Jarrell. His compositions have been performed at renowned festivals such as Wien Modern, Takefu Festival in Japan, ISCM World Music Days and Ostravské dny.
The concert in Vienna will not only be an artistic event, but also a manifestation of the ambition of the Trenčín 2026 project – to present Slovak art and culture in a European context and to promote international exchange through culture.
European dimension and invitation to Trenčín
“Trenčín is a part of Europe and the title underlines it even more. That is why we are coming to Vienna with a truly European programme – European composers will be performed by artists from various European countries, under the baton of the Slovak conductor Ivan Buffa,” says Martin Mojžiš, the project’s international relations manager.
The Slovak Institute in Vienna also hosts an exhibition of works by pupils of the School of Art Industry in Trenčín. “In addition to showcasing young, talented and successful people, this exhibition is also an invitation to Trenčín, which is rightfully proud of this title, because it has a lot to offer – whether in the field of history or contemporary cultural activities with a diverse artistic representation,” said the school’s director Ivan Štefka.
The city of Trenčín and the whole region will become the centre of cultural events in the coming years. The project with the motto “Awakening Curiosity” will bring hundreds of events, as well as investments in infrastructure and the restoration of historic sites. One example is the revitalisation of the old railway bridge over the River Váh into a modern Fiesta Bridge with spaces for the arts. This unique structure will not only connect the two banks of the river, but will also become a new centre for social life and leisure. Other renovated venues are the Hviezda cinema and the local synagogue, which are already serving culture.
Historical places as backdrops
Events will also be held at iconic sites in the Trenčín region, including Trenčín Castle, Beckov and Čachtice Castle, as well as on the Váh River. The region is known for its wealth of historical monuments and high concentration of spa towns, which will be actively involved in the cultural programme.
