Slovak Radio has been hosting this year´s edition of the International Competition of Folk Music Recordings SVETOZÁR STRAČINA GRAND PRIX in the context of its centenary celebrations, whereby the folk music has become from the very first beginning an inseparable part of its programming structure. Thanks to the performance of the gypsy band led by outstanding artist and promoter of Slovak folk song Jožko Pihík, which was heard on air on 30 August 1926, the era of interest in folk music has been launched, with this genre continuously gaining a fix and integral position in the Slovak Radio broadcasting.
Editorial field records with authentic performers, outcomes of ethnological research, sensitively transformed into original radio recordings, or later on authors´ compositions, inspired by folk music sources, all these materials created a breeding ground for the Slovak Radio Folk Instruments Orchestra, an ensemble with history dating back to 1976. Their current musical production which we are going to listen to during the gala programme, is based on original pieces by composers, who had been deeply impressed by the magic of authentic folklore and at the same time open to its musical arrangements in more experimental forms.
Let me devote my final words to remembrance of Svetozár Stračina, who passed away 30 years ago. On 26 February 2026, we commemorated this anniversary in the light of the upcoming International Competition of Folk Music Recordings, which has been proudly carrying the name of this outstanding Slovak composer and artist. Regardless of calling it musical folklore or folk music, this genre is still alive and irreplaceable even today, this fact to be confirmed by 31 competing entries from 14 countries, submitted this year to the 12th edition of the SVETOZÁR STRAČINA GRAND PRIX competition.
Ladies and gentlemen, dear members of the international jury, and esteemed guests who shall visit us from 14th to 16th April 2026 in the premises of the “upside-down” pyramid building of the Slovak Radio. Let me cordially welcome all of you on behalf of Slovak Television and Radio at this international celebration of folk music art and wish you a pleasant and valuable experience, whilst enjoying the remarkable gems of musical folklore.
Peter Janků, Director of Slovak Radio