Heritage harmonies

October 1 is the International Day of Music. On this occasion, prepare to be taken on an enchanting journey through the musical chronicles of Hungary, where the threads of melody and rhythm have woven a captivating narrative that traverses history and resonates with the present. From the lively rhythms of traditional dance houses set against the historic backdrop of famous composers such as Liszt, Bartók and Kodály, to internationally recognized festivals and a thriving contemporary music scene, the country is deeply rooted in the world of music. As autumn approaches, Hungary's musical gift echoes far beyond its borders, showcasing its culture through the universal language of melody.

The beginnings of Hungarian music date back to ancient times. Comparative studies in modern musicology show that Hungarian music has its roots in the folk music of the people of Inner Asia in its early stages and later evolves to intertwine with the diverse folk, ecclesiastical and classical musical traditions of Europe. This forms the foundation of Hungarian classical music culture, which is also significant in European music of the 18th and 20th centuries. In addition to these musical foundations, cultural practices such as táncház (dance house) and fonó (folk music house) are considered pillars of its musical heritage. These traditions not only preserve the country's rich past, but also bridge it to its thriving present.

Hungary's largest and most magnificent Baroque building, the Esterházy Palace in Fertőd, is located near the Austrian border. Summer concerts are still held in the halls and an exhibition on the musical life of the palace can be seen in the music hall. The building complex of the Esterházy Palace is the landmark of Fertőd and one of the most important tourist attractions in Hungary. The Esterházys had a great influence on Hungarian history since the 17th century: prominent representatives include an archduke, an archbishop, a chief justice and also a prime minister. The musical life of the Fertőd Palace made a name for itself throughout Europe under the director Joseph Haydn, who performed his famous Farewell Symphony within these walls in 1772. Habsburg courtiers and Maria Theresa frequently visited the palace's music program. Classical music programs and concerts continue to play an important role in the life of the palace. Concerts are held in the former banquet halls during the summer, and the music hall houses an exhibition presenting Haydn's art and the palace's musical life of the time.

Hungary has a glorious history of musical genius, from Franz Liszt's virtuoso piano compositions to Béla Bartók and Zoltán Kodály's groundbreaking work in ethnomusicology. The Kodály Method, an innovative approach to music education, has influenced music teaching worldwide. The Liszt Ferenc Academy of Music, founded by Ferenc Liszt himself, remains a cornerstone of music education and a hub for nurturing emerging talent. The piano virtuoso, composer, conductor, teacher, author and philanthropist founded the institution in 1875. "Génie oblige!" was his credo: an artist's duty is to use his gifts for the good of humanity and to nurture genuine talent . Teaching at the Academy is rooted in this principle and reflects the vision of its open-minded and versatile, internationally recognized founder, who was years ahead of his time. The straight line can be traced through four generations from Liszt to the Academy's piano professors of today. The Liszt Academy is proud to maintain the continuing legacy of world-renowned Hungarian musicians such as Liszt, Bartók, Kodály, Dohnányi, Hubay, Popper, Weiner, Ligeti, and Kurtág, all of whom have shaped our traditions, style, and approach. There are guided tours of the beautiful Art Nouveau building and you can also book tickets for concerts.

Hungary's musical landscape is graced with the majestic appeal of opera and the enchanting charm of operetta. The country's deep-rooted appreciation for classical music culminates in the opulent productions that grace stages across the country. From the grandeur of the Hungarian State Opera to intimate theater spaces, opera enchants with timeless stories and uplifting arias that echo through history. Operetta, on the other hand, adds a touch of whimsy and romance to the musical panorama. With its fusion of music and theater, operetta presents stories of love, intrigue and wit, captivating audiences with melodies that resonate long after the curtains have closed. Whether you revel in the passionate dramas of opera or delight in the light-hearted melodies of operetta, Hungary's classical scene remains a treasure trove of artistic brilliance.

The House of Music Hungary, a unique and complex institution dedicated to musical education, opened its doors in the City Park in January 2022. The venue also hosted the country's first comprehensive exhibition on the history of music. Despite Hungary's renowned musical heritage, no institution in the country had previously hosted such a diverse exhibition on Hungarian music in the broader context of European music. The iconic building, designed by renowned Japanese architect Sou Fujimoto, now hosts a variety of fascinating programs and exhibitions tailored to music enthusiasts.

BUdapest Spring Festival: Since its first edition in 1981, the Budapest Spring Festival (BTF) has been one of the largest cultural festivals in Hungary. The annual multi-day event features traditional performances (classical music, jazz, opera, ballet, theater), exhibitions, folklore and outdoor events. The multi-day event usually takes place in mid-spring, around the spring solstice, and lasts about two weeks.

Hungary's enchanting melodies are not limited to the capital. Major cities such as Debrecen, Szeged and Miskolc contribute to the country's musical tapestry with their own symphonies of festivals, concerts and cultural events. Visitors can immerse themselves in the lively atmosphere of events such as the BartókPlus Opera Festival in Miskolc or the Haydneum Festival and its programs in Fertőd and Budapest.

Embark on a musical odyssey through the vibrant talents shaping Hungary's contemporary music scene:

• The Hungarian State Folk Ensemble (MÁNE) was founded in 1950 with the aim of discovering, preserving and developing the traditions of songs, dances and music of the Hungarian people, then popularizing them among Hungarians and introducing them to the people of other countries.
• The Budapest Festival Orchestra is one of the most famous Hungarian symphony orchestras abroad and in Hungary. The orchestra is a regular guest in many concert halls and music festivals abroad. E.g. Salzburg (Festival), Lucerne (Festival), Montreux, Zurich (Tonhalle), New York (Carnegie Hall), Los Angeles (Hollywood Bowl), Montreal, Paris (Autumn Festival, Theatre des Champs-Elysées), Berlin (Berlin Philharmonic)..
• The traditional artistic work of the 100-member Gipsy Orchestra is invaluable and unique in the world. Besides classical music, they also play traditional Hungarian gypsy music, Hungarian melodies and folk songs.
• Ádám György performs regularly at Carnegie Hall in New York and is one of the most famous Hungarian artists of our time. Not only as a performer, but also as the founder and artistic director of the Liszt Ferenc International Piano Competition in New York, he brings the art of Liszt to millions of people year after year. Under his leadership, the Liszt Festival has become the world's largest Liszt festival beyond the borders of Europe. He performed at the opening ceremony of the 2012 European Football Championship in Warsaw on June 8, 2012, and at the opening ceremony of the 2023 UEFA Champions League Final in Istanbul on June 10, 2023.
• The Festival Academy Budapest was founded in 2002 under the direction of Katalin Kokas and Barnabás Kelemen. It offers an extensive program of fantastic concerts, master classes, lectures, discussions and public dress rehearsals. Moreover, after an exciting violin competition and great concerts, you may even have fascinating conversations with the festival artists until sunrise after dinner in a nearby restaurant, while one of the country's best gypsy bands plays in the background.
• HAVASI is a contemporary composer who is able to simultaneously impress audiences in the most elegant concert halls, theaters, sports halls or even the most popular summer festivals. In recent years he has made it all by himself into the closed community of the international artistic elite. After ten years of experimentation, he created his peculiar and unique musical world. He has sold more than 500,000 concert tickets and received long-lasting ovations in many of the world's most famous concert halls, such as Carnegie Hall, Sydney Opera House and Wembley Arena.