Celebrate the Majesty of British Music at Müpa Budapest
“This royal throne of kings, this sceptered isle, this earth of majesty, this seat of Mars, this other Eden, demi-paradise…” — Shakespeare’s famous tribute to England in Richard II captures the spirit behind Müpa Budapest’s 2026 English Marathon, a spectacular celebration of British musical heritage. On 15 February 2026, the city’s premier concert venue will dedicate an entire day to the timeless beauty of English music, presenting eleven back-to-back performances by Hungary’s top orchestras, choirs, and soloists.
Three composers, three centuries, one musical journey
Among the treasures that enrich “this earth of majesty,” England’s musical tradition stands strong, shaped by composers whose influence still resonates today. Müpa’s English Marathon brings together three masters who defined their eras:
- Henry Purcell, the “British Orpheus,” whose Baroque vocal works shine with elegance and emotional depth, reminiscent of Mozart’s genius and brevity of life.
- Edward Elgar, the quintessential English gentleman of the Romantic era, whose grand, lyrical compositions echo the spirit of an empire and the refinement of his time.
- Benjamin Britten, the visionary 20th-century composer who bridged tradition and modernity with innovation and empathy, turning reflection into art.
Together, their works will fill Müpa’s halls with energy, passion, and the unmistakable essence of English music — from graceful baroque harmonies to bold modern soundscapes.
Two weeks of music, history, and inspiration
In parallel with the marathon, Müpa will open its Made in England tableau exhibition, running for two weeks. The exhibition will provide a fascinating backdrop to the performances, exploring the lives, milestones, and inspirations of Purcell, Elgar, and Britten. Visitors can trace how each composer expressed the identity of their England — from Purcell’s baroque spirituality to Britten’s post-war modernism — and how their music continues to inspire generations.
The exhibition combines music, fine art, and interactive displays, inviting visitors to experience the cultural landscape that shaped these iconic figures. Entry is free, open daily from 10 am to 6 pm.
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A full day of unforgettable performances
On 15 February, the marathon’s eleven concerts will guide audiences through different eras and styles of English music. From family-friendly introductions to grand symphonic interpretations, the program promises a seamless flow of artistry and atmosphere.
Program Schedule – Sunday, 15 February 2026:
- 10:30 am – 11:20 am: Family Concert by the Budapest Philharmonic Orchestra
- 11:30 am – 12:20 pm: Magnificat Girls’ Choir
- 12:30 pm – 1:20 pm: Győr Philharmonic Orchestra
- 1:30 pm – 2:20 pm: Ars Oratoria Chamber Choir
- 3:00 pm – 3:50 pm: MÁV Symphony Orchestra
- 4:00 pm – 4:50 pm: Valentin Magyar and the Korossy Quartet
- 5:00 pm – 5:50 pm: Budafok Dohnányi Orchestra
- 6:00 pm – 6:50 pm: Zoltán Fejérvári (piano) and Oszkár Varga (violin)
- 7:00 pm – 7:50 pm: Franz Liszt Chamber Orchestra
- 8:00 pm – 8:50 pm: Purcell Choir and Capella Savaria
- 9:00 pm – 10:00 pm: Hungarian National Philharmonic Orchestra
Between performances, visitors can enjoy the festival-like atmosphere inside Müpa, relax at its cafés, or browse the Made in England exhibition as a thematic complement to the concerts.
Practical information
- Event: English Marathon – Purcell, Elgar, Britten
- Date: Sunday, 15 February 2026
- Time: 10 am – 10 pm
- Venue: Müpa Budapest (Palace of Arts)
- Address: 1095 Budapest, Komor Marcell utca 1
- Ticket prices: 2,000–4,000 HUF per concert (approx. €5–€10) available online
- Exhibition: Made in England – Free entry, open 10 am – 6 pm (for two weeks)
Tickets and full details are available on the Müpa Budapest official website. Booking in advance is highly recommended — the marathon is one of the most popular cultural highlights of the winter season.
Why you’ll love it
The English Marathon is not just an all-day concert series; it’s a deep dive into the soul of British music and culture. From Purcell’s courtly grace to Elgar’s romantic splendor and Britten’s contemplative modernism, the event brings together centuries of inspiration — all brought to life by Hungary’s leading performers in Müpa’s world-class acoustic spaces.
Whether you’re a devoted classical music lover, a first-time visitor to Budapest, or simply looking for an extraordinary cultural experience, this festival offers a day of discovery, refinement, and pure musical joy.