Musical Hungary
It is no exaggeration to say that the musical landscape would be very different without Hungary’s contribution. Between them, Franz Liszt, Béla Bartók and Zoltán Kodály revolutionised the performance, composition and teaching of classical music all over the globe.
The abundance of spectacular concert halls and festivals – in Budapest and beyond – provide ample evidence of a glorious musical past, and are a magnificent showcase for Hungary’s top talent, such as Zoltán Kocsis and Andrea Rost. Almost every provincial town boasts at least one orchestra and concert hall – classical concerts and opera performances are popular with people from all walks of life. And throughout the world, dozens of Hungarian musical ensembles and dance troupes play to rapturous receptions.
Driven by rich folk traditions and a wealth of talented musicians, the Hungarian jazz scene is also flourishing. Jazz lovers can’t afford to miss groups such as the Balázs Elemér Group and George Szabados. Sometimes heartbreaking, often frenetic, Roma music is also going strong, Roby Lakatos is one of the biggest names. The region’s rich Jewish heritage is represented by the Di Naye Kapelye. Folk music and its many modern exponents are also growing in popularity. Expect standing room only at concerts by Hungarian-Slovak folk-rockers Ghymes, gypsy-inspired Besh o Drom, Vujicsics or energetic fiddler Félix Lajkó from the Hungarian enclave in northern Serbia. And Neo and Anima Sound System are just two modern bands taking a fresh approach to age-old folk traditions.
World-Class Musical Talent
Hungary's top musicians: world class composers, stars of the world's finest operahouses and celebrity orchestras, performing artists...
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Dance of the Vampires - musical, Budapest
1 - 27 January, 5 June - 27 July, 27 December - 27 January
Two vampire researchers - Professor Abronisius, a scientist, and his young assistant Alfred - travel to Transylvania to make certain the existence of vampires and defeat them. Many humorous and adventurous stories come alive as they reach their destination, the castle of Count Krolock, where they find themselves at the Vampires' Ball. The excellent music of Jim Steinman follows the story of the film by Polanski faithfully and is a harsh dig at rabid pseudo-science. More information
