A Celebration of Spring in Budapest – The 35th Budapest Spring Festival

Between 10 and 26 April, 2015 the Hungarian capital will again become Europe’s bustling centre of culture, where the classical music concerts will be accompanied by opera, ballet, jazz, world music, crossover, dance and theatre performances, as well as events in the visual arts.

The Festival is a good opportunity to discover, or visit again, one of the world’s most exciting cities, and enjoy the multiculturalism of the city centre, delight in the World Heritage sites, visit renowned cultural institutions and the unique ruin pubs, and unwind in the lavish thermal baths.

Whilst the Budapest Spring Festival was remodelled last year, it continues to pay especial attention to a major Hungarian figure of international musical history, Franz Liszt, whose person – thanks to his legendary virtuosity, artistic integrity and humility, European sensitivity and patriotism –, keeps fascinating music lovers, and is a highly appropriate symbol of the Festival’s universal message about the significance of culture. It is in honour of an inspired interpreter of Liszt’s works, Georges Cziffra, that pianist János Balázs selected the pieces of his concert programme. Liszt’s monumental Dante can be heard as part of a special crossover production. Paolo Miccichè’s show, DanteXperience, in which the role of the narrator is performed Chiara Muti, wife of conductor Vittorio Bresciani, is made an unforgettable experience by the modern lighting and screening solutions. The performance also celebrates another notable anniversary: Dante Alighieri wrote the Divine Comedy, one of the cornerstones of European culture, 550 years ago. This anniversary also inspires us to focus on Italian culture and Italian works at the Festival. Leo Nucci, one of today’s most sought-after Verdi baritones, brings a delightful selection from the most popular of Verdi’s arias to the a Festival. In addition to Haydn’s works, Italian cellist phenomenon Mario Brunello and the Franz Liszt Chamber Orchestra will also perform a real treat, Nino Rota’s piece for the cello. The Neapolitan Teatro di San Carlo is the world’s oldest opera house, and the guest performance of its company will no doubt be a highlight of the Festival. They bring Verdi’s three-act opera, Luisa Miller to Budapest, with the Romanian world star, Elena Mosuc in the title role. Italian star tenor Fabio Sartori will be featured in the role of Radames in the Hungarian State Opera’s new production of Verdi’s Aida.

The Hungarian National Philharmonic presents world stars at the Festival: on the opening day, conductor Zoltán Kocsis and the orchestra are joined by a celebrated artist of the Russian pianist school, Denis Matsuev, while on 23 April, Bertrand de Billy will wield the baton at an evening whose programme includes a delightfully airy piece by Liszt, and a rarely-heard cantata by Berlioz. The world-famous conductors who visit the Festival include Kirill Petrenko and Vladimir Ashkenazy. Petrenko will stand at the helm of the Bavarian State Orchestra, which was founded in the 16th century, and which will perform, among other things, Karl Amadeus Hartmann’s last work. The solo of this piece will be sung by Christian Gerhaher, who was awarded the Rheingau Music Prize in 2009, in acknowledgement of his outstanding contribution to contemporary musical life. Grammy Award-winning Vladimir Ashkenazy, who is renowned as a conductor, pianist and chamber musician, will conduct the Philharmonia Orchestra at the Budapest Spring Festival, at a concert that will feature Julian Rachlin, and will present one of the most popular violin concertos of all times, Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto in D major. A rarely performed baroque opera, Johann Adolf Hasse’s Siroe, King of Persia is also in the programme of the Festival, with one of today’s celebrated countertenors, Max Emanuel Cencic in the title role, and Russian soprano Julia Lezhneva as his partner. New York’s

Grammy Award-winning Orpheus Chamber Orchestra come with a programme that includes Wagner, Bartók and Haydn, as well as a work newly commissioned from Fazil Say and premiered in 2015. In addition to Mozart pieces, the Salzburg-based, ECHO Klassik laureate Hagen Quartet will perform Jörg Widmann’s grand composition of a single slow movement. A celebrated performer of the international concert scene, Japanese cellist Tsuyoshi Tsutsumi makes a return to Budapest where his career took off towards world fame. His partner will be the splendid Hungarian pianist, Adrienne Krausz, who lives in Switzerland. Latvian mezzo-soprano Elīna Garanča, who has made a name for herself in classical and bel canto roles, presents an evening of arias she has sung in the world’s leading opera houses, with the British Karel Mark Chichon conducting the orchestra. The Schubert Quartet will conjure up the mood of the 19th-century salons of Vienna at its Budapest performance. Featuring four great singers (Christiane Oelze, Birgit Remmert, Markus Schäfer, Güra and Konrad Jarnot) along with piano and fortepiano player Eric Schneider, the ensemble’s record, a selection of Schubert’s lieder, duets, trios and quartets of the most diverse arrangements, was a sensation last year. Along with international stars, Hungarian favourites will also be featured. Dezső Ránki and Concerto Budapest are to undertake a great enterprise when performing six of Mozart’s piano concertos at two concerts on the same day. István Várdai earned distinction last year by winning the ARD Cello Competition. At a concert with Julien Quentin, the young talent will take a look at the cello literature of almost 150 years, from Schumann to Dutilleux. The first non-French professor of the Paris Conservatoire, László Fassang is among the most sought-after organists internationally. The programme of his concert at the Festival offers a cross section of centuries of the organ literature.

