Simkovicova: New Version of Anthem to Be Played for First Time at New Year

Bratislava, December 18 (TASR) - A new version of the Slovak anthem, prepared by Slovak songwriter, conductor and producer Oskar Rozsa, will be played officially for the first time in the first minutes of 2025, Culture Minister Martina Simkovicova (a Slovak National Party/SNS nominee) has confirmed for TASR. "I'm curious to see the reactions, but so far they have been nothing but positive," said the minister. She stressed that the new version is not a revolution that replaces the original one, stating that it's been enriched with what was previously missing from an omitted passage of the federal anthem, such as a short overture of the musical motif. The new version also features typical Slovak elements, such as a fujara (a shepherd's pipe). "The new version is more festive, more positive, has more euphoria," added Simkovicova, adding that the anthem in its new form now has what the national symbol deserves. "It's an enhancement of the beauty that the anthem deserves," she emphasised. lin/df