This year, Hungary is celebrating the 210th anniversary of the birth of Franz Liszt, one of the most influential figures in musical history. It is no coincidence that several nations would like to claim this exceptionally talented individual, the rock star of his day, for their own. However, Liszt consistently referred to himself as a Hungarian artist, allowing everyone here to celebrate Liszt’s distinguished anniversary in fine style with diverse range of events. The aim of the Liszt Fest International Cultural Festival is not only to introduce the composer’s unique oeuvre to the public every year, but also to create events that showcase the artist's experimental and innovative spirit, still an inspiration to contemporary artists in many genres.
1/11
Bringing musical legends to life – Liszt Fest opening concert
The year 1862 was a decisive one for Liszt, as he visited the Sistine
Chapel in Rome, which brought musical legends to life in his imagination. The
figures of Allegri and Mozart appeared before his eyes, and he
thought he could hear their works, Miserere and Ave Verum Corpus. This
experience inspired Évocation à la Chapelle Sixtine, where he
brought the work of Allegri and Mozart closer together, and focused on the triumph
of love over evil. Not only Liszt's work, but also pieces by Allegri and Mozart
will be performed at the opening ceremony, the concert to be closed by
the Hungarian Coronation Mass, written by Liszt on the occasion of the
coronation of Franz Joseph as King of Hungary with his wife, Elisabeth.
Where:
Matthias Church
When: 8 October, 8pm
More information here
2/11
Satan, a talking cat and other oddities – opera-musical The Master and Margarita
In Moscow, Satan appears in the company of a talking
cat and other strange figures. Mysterious accidents and disappearances occur as
witches fly in the air and a journey into Biblical times stir things up in the Russian capital. Bulgakov’s Master and Margarita is undoubtedly one of the most influential novels in literature, here brought to life by Levente Gyöngyösi in a special form, the opera-musical, involving the artists of the Hungarian National
Ballet and the Hungarian Air Gymnastics Association. The play
is directed by Szente Vajk, at home in musical theatre as both an
actor and director.
Where: Eiffel Art Studios, Miklós
Bánffy Stage
When: 9 October, 7pm
More information here
3/11
Liszt inspired jazz – Concert by the Jazzical Trio
The old masters provide an inexhaustible source of inspiration, not only for contemporary artists, but
also for contemporary musicians, especially when it comes to the rock star of classical music, Franz Liszt. Internationally acclaimed Hungarian pianist Norbert
Káel speaks both classical music and jazz fluently, and is particularly inspired by the
works of Liszt. This concert by the Jazzical Trio features Liszt’s
characteristic harmonies and melodies, and includes emblematic works such as
Csárdás obstiné, Consolation in D flat major and Un sospiro.
Where: Liszt Academy – Solti Hall
When: 12 October, 8pm
More information here
4/11
Inspired interpreters of Liszt’s songs – Thomas Hampson & the Orchester Wiener Akademie
The
Orchester Wiener Akademie’s concert promises to be a real
curiosity. The ensemble was founded in 1985 by Martin Haselböck. They play not
only well-known masterpieces, but also rarities and hidden treasures. This full-scale
orchestra will now be joined by world-renowned singer Thomas Hampson, who is
considered one of the most inspired interpreters of Liszt’s songs. You will be
able to hear such special rarities as one of the last works of the ageing Liszt,
the orchestral orchestration of his early song, Die Vätergruft.
Where: Müpa – Béla Bartók National
Concert Hall
When: 12
October, 7.30pm
More information here
5/11
Chilly for the Season – Literary evening with Anita Harag
Almost overnight, Anita Harag became one of the
defining young voices in Hungarian contemporary literature. Her book, Chilly for
the Season, published by Magvető Kiadó, won over readers and critics in one
fell swoop with its original linguistic invention, savvy story-weaving and showpiece
confidence. It is no exaggeration to say that hers has been the most
spectacular, most successful beginning to a career –
her debut volume of
short stories was duly acknowledged with numerous literary awards. An excellent
writer and an engaging personality, it should be a real experience to see her in
person.
Where: Müpa – Glass Hall
When: 13
October, 8pm
More information here
6/11
Night show at Müpa – Electroacoustica 2020
If you’ve never heard of electroacoustica but you’re
open to something new, you’re certainly in the right place at this brilliant
concert adventure, where you can discover the prize-winning electroacoustic
compositions awarded at the Müpa Music Competition. The works performed at this
night concert paint a fascinating picture of the wide range of technological
and aesthetic approaches this genre offers. The audience can look forward to
musical material created from natural sounds, improvisation or the musical
transformation of graphic surfaces, as well as work that give the illusion of space
by moving masses of sound.
