Slovak Philharmonic
Reduta Concert Hall
About
Bratislava boasts a rich tradition of classical music. Legendary composers such as Joseph Haydn, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ludwig van Beethoven, Franz Liszt, Béla Bartók, and piano virtuoso Anton Rubinstein have graced the city with their performances. Bratislava is also the birthplace of composer and piano virtuoso Johann Nepomuk Hummel.
Building on this remarkable heritage, the Slovak Philharmonic stands as the country’s premier classical music ensemble. Comprising the philharmonic orchestra, philharmonic choir, and chamber orchestra, it employs over 200 musicians who perform both in the Reduta building and in prestigious international concert halls. The ensemble collaborates with major record labels, such as Naxos, RCA, and Supraphon, and is the main organizer of the Bratislava Music Festival, which each autumn brings the most distinguished conductors, soloists, and orchestras to the city.
The Reduta building of the Slovak Philharmonic, an architectural gem blending Baroque, Rococo, and Art Nouveau elements, was completed in 1919. It was one of Bratislava’s first ferro-concrete constructions. Its opulent interior features exquisite gold-plated stuccowork, stained glass, and over a hundred crystal chandeliers.
Designated as the home of the Slovak Philharmonic in 1949, the Reduta has served as its seat and primary performance venue ever since. The large concert hall, with a capacity of 700 seats, is crowned by a magnificent Rieger pipe organ, installed in 2011 during a comprehensive renovation of the building.
Experience Bratislava through the timeless beauty of classical music performed by one of Europe’s finest philharmonic orchestras! Tickets are available online and at the Ticket Office located in the Reduta building.
Tips
Dress Code
Smart casual will do
Nearby restaurants
Hviezdoslav Square offers a variety of bars, cafés, and restaurants. Among them is the beautifully designed Zylinder, which captures the elegance of Emperor Franz Joseph’s era. For an upscale dining experience with stunning views of the cathedral and the Old Town, visit Sky Bar & Restaurant. If you prefer a quieter café, consider the nearby Talks or 2 Zebras. Just a short walk along the quay, you’ll find the iconic Hotel Devin, with its elegant café and a sophisticated French restaurant.
Things to do nearby
You can either enter the Old Town via Hviezdoslav Square and explore its many beautiful attractions, including St. Martin’s Cathedral and the Old Town Hall, or cross the street and enjoy a stroll along the Danube’s waterfront. There, you will find the largest collection of art in the country, the Slovak National Gallery. On the other side of the river, the iconic UFO awaits, perched atop the SNP Bridge’s pylon.
A sprawling promenade shaded by old trees and lined with numerous bars and restaurants, Hviezdoslav Square is one of Bratislava’s must-see attractions. Beautiful palaces on both sides recall the era when this area was home to wealthy nobility. Notable landmarks include the historic Slovak National Theatre building and the Carlton Hotel, which once hosted prominent figures such as Maria Theresa, Jules Verne, Albert Einstein, Alfred Nobel, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Thomas Edison, and Franz Liszt. The square features several fountains, a grand statue of one of Slovakia’s most significant poets, Pavol Orszagh Hviezdoslav, and various smaller statues. It culminates at Rybne Square with its 1713 Plague Column.
The Historical Building of the Slovak National Theatre, designed by Vienna-based architects in an eclectic style, first opened its doors in 1886 as a city theater. It became the home of the Slovak National Theatre upon its founding in 1920 and served this role throughout the 20th century. Currently, the building is not in use and awaits much-needed general reconstruction. Despite this, it remains a prominent feature of Hviezdoslav Square, graced by the beautiful fountain depicting the mythological tale of Ganymede.
The Danube is the second-largest river in Europe, connecting 10 countries from Germany’s Black Forest to Ukraine’s Black Sea delta. It has shaped Bratislava’s history since time immemorial, serving as a trade route, imperial frontier, natural defense line, and source of food. Today, the riverfront promenade is a lively public space for locals and visitors alike, acting as a meeting point, recreational hub, shopping area, and gateway to the Old Town’s treasures. With green spaces, shops, restaurants, and cafés, it offers everything needed for relaxation.
Bratislava features one of the world’s most unique bridges, housing an open-air observation deck and a fancy restaurant atop of its pylon, with a stunning view on the Bratislava Castle and the Old Town. Thanks to its futuristic flying-disc shape, it has become known as UFO.
