Handel Marathon 2025: A Grand Celebration of Baroque Brilliance

On February 2, 2025, Budapest’s Müpa (Palace of Arts) will host an extraordinary event to commemorate the 340th anniversary of George Frederic Handel’s birth. The Handel Marathon promises to be a day-long extravaganza, offering music lovers a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of Handel’s compositions and the broader world of Baroque music.

A Musical Feast Across Venues

The Handel Marathon will transform Müpa into a veritable temple of Baroque music, with performances and events spread throughout the building:

• Béla Bartók National Concert Hall: The main stage will host full-scale performances of Handel’s most beloved works.
• Festival Theatre: Intimate chamber concerts and smaller ensemble performances will take place here.
• Foyer: A tableau exhibition will provide visual context to Handel’s life and times.
• Glass Hall: Students from the Liszt Academy will showcase their interpretations of Handel’s music.
• Auditorium: Concert film screenings will offer a multimedia experience of Handel’s world.

Star-Studded Lineup

The marathon boasts an impressive roster of early music ensembles and soloists, including:

• Orfeo Orchestra and Purcell Choir
• Franko Klisović and the Capella Savaria
• Franz Liszt Chamber Orchestra
• Budafok Dohnanyi Orchestra and the Kodály Choir Debrecen
• Miklós Spányi and Concerto Armonico
• Budapest Strings
• Kristóf Baráti and Camerata Pelsonore
• Budapest Bach Consort
• László Fassang and the Anima Musicae Chamber Orchestra
• Savaria Baroque Orchestra

A Journey Through Handel’s Oeuvre

The marathon will present a colorful cross-section of Handel’s rich oeuvre, from his grand oratorios to his heart-wrenching operas. Audiences can expect to hear some of his most famous works, potentially including:

• Excerpts from “Messiah”
• Selections from “Water Music” and “Music for the Royal Fireworks”
• Arias from operas such as “Rinaldo” and “Giulio Cesare”
• Movements from his concerti grossi and organ concertos

Educational and Interactive Elements

The Handel Marathon is not just a series of concerts but a comprehensive cultural experience:

• Family Concert: György Lakatos and Aura Musicale will present “Carnival of the Animals Handel Style,” introducing younger audiences to the Baroque master’s music.
• Student Performances: The involvement of Liszt Academy students ensures that the next generation of musicians is actively participating in preserving Handel’s legacy.
• Exhibition: The tableau exhibition in the Foyer will provide historical context and insights into Handel’s life and times.

Handel’s Enduring Legacy

George Frederic Handel, born in 1685 in Halle, Germany, became one of the most influential composers of the Baroque era. His move to London in 1712 and subsequent naturalization as a British subject in 1727 cemented his place in music history as a truly international figure.

Handel’s music continues to captivate audiences worldwide, with his oratorios, operas, and instrumental works regularly performed in concert halls and opera houses. His ability to blend German, Italian, and English musical styles created a unique sound that has stood the test of time.

A Celebration of Baroque Music

While the focus is on Handel, the marathon also serves as a celebration of Baroque music as a whole. The presence of so many early music ensembles in one place is unprecedented for Müpa Budapest, offering audiences a rare opportunity to experience the full spectrum of Baroque performance practices.

Conclusion

The Handel Marathon on February 2, 2025, at Müpa Budapest promises to be an unparalleled celebration of one of music’s greatest geniuses. From sunrise to sunset, the halls will resound with the timeless melodies and intricate harmonies that have made Handel’s music beloved for over three centuries. Whether you’re a die-hard Baroque enthusiast or a curious newcomer to classical music, this event offers something for everyone, promising to be a highlight of the 2025 musical calendar in Hungary and beyond.

Image source: Müpa