Where: Müpa
– Béla Bartók National Concert Hall
When: 14
October, 7.30pm
More
information here
7/11
The voices of our generation – Дeva/Saya Noé/I Am Soyuz
Three special and talented performers, three separate
worlds, yet the voices of one generation will be heard at the Akvárium Klub.
This presentation by Дeva (Dorina Takács), Saya Noé (Mimi Kőrös)
and Sweden-based performer-songwriter I Am Soyuz (Lili Felícia Bozóy) promises to be overpowering. What the three young
performers have in common is that they execute each phase of the song-writing process
themselves, from coming up with the music and lyrics to arranging and recording.
The whole emotional spectrum, the honesty and philosophical nature of these songs
based on personal experience, strike the listener directly with their elemental
power. Дeva evokes the atmosphere of ancient lands with her songs, Saya Noah
explores the possibilities of her orchestral vocals during the months of forced
silence, and the latest album by I Am Soyuz combines the adventurous journeys
of recent years with sincere confessions of love and human destiny.
Where: Akvárium Klub – Small Hall
When: 14
October, 8pm
More information here
8/11
Mono concert-opera – Esterházy & Fuharosok in the spotlight
“My work is an opera just as Esterházy’s is a novel,”
says Gergely Vajda about his piece composed for a mezzo-soprano and a chamber ensemble,
based on Péter Esterházy’s short story, Fuharosok.
Moving within a specific genre, this mono concert-opera builds a dramatic stage
performance in a ballad-like tone, which is also characteristic of the opera by British composer George Benjamin, based on the Pied Piper of
Hamelin, which will also be performed this evening. With Benjamin, the soprano
and mezzo-soprano play roles that can be seen as a metaphor for death, captivating generations of children, while in Vajda’s opera, a single character in three forms sings
the story created by Esterházy concerning the rape of a little girl.
Where: Müpa – Festival Theatre
When: 21 October, 7pm
More information here
9/11
Exhibition, concert, piano & song – Dante 700
“A giant of poetry speaks to us, the men and women of today, from the
perspective of 700 years, and asks us not only to read and study his works, but
above all to listen to and join him on the path to happiness, which is the infinite and eternal love
of God.” With these words, Pope
Francis remembered Dante in his Apostolic Letter. On the occasion of this
notable anniversary, the Liszt Fest International Cultural Festival has also prepared a number of
exciting events. On 10 October, a billboard exhibition opens
in the Atrium of the Liszt Academy, providing an insight into the connections
between Liszt’s compositions and Dante. After a look at the exhibition, it’s
worth popping in to catch Péter Kiss’ piano recital,
where Dante's Divine Comedy, as well as the famous sonnets of his
contemporary Francesco Petrarca and other related compositions, will be
performed. On 16 October, Fülöp Ránki’s piano recital will transport the audience back to the world of Dante, while on 18 October, the Hungarian National Choir perform at the special
location of the Párisi Nagy Áruház, paying homage to Dante’s legacy with choral
works by domestic and foreign composers.
More information here
10/11
Liszt’s exceptional works – church organ concerts
Organ works occupy a
prominent place in the Liszt oeuvre, so three church concerts at the Liszt Fest International Cultural Festival also deal with this significant legacy, interpreted by domestic and
foreign performers. On 9 October, several works by Liszt and Bach will be
brought to life in the hands of Mónika Kecskés and László Deák at the Inner
City Franciscan Church, while a concert by German
organist and composer Martin Sturm takes place at St Teresa of Avila Parish Church on 10 October. Look out, too, for the organ
recital by Balázs Szabó at the Grand Hall of the Liszt Academy on 11 October.
More information here
11/11
Music, literature & film – Cultural cavalcade at the Liszt Fest International Cultural Festival
The Liszt Fest International Cultural Festival will not only bring together excellent individual
events, but also arts series such as the Decade of the Contemporary Art Fair,
which starts on 8 October, Art Market,
and the PONT Festival of global culture, showcasing musical curiosities. Then, unique among the highlights
of the Liszt Fest, the
Cinemira International
Children and Youth Film Festival,
which starts on 10 October, is only event of its kind in Hungary
specifically geared to teenagers. On 14 October, music videos take centre
stage when the Fifth Hungarian Music Video Contest is held, allowing viewers to watch the most outstanding clips of the past
year on a wide screen. Autumn in Budapest would not be autumn in Budapest without
the Margó Literary Festival and Book Fair,
celebrating its tenth anniversary this year and gearing up with exciting events.
More information here
