Yevgenij Iršai

Prof. Yevgenij Iršai is a distinguished academic and artist at the Academy of Performing Arts in Bratislava (VŠMU), serving as Professor and Head of the Department of Composition and Conducting since 2011. He holds a PhD and has held academic positions in Russia, Slovakia, and Poland, including roles as Assistant Professor (1996–2002) and Associate Professor (2002–2008) at Matej Bel University and VŠMU.

Education: Graduated from the Leningrad Conservatory (1975) in composition under A.A. Tchernov and V. Uspensky, and piano under P.A. Serebriakov (1978). Early career included teaching at Leningrad’s special music school (1979–1991).

Research & Activities: A leading figure in contemporary music, Iršai composes for prominent Slovak and international performers. He founded the International Festival of Contemporary Art Music Salons (1997) in Banská Bystrica, fostering global contemporary music engagement. His works are performed globally, including at festivals in Japan, the USA, and Europe. Since 2001, he has also explored visual arts, exhibiting in 14 shows.

Teaching & Outreach: Taught composition, harmony, and piano across institutions, including the Ján Levoslav Bella Conservatory and Matej Bel University. His pedagogical contributions span over four decades, blending performance, composition, and interdisciplinary artistry.

Labs/Teams: Collaborates with ensembles like Aleph (France), Nostri Temporis (Ukraine), and Krakow Philharmonic. His festival continues to host international artists biennially.