New Year's Concert of the Slovak Academy of Sciences (SAS) Honored the Work of Marián Varga
On Thursday, January 9, 2025, the traditional New Year's Concert of the Slovak Academy of Sciences (SAV) took place in the Hall of Mirrors at the Primate's Palace in Bratislava. The festive event was marked by the recognition of the contributions of the President of the Czech Academy of Sciences (CAS), Prof. Eva Zažímalová, for fostering exceptional relations with the Slovak Academy of Sciences, as well as by a tribute to the rich artistic legacy of the phenomenal musician Marián Varga.
The New Year's Concert of SAV garnered extraordinary interest from employees, partners, and friends of the Slovak Academy of Sciences. The event was also attended by Marián Varga's wife, Jana Vargová. The audience enjoyed a program titled Songs and Games, presenting a new and immensely captivating interpretation of Marián Varga's songs in a classical-improvisational, intimate style of contemporary musical language.
The artistic experience was preceded by the acknowledgment of an admirable scientific personality with whom Slovak Academy of Sciences has built exceptionally close ties, translating into long-term outstanding inter-academic collaborations. SAS awarded its highest honor, the SAS Gold Medal, to Prof. Eva Zažímalová, President of the Czech Academy of Sciences, for her contributions to science and culture, which have elevated SAS's scientific reputation both in Slovakia and abroad.
Prof. Eva Zažímalová is a specialist in plant anatomy and physiology. She earned her scientific credentials at the Institute of Experimental Botany of the Czechoslovak Academy of Sciences (ČSAV), where she is working as a researcher since 1983. Her work focuses on studying the phytohormone auxin, including its metabolism and molecular processes in plant cells. "The term Auxin originates from the Greek auxein, meaning 'to grow' or 'to extend.' The name reflects its ability to accelerate the growth of young parts of stems and coleoptiles," explained Prof. Peter Samuely, Vice President of SAS for Science, Research, and Innovation, in his laudatory speech. Since 2013, Prof. Zažímalová has been part of the leadership of the CAS, where she was tasked with evaluating research institutions. She was elected President of CAS for her first term in 2017 and re-elected in 2021. "For the Slovak Academy of Sciences, its sister academy is a reference institution invoked in all internal and external discussions. During our challenging double transformation period, it was also crucial that the SAS found a strong supporter in the CAS President, who always provided valuable advice and moral support. The long-standing extraordinary relations with the Czech Academy's leadership are also evident in practical cooperation, such as a joint grant scheme supporting interdisciplinary research," emphasized Prof. Samuely.
Prof. Eva Zažímalová received the SAS Gold Medal from the hands of SAS President Prof. Pavol Šajgalík. In her acceptance speech, she emphasized her immense appreciation for the honor, considering it a recognition not only for herself but also for the entire team she collaborates with.
Subsequently, SAS President Pavol Šajgalík addressed the audience, explaining the evening's musical program choice in his opening remarks. "Marián Varga was not only a genius composer but also an outstanding organ player and a musical visionary. His idea of incorporating the organ into modern music was ahead of its time. Varga's story illustrates how talent, unconventional thinking, courage, and a bit of freedom can lead to success. How precise and symptomatic this is for us in the world of science. I am deeply convinced that art and science are siblings, perhaps twins. The beautiful mathematical terms CONVERGENCE and DIVERGENCE in the titles of Varga's albums can be read as symbolic bridges between art and science," explained SAS President. He also pointed out that 2025 would be a breakthrough year for the Academy. "The pilot, the airplane crew, people and the cast are changing. I trust that the essence of the game—supporting, cultivating good science, and courageously exploring new topics—will remain unchanged, with a focus on interdisciplinarity. Slovakia needs success; it needs to regain its self-confidence, grounded in deeds. When we struggle in hockey or football, let's shine in science. I am pleased that the new SAV President is a top-notch, yet young scientist. This is a significant signal for the people of Slovakia, showing that SAV fully understands its societal role as a leading scientific institution transcending Slovak borders. Youthfulness in the SAV President's position is novel, and I am convinced this novelty is heading in the right direction," emphasized Prof. Šajgalík.
The program continued with the concert itself. The artistic ensemble, performing together for the first time in 2020 with the aim of further developing Marián Varga's songwriting, featured pianist Vladislav Šarišský, one of the most important contemporary successors of Varga's work; talented singer Sisa Fehér; phenomenal trumpeter Oskar Török; and leading Slovak cellist Jozef Lupták, a friend and collaborator of Marián Varga. The program included several well-known pieces such as Field Lily, Sunflowers, Help Me, Sad Morning Tram, and From the Clovers. The audience also enjoyed songs in new arrangements by Vladislav Šarišský. The performance concluded with a standing ovation.
Text and photo: Katarína Gáliková