The joint concert of two long-standing ensembles promises to be a unique encounter: Amadinda Percussion Group, celebrating its 30th anniversary, plays with another legend, Muzsikás, now 40 years old, evoking cultures ancient and new, in and outside Europe. Norwegian jazz trumpeter Arve Henriksen and the Oslo-based vocal trio Trio Mediæval will uniquely blend Norwegian folk with medieval and contemporary classical music, and will also enrich their Budapest programme with improvisations. Four concert pianos on the stage make for a special experience. The Gershwin Piano Quartet throws a new light on the music of legendary American pianist and composer George Gershwin and his famous contemporaries. Bálna, the “whale” by the Danube, will also host captivating events, including the first performance on the continent of the musical project called Alice in Wonderland. For the twelve chapters of Lewis Carroll’s novel for children, well-known musicians have written pieces, including Mark-Anthony Turnage, Elvis Costello, Ilja Gringolts, and Carl Davis.

Lovers of jazz are also in for some real treats: David Sanborn, six-time Grammy laureate saxophonist, who is also active as a composer and film actor, presents the new album of 2015, while Hungarian saxophone player Mihály Dresch prepares with a comprehensive performance that showcases all the modes of expression that characterize his art. Two legendary virtuosos of the cimbalom, Kálmán Balogh and Miklós Lukács will also introduce their new record, a collection of folk-inspired jazz improvisations. In the person of Kevin Mahogany, the Spring Festival welcomes one of today’s greatest jazz singers. The velvety-toned American baritone brings his latest album to Budapest, The Vienna Affair.

Devotees of world music can meet someone who was born to sing fado, the magical Ana Moura. A highly-praised virtuoso of the Arabic lute, Tunisian-born Dhafer Youssef brings along the material of his most recent album, Birds Requiem. Szilvia Bognár, Ágnes Herczku and Ágnes Szalóki present contemporary interpretations of Hungarian folk songs. Sitar player Nishat Khan and the Saint Ephraim Men’s Choir bring about a meeting of cultures at a performance that embraces a special musical dialogue between Islam and Christianity—something of particular relevance today.

The Dutch NDT (Nederlands Dans Theater), a company whose work in modern dance is acknowledged the world over, bring their latest, 2014 production to Hungary. Wayne McGregor, one of today’s celebrated choreographers, looks at the beauty of movement and the human body with the lyrical Atomos, a joint production with the Random Dance company. The show arrives in Budapest as part of its worldwide tour. Premiered at the Festival, the Pál Frenák Company’s new production, BIRDIE considers the walls we raise inside and around ourselves, our limits and limitations, and how to overcome them. The Hungarian National Ballet Company present their new production of Swan Lake at the Festival, with the choreography of Rudi van Dantzig. The Festival awaits those who are interested in Hungarian folk dance with the revival of a legendary production, the Hungarian Wedding Feast: Ferenc Novák’s choreography was first presented in March 1990, on the day of the country’s first free parliamentary elections. For what will be one of the highlights of the Festival, the tremendously successful piece is revived on its 25th anniversary with the subtitle Silver Anniversary.

It is a little-known fact that Oscar-winning cinematographer Vilmos Zsigmond has another passion beside film, photography, and that he would take out his camera in the breaks of shootings to capture a face of Hollywood that is unknown to the wider public. Ludwig Museum’s new exhibition celebrates the oeuvre of the artist on his 85th birthday with a selection of his photos.

For the second time now, the National Theatre will hold the Madách International Theatre Meeting (MITEM) during the festival. With leading companies from thirteen countries – including France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Ukraine, Romania, Macedonia and Russia –, the extensive meeting will host performances like Jan Bosse’s production for the Burgtheater, Vienna, and Luk Perceval’s direction for Hamburg’s Thalia Theater.

The Festival will inhabit the entire city, with musicians, dancers and performances appearing in the most unexpected places—even involving willing passers-by along the way. Special installations will pop up all over the city, including what was last year’s massive favourite with photographers, the vast Budapest sign.

