Marking what would have been his ninetieth birthday, this exhibition celebrates Juraj Hrubant, a remarkable figure in Slovak operatic life who served the SND Opera for many years, first as a soloist and later as its director.

 

He joined the SND Opera in 1960 and for more than three decades was one of its leading artists. A refined baritone, fine musicianship and a persuasive stage presence earned him recognition in a broad range of roles. Among his most memorable roles were Rigoletto, Giorgio Germont, Scarpia, Eugene Onegin, Escamillo and Boris Godunov. His contribution to the operas of Slovak composers was no less significant. Beyond the SND, he enjoyed success as a guest artist at leading opera houses at home and abroad and was a regular presence on the concert platform.

 

His years at the helm of the SND Opera form another important chapter of his life. From 1990 to 1996 he served as its director, during a period of fundamental social change. His personal dedication was extraordinary. He brought stability to the company, broadened its international links and laid the foundations for the continued development of the country's leading opera house. His tenure was marked by an emphasis on high standards of performance, continuity of tradition and openness to new artistic impulses.

 

Juraj Hrubant remains one of the outstanding figures in the history of the SND Opera. This exhibition in the Opera and Ballet Gallery is our tribute to his artistic legacy, his leadership and his long service to Slovakia's leading opera house.

 

EXHIBITION CONCEPT Jozef Červenka

ARCHIVAL RESEARCH Ingrid Karkalíková

PROOFREADING Katarína Vilhanová

PHOTOGRAPHS © Archív SND

DESIGN Katarína Balážiková

GRAPHIC DESIGN Eva Benková

PRODUCTION Zuzana Barysz