Two years ago during our interview, Levon Eskenian, leader of the Gurdjieff Ensemble, explained how they had to change their concert programme because his wife, pianist Lusine Grigoryan, was not allowed to travel to Budapest in the midst of the pandemic. Time did justice to her, however, as she will...
Gergő Borlai, renowned and popular drummer both in the Hungarian and international scene, is organising a third concert called 'Divided' already. What is the story behind this series, who was and will be on stage with him, and why will this experience be truly unique? We talked to the Artisjus-awarded...
Performances to go down in music history, featuring legendary ensembles as well as contemporary productions: Here is the full programme of the third Liszt Fest to evoke the composer’s spirit Franz Liszt not only reshaped the history of music in the 19th century, but his influence is still clearly felt...
The story of an investigation: the Hungarian National Dance Ensemble's grand premiere at Müpa Budapest, The Faithless Wife, works with the gloominess of ballads but in a contemporary way. One of the most treasured pieces in old Hungarian ballad repertoire, Barcsai's Lover is the starting point for a full-length crime...
Inventive, creative and „engineering” filmmaker Christopher Nolan (Inception) brings us J. Robert Oppenheimer’s jaw dropping story in IMAX. One of the most important figures of the last century, Oppenheimer is in the center stage of Nolan’s ambitious new film. Oppenheimer was in charge of the Los Alamos Laboratory operated by...
In the realm of celebrities, where actors and filmmakers take center stage, there exists a hidden gem—a woman named Jennifer Lash, affectionately known as Jini. While her name may not be widely recognized, her impact as a celebrated novelist and devoted mother is nothing short of remarkable. Eight novels, an...
Once upon a time there was an Italian girl who loved jazz, had a wonderful voice, and dreamed of learning from the best jazz musicians - so she moved to the United States. Since her immigration in 1998, Roberta Gambarini built a successful career and is seen as one of...
Although Wagner fans can easily list a bunch of vocal details from his works that can be performed out of the dramatic flow, but these are mainly found in the early romantic operas. Also, throughout his life work, there are orchestral numbers whose charms remain irresistible even after hearing them...
The Ligeti 100 continues to rumble on, with centenary concerts in Hungary and around the world, and the audience shows more and more enthusiasm for the futuristic and modern masterpieces of one of Hungary's most famous composers. We recently wrote about a concert by Péter Eötvös and Klangforum Wien, and...
Apologies in advance to anyone who thinks the title is too clickbait, but it just cannot be less dramatic. Martin Grubinger, the brilliant "multi-instrumentalist", recently announced that he will end his musical career at the end of this season. Why would a global star, who is also still as young...
There are those hugely popular Verdi operas, which are constantly performed all over the world – and then there are those rare gems such as I Lombardi. The libretto of this story, set in the age of the Crusades, was written by the same Temistocle Solera to whom we can...
Two romantic opera overtures and two concertos: the upcoming concert of the Győr Philharmonic Orchestra will transport you to the world of a medieval Russian heroic poem and a forest where a German hunter makes deals with the devil. In addition to popular pieces that evoke fantastic stories, two brilliant...
When it comes to opera, I prefer the Metropolitan. No, I don't buy a plane ticket or travel long hours to New York, I just get on the tram number two in Budapest and get off at the Müpa. This is where the not so ordinary classical music experience is...
Perhaps the most numerous and various Hungarian folk customs are connected to the Easter holiday. Although the traditions and the performed home or village "ceremonies" may vary from region to region, the main events and cycle of the holiday are mostly the same everywhere. "I have never seen a more...
Heightened emotions of dance works, written by two 20th century giants, come before and after the work of a world famous contemporary composer at the concert of the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra led by Semyon Bychkov. One of Bartók's most popular and most performed plays, The Miraculous Mandarin always has a...
“They often treat organ as an old, museal relic, but if we look closer, we can see that it is a living and breathing organism, still having a lot to say to us” – says brilliant young organist Nathan Laube about the so-called queen of the instruments. He will give...
Gemini, the constellation in the sky, is easily identifiable by its two brightest stars, Castor and Pollux. According to mythology, Jupiter himself placed them there, making them immortal due to their love and brotherhood despite facing adversity. The story of Castor and Pollux has been adapted into Jean-Philippe Rameau's fourth...
“Books and life merged for poet Bálint Balassi” (Gábor Tolnai) Bálint Balassi is one of the most ambivalent and mysterious figures of the beginnings of Hungarian poetry. Restless life, running towards death in the battle for the protection of Esztergom, ten days of agony, and around hundred poems left for...
Venice evokes images of indulgent feasts, thrilling excitement, and luminous light, particularly for those who have experienced the fragrance of the lagoons at dusk amidst the setting sun. Similarly, the trumpet's resounding call conjures up feelings of celebration, excitement, and illumination for many. Amongst the few who have mastered this...
Jazz music has been a staple of American music for over a century, capturing the hearts and ears of audiences from around the world. With its roots in blues, ragtime, and European classical music, jazz has evolved into a genre that is truly its own, with a rich history and...
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