For further information on the programme of the Festival and how to purchase tickets, please visit our website at www.btf.hu.Tickets can also be booked online at:Vienna Ticket Office www.viennaticketoffice.comClassictic www.classictic.com

10 April, Friday

Ludwig Museum | 11 amPhotography: Vilmos ZsigmondAn exhibition jointly organized with Ludwig Museum

Pesti Vigadó – Banquet Hall | 5 pmErika Naganuma’s piano recitalThe most successful participant of the Franz Liszt Seminar, SapporoHaydn: Sonata in C major, Hob. XVI/50Chopin–Liszt: Six Polish Songs, S.480 – excerptLiszt: Poetic and Religious Harmonies – excerptsDebussy: Pour le pianoToru Takemitsu: Lex Yeux Clos – In Memory of Shuzo TakiguchiProkofiev: Sonata No. 7 in B flat major, op. 83

Erkel Theatre | 6 pmVerdi: AidaThe King of Egypt: István KovácsAmneris, daughter of the king: Erika GálAida, an Ethiopian princess: Csilla BorossRadames, Captain of the Guard: Fabio SartoriRamfis, high Priest: András PalerdiAmonasro, King of Ethiopia: Anatolij FokanovHigh Priestess: Szilvia VörösMessenger: Gergely BoncsérFeaturing: the Orchestra and Choir of the Hungarian State OperaConductor: Gergely Kesselyák Director: János Mohácsi

Palace of Arts – Béla Bartók National Concert Hall | 7.30 pmDenis Matsuev and the Hungarian National PhilharmonicRachmaninoff: Piano Concerto No. 3 in D minor, op. 30Schumann: Symphony No. 3 in E flat major, op. 97, “Rhenish”Conductor: Zoltán Kocsis

Pesti Vigadó – Banquet Hall | 7:30 pmKároly Mocsári (piano) and the Attitude QuartetGoldmark: Ballad, op. 54 Debussy: Trio in G majorGoldmark: Quintet in C sharp-minor Goldmark: Trio in E minor, op. 33 Dohnányi: Quintet in C minor, op. 1 Members of the quartet: Sára Deák, Anna Mária Rovó – violin, Tamás Szabó – viola, Ramóna Rádli – cello

Academy of Music – Main Hall | 8 pm

Mihály Dresch: New BeginningFeaturing: Róbert Kerényi – recorder, Balázs Vizeli – violin, Antal Brasnyó – viola, Sándor Csoóri Jr.– viola, András Bognár – double bass, Tamás Bősze – folk drum, László Szlama – cithern, Dresch QuartetMembers of the quartet: Mihály Dresch – wind instruments, Miklós Lukács – cimbalom, Péter Ajtai – double bass, István Baló – drums

11 April, Saturday

Fővám Square / Szent István Square / Nyugati Square / Heroes’ SquareA Parade to Welcome Spring

Bálna Budapest | 11 am – 5 pmFamily weekend at Bálna

Bálna Budapest – Event Hall | 5 pmAlice in WonderlandMusical adventures in the realm of the imaginationSally Beamish: Preface, All in the Golden AfternoonRoxanna Panufnik: Down the Rabbit HoleMark-Anthony Turnage: The Pool of TearsStuart MacRae: A Caucus Race and a Long TalePoul Ruders: The Rabbit Sends in a Little BillElvis Costello: Advice from a CaterpillarCarl Davis: Pig and PepperStephen Hough: A Mad Tea PartyRichard Dubugnon: The Queen’s Croquet GroundIlya Gringolts: The Mock Turtle’s StoryColin Matthews: The Lobster QuadrilleGwilym Simcock: Who Stole the Tarts?Augusta Read Thomas: Alice’s EvidenceFeaturing: Ashley Wass – piano, Matthew Trusler – violinNarrator: Anna Györgyi

Palace of Arts – Festival Theatre | 7 pmBest of Literarium I.Featuring: János Térey, János Háy, Orsolya Karafiáth, Dániel Varró, László Garaczi, Krisztián Grecsó, Veronika Harcsa, Bálint Gyémánt, Bea Palya, Dongó Balázs SzokolayHost: Alinda VeiszerSeries editor: Tibor KereszturyDirector: Eszter Novák

Budapest Jazz Club | 7 pm and 9:30 pmKevin Mahogany presents his new albumFeaturing: Erwin Schmidt – piano, Martin Spitzer – guitar, Joschi Schneeberger – double bass, Mario Gonzi – percussionAn event jointly organized with the Budapest Jazz Club.

Palace of Arts – Béla Bartók National Concert Hall | 7.30 pmMilestones – László Fassang’s organ recitalCompositions by J. S. Bach, Grigny, Frescobaldi, C. Franck, Liszt, Dupré, Messiaen, Alain and Vierne.

