Simkovicova Appoints Bernat as Director of State Opera in Banska Bystrica

Bratislava/Banska Bystrica, 8 January (TASR) - Culture Minister Martina Simkovicova (a Slovak National Party/SNS nominee) on Thursday appointed Ondrej Bernat as the new director of the State Opera in Banska Bystrica. On this occasion, Simkovicova visited the institution itself, meeting its employees and holding a working meeting with the management. "During her visit, the minister familiarised herself with the current functioning of the state opera, its artistic plans, the economic situation, as well as the challenges that the institution is currently facing," said Culture Ministry spokesperson Petra Demkova. "At the same time, the minister declared her readiness to actively address all economic and programme issues related to the way in which the institution functions," she added. The Culture Ministry announced that Ondrej Bernat will head the State Opera in Banska Bystrica on a temporary basis on 1 January. Bernat, who previously worked at the National Theatre in Kosice, will serve as head of the opera until a proper selection process is completed. The change comes after Simon Svitok resigned from the post due to personal reasons. However, Svitok will continue to work at the opera as a soloist and artistic director. ko/df