The fifth annual Zenélő Budapest music initiative is now under way, involving local virtuosos playing at 16 iconic locations around the city over the next two months or more. Anyone passing the Várkert Bazaar, the Hungarian National Museum or Millenáris Park at the right time can look forward to live classical music, jazz or rock, all being performed for free.

Budapest is great for urban initiatives, particularly when it comes to music. For four summers now, mini-concerts have been set up across town. Now organisers have planned another season, running until 18 August, at 16 major landmarks.

These include the steps of the Kunsthalle, the gloriette at the Várkert Bazaar, the Downtown Market and Vajdahunyad Castle. Among the new locations are the Hungarian National Museum, Millenáris Park and the Raven Gate of Buda Castle. As far as genres are concerned, an already wide range is being expanded to encompass café and religious music.

Members of Budapest’s most renowned orchestras – the National Philharmonic, the Hungarian State Opera Orchestra, the Budapest Festival Orchestra, the Danube Symphony Orchestra and Concerto Budapest – play together with chamber musicians, as well as folk performers, jazz bands and soloists, choirs and talented young stars.

Transylvanian folk music at Vajdahunyad Castle, Gypsy music at the Downtown Market and guitarists on the Savoy Terrace of Buda Palace all feature, as well as many child-friendly events.

Find all details here