Pesti Vigadó – Banquet Hall | 7:30 pm

Taeguk Mun (cello) and Hungarian Radio Symphonic OrchestraBrahms: Academic Festival Overture, op. 80Schumann: Cello Concerto in A minorBeethoven: Symphony No. 5 in C minor, op. 67 (“Fate”)Conductor: János Kovács

12 April, Sunday

Academy of Music – Main Hall | 11 amDezső Ránki and Concerto BudapestW. A. Mozart: Piano Concerto in E flat major, K. 271W. A. Mozart: Piano Concerto in E flat major, K. 449W. A. Mozart: Piano Concerto in G major, K. 453Conductor: András KellerAn event jointly organized with the Academy of Music.

Bálna Budapest | 11 am – 5 pmFamily weekend at Bálna

Public spaces in Budapest | 12.15 am Street Art Project Performances: BDPST IN MOVEFeaturing: Gabriella Bathó, Tímea Takács, Emese Nagy, Kata Szilágyi, Eszter Kökényesi, Boglárka Varga, Gabriella PálfiChoreography: Pálfi GabriellaArtistic director: Gabriella Pálfi, Kata Szilágyi

Palace of Arts – Béla Bartók National Concert Hall | 7.30 pmDohnányi Orchestra BudafokFaces of Love – The FrivolousPetrovics: LysistrateOrff: Catulli CarminaFeaturing: Ildikó Szakács, Lúcia Megyesi Schwartz, István Horváth – voice, Szeged Contemporary Dance Company, Budapest Academic Choir Society (choirmaster: Csaba Tőri), Cantemus Mixed Choir (choirmaster: Soma Szabó), Talamba Percussion GroupDirector, choreographer: Tamás JuronicsConductor: Gábor HollerungAn event jointly organized with the Dohnányi Orchestra Budafok.

Academy of Music – Main Hall | 7.30 pmDezső Ránki and Concerto BudapestW. A. Mozart: Piano Concerto in A major, K. 414W. A. Mozart: Piano Concerto in A major, K. 488 W. A. Mozart: Piano Concerto in B flat major, K. 595Conductor: András KellerAn event jointly organized with the Academy of Music.

Pesti Vigadó – Banquet Hall | 7:30 pmKálmán Balogh and Miklós Lukács present their new albumImprovisations for two cimbaloms

Budapest Music Center – Opus Jazz Club | 9 pmJuhani Aaltonen Trio

Members of the trio: Juhani Aaltonen – wind instruments, Ulf Krokfors – double bass, Reino Laine – percussion An event jointly organized with the Budapest Music Center.

13 April, Monday

Budapest Puppet Theatre | 7 pmCabaret – premiereDirector: Róbert AlföldiAn event jointly organized with the Budapest Puppet Theatre.

Erkel Theatre | 7:30 pmLeo Nucci sings Verdi ariasNabucco – overtureDon Carlos – Rodrigo’s aria (Felice ancor io son?… Per me giunto è il dì supremo; Io morrò, ma lieto in core)Macbeth – balletMacbeth – Macbeth’s aria (Perfidi, all’anglo contro me v’unite)Aida – balletLuisa Miller – Miller’s aria (Sacra è la scelta… ah fu giusto il mio sospetto)Les vêpres siciliennes – overtureLa traviata – Germont’s aria (Di provenza il mar, il suol)La traviata – Prelude to Act 1Un ballo in maschera – Renato’s aria (Alzati, la tuo figlio... Eri tu)La forza del destino – overtureRigoletto – Rigoletto’s aria (Cortigiani, vil razza dannata)Featuring: Hungarian Radio Symphonic Orchestra Conductor: János Kovács

Pesti Vigadó – Banquet Hall | 7:30 pmGershwin Piano Quartet Captivating sound, virtuosic performance – An evening with four pianosRachmaninoff: Vocalise and TarantellaScriabin: Prelude in C sharp minorProkofiev: Three excerpts from the film score of Lieutenant KijéLiebermann: Gargoyles – excerptsTchaikovsky: The Nutcracker SuiteGershwin: An American in Paris Ireland: In a May MorningPorter: Night and DayGershwin: Oh, Lady Be Good!Bernstein: West Side Story – excerptsMembers of the quartet: André Desponds, Stefan Wirth, Benjamin Engeli, Mischa Cheung

Institute of Italian Culture | 7 pmBeatrice Rana’s piano recitalAn event jointly organized with the Institute of Italian Culture.

