Jánošík comes to life again: Jánošík Military Artistic Ensemble makes comeback after 14 years

The SVK Ministry of Defence is renewing the activities of the Jánošík Military Artistic Ensemble (VÚS), which was officially disbanded on 1 January 2012. As of 1 April 2026, the Jánošík ensemble was reestablished as a professional artistic group in Zvolen. It aims to create a blend of dance, music and singing in original arrangements of pieces. With its focus on traditional folklore, its performances will be expanded to incorporate modern and scenic forms of artistic presentation, reflecting the cultural environment’s current trends and needs. The ensemble will be officially based in the Railwaymen’s Culture House in Zvolen, which will gradually undergo a complete revitalisation of the building.

Speaking at a press conference in front of the cultural facility in Zvolen, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Robert Kaliňák said: “I believe that we are once again starting to write a success story, in which several factors have come together to create something that can turn out to be a very nice success story in the future. Given that Jánošík was an integral part of the Ministry for many years, it is very important that we can pass on our culture and traditions in the form of a professional stage show – destined not only to give joy to audiences and uplift the public, but also to represent the state – which such ensembles typically perform in other countries.”

Speaking at the press conference, Mayor of Zvolen Vladimír Maňka said: “From 1999 to 2004, there were approx. 3,500 events a year at the local Slovak Railways Culture House in Zvolen. The Children’s Railway Ensembles used to perform here, too. So, it’s great news that the Jánošík Folklore Ensemble will be based here. Equally important, thanks to Jánošík’s comeback, this building will not cease to exist, but will continue to serve its purpose as it did in 1964 and afterwards. And that’s good news for us all in Zvolen.”

Speaking on this occasion, Roman Malatinec, Member of Parliament and Banská Bystrica Self-Governing Region, said: “Today is a big day for dance and music arts in our region. Personally speaking, as a former member of the Jánošík Military Folklore Ensemble, I have never come to terms with the fact that this professional group was disbanded by the then Ministry of Defence leadership in 2012. Thanks to our joint efforts, I am very pleased that we have managed to revive it. I am convinced that the ensemble with its quality artistic breeding ground definitely belongs to our region.“

Speaking at the event, Jozef Ježík, Member of Parliament and Zvolen City Council, said: “As a native of Zvolen, I am very delighted that I can be here at this event today. I have been coming here since I was a child and that is why I am pleased that two things are coming together here – the revival of the Jánošík Folklore Ensemble and the fact that our Culture House will have an owner who will take good care of it and create favourable conditions even for children’s and youth ensembles with long traditions.”

The renovation of both the interior and exterior of the Culture House building will create a modern supportive environment for artistic development. With its own permanent stage, the Jánošík Military Artistic Ensemble will also gain training and performance opportunities under professional conditions, while at the same time giving the Marína Folklore Ensemble, the Zornička Children’s Folklore Ensemble and the Zelienka Theatre the space they need to develop. The ensemble will seek active cooperation with local and regional governments, domestic and foreign cultural institutions, and art schools.