Štefan Hoza

Who is Štefan Hoza?

Štefan Hoza was a Slovak operatic tenor, actor, librettist, educator, music publicist, and historian.

Hoza worked as a teacher before studying singing at the Academy of Performing Arts in Bratislava. Just weeks after graduating, Hoza made his professional opera debut at the Slovak National Theatre in Bratislava in 1932. He remained at the theatre for the next three decades. He also pursued further vocal training in Prague, Milan, and Vienna.

Hoza's repertoire at the SNT encompassed many heroic tenor roles and operetta roles; portraying more than 90 roles at the house during his lengthy career. He was especially praised for his portrayal of Prince Sou-Chong in Franz Lehár's The Land of Smiles. He notably portrayed the role of Ondrej Zimoň in the world premiere of Eugen Suchoň's Krútňava on 10 December 1949. He also co-wrote the libretto for that opera with Suchoň. He also wrote the librettos for two operas by Ján Cikker, Juro Jánošík and Beg Bajazid. In addition to performing, Hoza worked as dramaturge at the SNT from 1939–1947. He also served as an opera director at the house for several productions between 1958-1962.