14 April, Tuesday

Erkel Theatre | 6 pmVerdi: AidaFeaturing: the Orchestra and Choir of the Hungarian State OperaConductor: Gergely KesselyákDirector: János MohácsiSee the programme under the 10 April date

Academy of Music – Main Hall | 7.30 pmSchubert QuartetMembers of the quartet: Christiane Oelze – soprano, Birgit Remmert – alto, Markus Schäfer – tenor, Konrad Jarnot – baritoneFeaturing: Eric Schneider – piano

15 April, Wednesday

Palace of Arts – Béla Bartók National Concert Hall | 8 pmDavid Sanborn BandFeaturing: David Sanborn – saxophone, Ricky Peterson – keyboards, Richard Patterson – bass guitar, Gene Lake – guitar

Bálna Budapest – Event Hall | 8 pmFragileA guest performance of Studio M, Sfântu GheorghePerformed by: László Bajkó, Eszter Nagy, Levente Orbán, Emília Polgár, László Szekrényes, Attila Veres NagyMusic: Ferenc OrbánStage set, costumes: Zsuzsanna BagolyDirector: Gábor GodaNot recommended for audiences under the age of 16.

Budapest Music Center – Opus Jazz Club | 9 pmColin Vallon TrioMembers of the trio: Colin Vallon – piano, Patrice Moret – double bass, Julian Sartorius – drumsAn event jointly organized with the Budapest Music Center.

16 April, Thursday

Pesti Vigadó – Banquet Hall | 5 pm Budapest Cello EnsembleRossini: The Barber of Seville – OvertureJ. S. Bach: Goldberg Variations – excerptsHaydn: Cello Concerto in C major, 3rd movementLevente Gyöngyössy: DivertimentoPiazzolla: OblivionLászló Melis: Cellomania – excerptThe Beatles: Eleanor Rigby

Members of the ensemble: György Déri, Balázs Kántor, Mihály Simkó-Várnagy, Árpád Amirás, Endre Balog, Péter Boldoghy Kummert, Sándor Harangozó, Antónia Paláncz, Mariann Pleszkán, András Sturcz, Márton Szontagh, Marcell Vámos

Artistic director: Péter Boldoghy Kummert

Museum of Ethnography | 5 pmFrom Szekler gates to towelsGábor Szinte’s collectionsAn event jointly organized with the Museum of Ethnography.

Budapest Jazz Club | 7 pmFeast of Hungarian Jazz 20157 pm Band of the Etűd Secondary School of Music8 pm Band of the Department of Jazz, Béla Bartók Secondary School of Music9 pm Band of the Department of Art, Kodolányi János University10 pm Band of the Department of Jazz, Liszt Academy of MusicAn event jointly organized with the Budapest Jazz Club.

Palace of Arts – Béla Bartók National Concert Hall | 7.30 pmAmadinda and MuzsikásMembers of Amadinda: Zoltán Rácz, Zoltán Váczi, Aurél Holló, Károly BojtosMembers of Muzsikás: Mihály Sipos – violin, zither, voice, László Porteleki – violin, cithern, tambura, voice, Péter Éri – viola, tambura, mandolin, recorders, voice, Dániel Hamar – double bass, gardon, drum, voice

Pesti Vigadó – Banquet Hall | 7:30 pmTsuyoshi Tsutsumi (cello) and Adrienn Krausz (piano) in concertBeethoven: Variations for Piano and Cello, WoO 46 Brahms: Sonata for Cello and Piano No. 2 in F major, op. 99 Toshiro Mayuzumi: Bunrakude Falla: Spanish suiteBartók: Rhapsody No. 1

Budapest Music Center | 7.30 pm

Polina Pasztircsák (voice) and Jan Philip Schulze (piano) in concert

Bálna Budapest – Event Hall | 8 pmAna Moura sings fadoFeaturing: Ângelo Freire – Portuguese guitar, Pedro Soares – acoustic guitar, André Moreira – acoustic bass guitar, João Gomes – keyboards, Mário Costa – drums, percussion

17 April, Friday

Budapest Jazz Club | 7 pmFeast of Hungarian Jazz 20157 pm Opening, awards ceremony7:30 pm The concert of the 2015 winner of the Szabó Gábor Prize8:30 pm Szabolcs Oláh Quintet9:30 pm Syrius Legacy10:30 pm BJC Jam SessionAn event jointly organized with the Budapest Jazz Club.

Palace of Arts – Festival Theatre | 7 pmBIRDIEThe world premiere of the Compagnie Pál FrenákAn event jointly organized with the National Dance Theatre.

Palace of Arts – Béla Bartók National Concert Hall | 7.30 pmElīna Garanča and the Budapest Philharmonic OrchestraGlinka: Ruslan and Lyudmila – overtureTchaikovsky: The Maid of Orleans – Joanna’s ariaMassenet: Thaïs – MeditationSaint-Saëns: Samson and Delilah – Delilah’s aria (Mon cœur s’ouvre à ta voix)Saint-Saëns: Samson and Delilah – BacchanalGounod: Queen of Sheba – aria (Plus grand, dans son obscurité)Three paso doblesBizet: Carmen – medleyConductor: Karel Mark Chichon

Budapest Music Center – Concert Hall | 7:30 pmDitta Rohmann’s cello recitalJ. S. Bach: Suites for Solo Cello (No. 1, BWV 1007; No. 3, BWV 1009; No. 5, BWV 1011)An event jointly organized with the Budapest Music Center.

