Discover the Cultural Treasures of the Bartók Spring International Arts Weeks
Budapest springs to life with the vibrant energy of the Bartók Spring International Arts Weeks, a festival that celebrates the legacy of Béla Bartók while embracing a diverse range of artistic expressions. From April 4th to April 13th, the city transforms into a hub of cultural experiences, offering something for every taste and interest. This multi-art festival extends its reach beyond Budapest, with exceptional programs also taking place in Győr, Pécs, and Miskolc, making it a truly national event.
A Grand Opening with the Münchner Philharmoniker
The festival opens on April 4th with a grand performance by the Münchner Philharmoniker at Müpa Budapest, marking their first concert in the city. The orchestra, performing works by Bartók, Mendelssohn, and Schumann, will be joined by the renowned Hungarian violinist Barnabás Kelemen as a soloist, making it a particularly special occasion for the local audience.
Classical Music Highlights
For classical music enthusiasts, the Bartók Spring offers a series of unforgettable moments. A joint recital by Diana Damrau and Jonas Kaufmann, two of the opera world’s brightest stars, promises an intimate performance of love songs. Bach’s St. Matthew Passion will be performed in the Liszt Academy’s Grand Hall by the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, known for their historically informed performances. Additionally, the Kammerorchester Basel, accompanied by one of Hungary’s most talented violinists, Júlia Pusker, promises an enchanting performance.
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Jazz, World Music, and Pop Sensations
Lovers of jazz, world music, and pop will also find plenty to enjoy. Rúzsa Magdi and János Balázs will unite two different musical styles in a unique performance. The House of Music Hungary will host Grammy-winning Arooj Aftab, known for her exotic musical landscapes. The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, led by Wynton Marsalis, will showcase some of the greatest soloists and orchestral musicians of our time at Müpa Budapest, featuring Balázs Szalóky on trumpet. Jan Garbarek, one of Europe’s most influential jazz saxophonists, will also grace the festival with Trilok Gurtu, an Indian percussionist.
Celebrating a Decade of Budapest Ritmo
Budapest Ritmo, celebrating its 10th edition, invites audiences to delve into the fusion of ancient traditions and modern music with concerts, collaborations, and professional conferences. This year, the Budapest Ritmo Film Days will be a standalone event on April 4th and 5th.
Explore the new album of Altın Gün, the psychedelic rock band from Anatolia, at the incisive voice of the captivatingly talented Ríoghnach Connolly (The Breath), who roams across all registers from Irish folk to soul, and at the poetic fatalism of Michelle Gurevich, who was born to Russian Jewish immigrants in Toronto. Hungarian cult band MORDÁI debut their 3rd album, inspired by slow-paced folk songs and venturing into progressive realms at Ritmo; the female duo Las Lloronas offer poems cloaked in intimate folk aura; the unique collab of Canzoniere Grecanico Salentino and Roma percussionist maestro Kovács A. Máté and friends take the frenzy of pizzica to a new level.
Singer-Songwriters on the Akvárium Spring Terrace
From April 4th to 10th, the Akvárium Spring Terrace will feature international and Hungarian pop music acts, showcasing the intimate world of the singer-songwriter genre.
Captivating Dance and Interdisciplinary Performances
The festival features a wide array of performances. María Pagés Compañia’s De Scheherezade presents twelve scenes, each depicting a different female destiny. Bartók’s Mikrokosmos comes to life through a collaboration between the dancers of the Corvinus Közgáz Folk Dance Ensemble, the actors of the Forte Company, and the students of the University of Theatre and Film Arts. The Hungarian State Folk Ensemble and the Győr Ballet explore Bartók’s influence on distant cultures for the third year, with their performance of Pure Source, intertwining baroque melodies and folk music. Also, experience the Hommage à Jeszenszky interdisciplinary theater gala to honor the memory of Endre Jeszenszky.
Visual Arts and Literary Delights
Visual arts and literature are also integral parts of the Bartók Spring program. The Hungarian National Gallery‘s exhibition, “The Art of Life,” traces the evolution of the poster genre through the works of Gustav Klimt and Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, among others. The spring Margó Literary Festival will feature some of the most celebrated names in Hungarian literature.
Film: Carlos – Santana
Explore Carlos, the electric documentary that follows the rock legend Santana. Using interviews, archival footage, home video recordings, and concert footage, the Emmy-winning director Rudy Valdez creates an intimate documentary.
The Vision Behind Bartók Spring
The Bartók Spring International Arts Weeks, initiated in 2021 to commemorate the 140th anniversary of Béla Bartók’s birth, is a unique multi-arts event series. The festival provides insight into Bartók’s impressive oeuvre, while also presenting Bartók’s spirit, creativity, and artistic approach through a multitude of genres, from contemporary classical music to world music, jazz, dance, fine arts, and pop music.
A Cultural Tourism Initiative
Organized by Müpa Budapest, the Bartók Spring aims to enhance Hungary’s appeal as a destination for international cultural tourism by collaborating with domestic and European partner institutions, and providing a diverse and rich artistic program for both domestic and international audiences. Don’t miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in this cultural celebration, where the spirit of Bartók resonates throughout the city.
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