Photo: Lubo Balko
Photo: Tomáš Benedikovič
FREE
20.9. 2025 (sobota)
Teatro Colorato
International conference
SATURDAY 20. 9. 2025
TEATRO COLORATO
10:00 - 12:00
TRADITION, FUSION, HYBRIDITY: CONTEMPORARY ROMANI MUSICAL LANDSCAPES IN SLOVAKIA
doc. Mgr. Jana Ambrózová, PhD.
Jana Ambrózová, a dedicated lecturer and researcher with over 13 years of experience in higher education. She is the Head of the Department of Ethnology at Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra, and researcher at the Institute of Ethnology and Social Anthropology SAS, Slovak Academy of Sciences. Her research centers on the living heritage, musical traditions of minorities and traditional string bands in Slovakia and Central Europe, with a strong focus on theoretical and methodological approaches. Jana is an active member of several international scholarly organisations and plays a key role in promoting cultural heritage through her work with UNESCO. She is also the founder of the Tradana (Civic Association), leading extensive research on traditional string and cimbalom ensembles (2018–2019). As part of this initiative, she produced several CD recordings for and in vital cooperation with the Romani string ensembles from Central and East Slovakia.
INNOVATIONS IN CONNECTION WITH TRADITIONAL MUSIC
Mgr. art. Ján Šicko, ArtD.
The lecture focuses on contemporary approaches to the development of original musical instruments that connect natural materials with digital technologies. These instruments work with acoustic sound and are enhanced by mechanical-electronic components, sensors, microcontrollers, and software interfaces. They emerge within a post-digital framework that seeks intersections between the physical and digital realms. The lecture will also present examples of video projections created for musical performances in collaboration with SĽUK (the Slovak State Traditional Dance Company), inspired by folk art. These projections aim to update traditional visual principles using contemporary technologies, with the goal of reaching audiences that are not primarily rooted in traditional culture.
Ján Šicko is engaged in research and creative work in the field of visual communication and new media. In addition to his professional work in graphic design and new media, he leads MediaLab (www.medialab.sk) at the Academy of Fine Arts and Design in Bratislava – a laboratory focused on exploring the boundaries of graphic design. His independent work ranges from animation and VJing to interactive installations and computer games. He has received several awards for his work. In 2009, he founded the company DevKid.