18 April, Saturday

Kolibri Fészek | 3 pmAxel Hacke: A Bear Called Sunday – premiereAdapted for the stage by Dóra GimesiDirector: Ágnes KuthyPresented in cooperation with Kolibri Theatre.

Vígszínház | 7 pmJ. A. Hasse: Siroe, King of PersiaSemi-staged performance of the baroque operaSiroe: Max Emanuel CencicLaodice: Julia LezhnevaMedarse: Mary-Ellen NesiCosroe: Juan SanchoEmira: Roxana ConstantinescuArasse: Lauren Snouffer

Featuring: Armonia Atenea OrchestraConductor: George Petrou

Director: Max Emanuel Cencic

Palace of Arts – Festival Theatre | 7 pmBIRDIEThe performance of the Compagnie Pál FrenákAn event jointly organized with the National Dance Theatre.

Madách Theatre | 7 pmP. G. Wodehouse – Jeeves and Wooster – premiereDirector: Vajk SzenteAn event jointly organized with Madách Theatre.

Pesti Vigadó – Banquet Hall | 7:30 pmMario Brunello (cello) and the Franz Liszt Chamber OrchestraHaydn: Symphony No. 60 in C major, “Il Distratto”Haydn: Cello Concerto in C majorNino Rota: Cello Concerto No. 2Artistic director: János Rolla

Budapest Music Center – Concert Hall | 7:30 pmDitta Rohmann’s cello recitalJ. S. Bach: Suites for Solo Cello (No. 2, BWV 1008; No. 4, BWV 1010; No. 6, BWV 1012)An event jointly organized with the Budapest Music Center.

Bálna Budapest – Event Hall | 8 pmNishat Khan and the Saint Ephraim Men’s Choir

Budapest Jazz Club | 7 pmFeast of Hungarian Jazz 20158 pm Szőke Szandra Quintet9 pm Berki–Sárik Duo10 pm Trio a lá Kodály11 pm BJC Jam SessionAn event jointly organized with the Budapest Jazz Club.

19 April, Sunday

Public spaces in Budapest | 12.15 am Street Art Project Performances: BDPST IN MOVEFeaturing: Gabriella Bathó, Tímea Takács, Emese Nagy, Kata Szilágyi, Eszter Kökényesi, Boglárka Varga, Gabriella PálfiChoreography: Pálfi GabriellaArtistic director: Gabriella Pálfi, Kata Szilágyi

Palace of Arts – Béla Bartók National Concert Hall | 7.30 pmKirill Petrenko and the Bavarian State OrchestraRavel: La valseHartmann: Sodom and Gomorrah – songBerlioz: Symphonie Fantastique, op. 14Featuring: Christian Gerhaher – voiceConductor: Kirill Petrenko

Pesti Vigadó – Banquet Hall | 7:30 pmJános Balázs plays the pianoBach – Busoni: Prelude and Fugue in D majorSchubert: Impromptu in A flat major, op. 90Mendelssohn: Andante and Rondo CapricciosoChopin: Polonaise in A flat major, op. 53 (“Heroic”)Liszt: Polonaise in E majorLiszt: Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2Liszt: Hungarian Rhapsody No. 6Liszt: Fountains of Villa d’EsteLiszt: Valse ImpromptuLiszt: Spanish rhapsodyJ. Strauss Jr – Cziffra: The Blue Danube Waltz

20 April, Monday

Institute of Italian Culture | 7 pmLaReverdie An event jointly organized with the Institute of Italian Culture.

Palace of Arts – Béla Bartók National Concert Hall | 7.30 pmVladimir Ashkenazy and the Philharmonia OrchestraSibelius: Valse Triste, op. 44Tchaikovsky: Violin Concerto in D major, op. 35Sibelius: Symphony No. 2 in D major, op. 43Featuring: Julian Rachlin – violin

Pesti Vigadó – Banquet Hall | 7:30 pmIn Praise of GirlsSzilvia Bognár, Ágnes Herczku, Ágnes Szalóki and Etnofon Zenei Társulás in concert

Members of the ensemble: Béla Ágoston – bass clarinet, saxophone, pipe, alpenhorn, Károly Babos – percussion, Mátyás Bolya – cithern, zither, Barbara Kuczera – violin, Mihály Huszár – double bass, bass guitar, voice, Ferenc Kiss – violin, tamboura, guitar, voice, Dávid Küttel – organ, harmonium, voice, Dániel P. Szabó – cimbalom, Balázs Szokolay Dongó – saxophone, tárogató, recorders, pipeMusic: Ferenc KissPoems: Anna KissChoreography: Zsófia HorváthDirector: Ferenc Novák

