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Since June, the Železiarne Podbrezová Brass Band has had a new conductor. Young and talented Natália Perďochová has taken the lead of one of the oldest ensembles of its kind in Slovakia. She made her first appearance with the orchestra in her new role at the Brass Band Festival in Valaská.

Natália Perďochová’s journey to the Železiarne Podbrezová Brass Band began several years ago. She was introduced to the ensemble by its former conductor, Jakub Laco, who taught her composition during her conducting studies and gradually familiarised her with the brass band repertoire.

Her first experience with the Železiarne Podbrezová Brass Band came as a singer, when she performed with the ensemble at a festival in Piešťany. However, their cooperation became much closer only this year. Following a concert with the academic orchestra of the Academy of Arts in Banská Bystrica, she was offered the opportunity to conduct the Podbrezová brass band at the festival in Valaská. After several rehearsals together, Jakub Laco handed over the conductor’s baton to her, marking the beginning of a new chapter in her musical career.

A new experience and a major challenge

Leading a brass orchestra is a new experience for the young conductor. Until now, she has worked mainly with student ensembles and choirs. She therefore sees her new role at the helm of the Železiarne Podbrezová Brass Band as an opportunity to continue developing as a conductor, artist and person.

At the same time, it represents an important milestone in her emerging professional career. Working with a long-established musical ensemble gives her the opportunity to apply the knowledge gained during her studies, as well as her own artistic vision and creativity, while broadening her musical experience.

Tradition meets a new generation

The Železiarne Podbrezová Brass Band has a rich history and ranks among the oldest brass bands in Slovakia. Its tradition is closely connected with the region, the iron and steel industry, and the cultural life of generations of people living in the Horehronie region.

For Natália Perďochová, leading the orchestra is therefore not only an artistic opportunity, but also a commitment to continue a tradition built over decades by generations of musicians and conductors.

She is particularly looking forward to working with experienced musicians and gaining a deeper understanding of the brass band genre.

Folk music, evergreens and traditional brass band music

The new conductor has a particular affinity for folk compositions, chansons and well-known evergreens. Several of these are already part of the Železiarne Podbrezová Brass Band’s repertoire.

Under her leadership, audiences can therefore look forward to familiar melodies by Czech, Slovak and international composers, as well as traditional pieces that are an essential part of brass band music.

The aim is not to radically change the character of the orchestra, but to build on its long-standing tradition while gradually introducing the fresh artistic perspective of its young conductor.

Music has been part of her life since childhood

Natália Perďochová has been close to music from an early age. At just four years old, she was already singing and dancing with the Kelčovan Children’s Folklore Ensemble. She later continued her musical education at an elementary art school and at the Conservatory in Žilina.

Her next steps took her to the Academy of Arts in Banská Bystrica, where she is currently pursuing a master’s degree in choral conducting.

It was during her studies at the conservatory that she realised conducting was the field in which she could bring together everything she loves about music. Her new position at the helm of the Železiarne Podbrezová Brass Band now gives her the opportunity to put the experience she has gained into practice while continuing to grow artistically.

The Železiarne Podbrezová Brass Band is thus opening another chapter in its rich history – this time under the leadership of a new generation.

Author (source): Podbrezovan