Eighth Annual Indian Summer in Levoča 2015

I've been remiss in posting to my blog, but I'm glad that this 100th post to Robins Great Adventure is of my trip to the Indian Summer in Levoča Festival.

Me at Kaštieí Péchy
photo by Eadaoin Flynn

Once again I was amazed by the unique and intriguing musical compositions and festival expertise of David and Nadia Conway. They are such a treasure, not only as friends, but to the classical musician community.

Keith & Jenny Page
Photo by Eadaoin Flynn

Catching up with old friends, Keith and Jenny Page and meeting new ones, Larry and Liz (from Scotland) and of course, Steve Elcock and his family (80+ year-old-mum) reminds me of why I love coming to Levoča. I missed 2014 in person, so thank goodness for Facebook!

Jenny & Steve's Mum (she was amazing!)
Photo by Eadaoin Flynn

There were so many highlights to the trip, the Steve Elcock: The Cage of Opprobrium (world premiere) performed by the Czech Philharmonic Quartet was masterful. Well done Steve! A very powerful piece dedicated to the 16th century women who were punished for just being out on their own after dark, by being put in the town square cage for everyone to mocked and throw things at, to be shamed for just being women really. 

And...of course, my favorite bit of the festival is the Saturday afternoon performance at Kaštieľ Péchy, Hermanovce, home to a baroness (Kai is what we call her), about 45 minutes from Levoca on a series of bends that rivals traveling over the Rocky Mountains. The Kaštieľ has been renovated by Kai with impeccable taste. David and Nadia always place a very unusual musical offering at the Kaštieľ and this year didn't disappoint.

Lotz Trio
(Robert Šebesta (left), Sylvester Perschler (center) & Ronald Šebesta (right) Bassethorns

The Lotz Trio from Slovakia; played unique bassethorns. The repertory was created by original music informed by Mozart, with selections from The Magic Flute, The Marriage of Figaro and Don Giovanni. A treat that very few people have seen or are likely to see.

Of course the rest of the festival was equally enjoyable with special dinners and drink.

Sadly I missed Jonathan Powell's performance on Sunday because I had to return to work Monday morning. I'm bound and determined to stay for the full festival!

Kaštieí Péchy renovation photos:

Oriental Room

Sauna in the Bridal Suite

Grand Salon

And...because I can't get enough of Levoča...here are a few more pics I thought I'd throw into the mix. Love this place!!

From the Master Pavol Museum...

New Ex-pat Dental Clinic Opening in Bratislava

British Ambassador Andy Garth & Dr. Marek Salka

What brought me back to Slovakia after a year-and-a-half absence was the opportunity to be a marketing consultant for Smile Clinic Slovakia. When I was teaching English in Slovakia from 2012-2014 I was able to use my marketing skills for Dental Holiday, the Smile Clinic catering to UK residents in Piešťany. 

When I wanted to return to Slovakia as a marketing consultant, Dr. Marek Salka and Daniel Shaw, Smile Clinic's business manager said yes and here I am. One of my first assignments was to write content and blog posts for their new clinic in Bratislava. The grand opening was last Friday, 2 October and we were very fortunate to have the British Ambassador Andy Garth, cut the ribbon to welcome Smile Clinic to Bratislava. The clinic will provide dental services to expats like myself. Their staff is English-speaking and Dr. Marek is renown in the dental community.

Ambassador Garth's wife Angela receiving flowers from Daniel Shaw

Ambassador Garth and his lovely wife Angela were kind enough to stay for over an hour to speak with all in attendance, builders, architects, dental clinic staff of both Smile Clinics in Bratislava and Piešťany. I have the pleasure of being the content developer for the Smile Clinic websites along with social media and email campaigns. Nice gig, right!

Smile Clinic Slovakia has been in operation for more than seven years, providing dental care treatment to over 3000 European Union residents. 

I feel fortunate the owners of the clinics; Daniel Shaw and Dr. Marek Salka are supporting me in my marketing consulting efforts. It is a pleasure to be back in Slovakia and I hope I can stay for a long, long time. Fingers crossed on getting my resident visa!

Dr. Marek Salka, his wife Katarina, Olga Shaw, Daniel Shaw and baby Toby
(right to left)