21 April, Tuesday

Academy of Music – Main Hall | 7.30 pmGyörgy Vashegyi and the Orfeo Orchestra W. A. Mozart: Mass in C minor, K. 427 Linley: Ode on the Spirits of Shakespeare Featuring: Julia Doyle, Marianne Kielland, Zoltán Megyesi, Peter Harvey – voice, Purcell ChoirConductor: György Vashegyi

Bálna Budapest – Event Hall | 8 pmIstván Várdai (cello) and Julien Quentin (piano) in concertSchumann: Fantasie, op. 73Poulenc: Sonata for Cello and PianoDutilleux: 3 strophes sur le nom de SacherBrahms: Sonata for Cello and Piano No. 2 in F major, op. 99

Matthias Church | 8 pmWestminster Cathedral ChoirLondon’s Catholic church musicFeaturing: Martin Baker – organAn event jointly organized with Philharmonia Hungary Nonprofit Ltd.

22 April, Wednesday

Palace of Arts – Festival Theatre | 7 pmB.R.I.S.A. / Schubert / Some Other Time / Subject To ChangeThe guest performance of the Nederlands Dans Theater 2 (NDT 2)

Budapest Music Center – Concert Hall | 7:30 pmJános Dobra and Budapest Tomkins Vocal Ensemble

23 April, Thursday

Palace of Arts – Festival Theatre | 7 pmB.R.I.S.A. / Schubert / Some Other Time / Subject To ChangeThe guest performance of the Nederlands Dans Theater 2 (NDT 2)

Palace of Arts – Béla Bartók National Concert Hall | 7.30 pmBertrand de Billy and the Hungarian National Philharmonic Liszt: Orpheus – symphonic poem Berlioz: Tristia, op. 18 – cantata Schubert – Liszt: Die Allmacht, D 852/L13 Schubert: Mass in E flat major, D 950 Featuring: Olga Bezsmertna, Gabriella Balga, Jörg Schneider, Szabolcs Brickner, András Palerdi – voice, National Choir (choirmaster: Mátyás Antal)Conductor: Bertrand de Billy

Academy of Music – Main Hall | 7.30 pmHagen QuartetW. A. Mozart: String Quartet in D major, K. 499 (“Hoffmeister”)Jörg Widmann: String Quartet No. 2W. A. Mozart: String Quartet in B major, K. 589 (“Prussian”)Featuring: Lukas Hagen, Rainer Schmidt – violin, Veronika Hagen – viola, Clemens Hagen – celloAn event jointly organized with the Academy of Music.

Pesti Vigadó – Banquet Hall | 7:30 pmAlex Szilasi plays Pleyel pianosKalkbrenner: Rondo Concertante in E flat majorThalberg: Grandes Valses Brillantes, op. 47Debussy: Estampes (Engravings)Chopin: Barcarolle, op. 60Brahms: Sonata in B minor, op. 58

Bálna Budapest – Event Hall | 8 pmDhafer Youssef / Birds Requiem QuintetMembers of the quintet: Dhafer Youssef – oud, Eivind Aarset – electric guitar, Kristjan Randalu – keyboards, Phil Donkin – double bass, Ferenc Németh – percussion

Budapest Music Center – Opus Jazz Club | 9 pmDance Without AnswerFeaturing: Norma Winstone – voice, Glauco Venier – piano, Klaus Gesing – soprano saxophone, bass clarinetAn event jointly organized with the Budapest Music Center.

24 April, Friday

Hungarian National Gallery | 11 amFate and SymbolChapters from the history of Hungarian visual art in Transylvania, 1920–1990

Budapest Operetta Theatre | 7 pmFerenc Farkas: Csínom Palkó – premiereMusical comedy in two actsMain roles: Szilveszter Szabó P., András Máté Gömöri, Miklós Máté Kerényi, Károly Peller, Enikő Lévai, Bori Kállay, András Faragó, Gábor Dézsy Szabó, Marika Oszvald, Annamari Dancs, Péter Laki, Péter Marik, Zsuzsa Lehoczky, Lajos CsuhaFeaturing: the Choir, Corps de Ballet and Orchestra of the Budapest Operetta TheatreConductor: Dániel Somogyi-Tóth

Stage set: Ági GyarmathyMusical director: László MakláryChoreography: Bertalan VáriCostumes: Kata HorváthDirector: Gábor Kerényi Miklós Kero®

Palace of Arts – Béla Bartók National Concert Hall | 7.30 pmDanteXperienceTchaikovsky: Francesca da Rimini – Symphonic fantasy after Dante, op. 32Liszt: Dante SymphonyFeaturing: Chiara Muti, Hungarian Radio Symphonic Orchestra, Angelica Girls’ Choir (choirmaster: Zsuzsanna Gráf)Conductor: Vittorio Bresciani

Academy of Music – Main Hall | 7.30 pmOrpheus Chamber OrchestraWagner: Siegfried IdyllBartók: Divertimento for String OrchestraFazil Say: Chamber SymphonyHaydn: Symphony No. 80 in D minor, Hob. I:80An event jointly organized with the Academy of Music.

Papp László Budapest Sports ArenaHungarian Wedding Feast – Silver AnniversaryFeaturing: Katalin Szvorák, Hungarian State Folk Ensemble (artistic director: Gábor Mihályi), Danube Art Ensemble (artistic director: Zsolt Juhász), students of the Bihari János Dance Ensemble and Arts School (artistic director: Jolán Foltin), the Corps de Ballet and Obsitos Group of the Vasas Art Ensemble (artistic director: Antal Stoller), the heritage societies of Zoboralja and KalotaszegVisual design: Edit ZekeDirector: Eszter Novák, Péter Novák

Matthias Church | 8 pm

Frieder Bernius and the Stuttgart Kammerchor in concert Featuring: Danubia Orchestra Óbuda

Trafó – House of Contemporary Art | 8 pmWayne McGregor – Random Dance: AtomosPerformed by: Catarina Carvalho, Travis Clausen-Knight, Alvaro Dule, Michael-John Harper, Louis McMiller, Daniela Neugebauer, Anna Nowak, James Pett, Fukiko Takase, Jessica WrightMusic: A Winged Victory For The SullenCostumes: Studio XOConcept, direction, stage set: Wayne McGregorChoreography: Wayne McGregor, in cooperation with the dancersAn event jointly organized with Trafó House of Contemporary Arts.

25 April, Saturday

Hungarian State Opera | 7 pmTchaikovsky: Swan Lake – premiereChoreography: Rudi van Dantzig, after Marius Petipa and Lev IvanovChoreography of folk interlude: Toer van Schayk

Institute of Italian Culture | 7:30 pmString Quartet of the Teatro di San CarloPuccini: I Crisantemi (Chrysanthemums)W. A. Mozart: String Quartet No. 21 in D major, K. 575 (“Prussian Quartet”) Verdi: String Quartet in E minorMembers of the quartet: Cecilia Laca, Luigi Buonomo – violin, Antonio Bossone – viola, Luca Signorini – celloAn event jointly organized with the Institute of Italian Culture.

Budapest Music Center – Concert Hall | 7:30 pmArve Henriksen and the Trio MediævalFeaturing: Arve Henriksen – trumpet, Anna Maria Friman – voice, violin, Hardanger fiddle, Linn Andrea Fuglseth, Berit Opheim – voiceAn event jointly organized with the Budapest Music Center.

Bálna Budapest – Event Hall | 8 pmGyula Fekete: The Dream of the Red RoomSmetana: The Bartered Bride – overtureGyula Fekete: The Dream of the Red Room – piano concertoW. A. Mozart: Sinfonia Concertante in E flat major, K 297bBizet: L’Arlésienne – excerpts from Suites No. 1 & 2Featuring: Claudia Yang – piano, Szilárd Karvaly – oboe, Géza Füke – clarinet, Edina Szalai – bassoon, Balázs Borbély – hornConductor: János Ács

Trafó – House of Contemporary Art | 8 pmWayne McGregor – Random Dance: AtomosSee the programme under the 24 April dateAn event jointly organized with Trafó House of Contemporary Arts.

26 April, Sunday

Public spaces in Budapest | 12.15 am Street Art Project Performances: BDPST IN MOVEFeaturing: Gabriella Bathó, Tímea Takács, Emese Nagy, Kata Szilágyi, Eszter Kökényesi, Boglárka Varga, Gabriella PálfiChoreography: Pálfi GabriellaArtistic director: Gabriella Pálfi, Kata Szilágyi

Public spaces in Budapest | 5 pmChorus Gala – The Closing Event of the Festival

Radnóti Theatre| 7 pm István Tasnádi: Spam OperettaDirector: Péter RudolfAn event jointly organized with Radnóti Theatre.

Palace of Arts – Béla Bartók National Concert Hall | 7.30 pmTeatro di San CarloVerdi: Luisa Miller – a concert performanceFeaturing: Elena Mosuc, Luciano Ganci, Vitaliy Bilyy, Roberto Tagliavini, Nino Surguladze, Marco Spotti, Michela Antenucci, the Orchestra and Choir of the Teatro di San CarloConductor: Daniele Rustioni

Budapest Music Center – Opus Jazz Club | 9 pmAndy Sheppard QuartetMembers of the quartet: Andy Sheppard – tenor and soprano saxophone, Eivind Aarset – guitar, electronics, Michel Benita – double bass, Sebastian Rochford – drumsAn event jointly organized with the Budapest Music Center.