The English Marathon at Müpa Budapest – A Grand Celebration of British Music
If you’re in Budapest this February and love classical music, history, or British culture, there’s a can’t-miss experience awaiting you at Müpa Budapest. On 15 February 2026, Hungary’s leading cultural venue will once again host its legendary Musical Marathon, this year devoted entirely to celebrating the brilliance of English music.
The English Marathon invites audiences to spend an entire day – from morning until night – immersed in the sounds of Henry Purcell, Edward Elgar, and Benjamin Britten, three composers who each defined England’s musical voice across three centuries. Combined with a two-week exhibition, Made in England, this immersive program transforms Müpa into both a concert hall and a cultural gallery, where music, art, and history come together under one roof.
A musical tribute to the “sceptered isle”
“This royal throne of kings, this sceptered isle, this earth of majesty, this seat of Mars, this other Eden, demi-paradise…” — Shakespeare’s words from Richard II serve as the poetic inspiration for Müpa’s musical celebration. England, long famed for its literature and theatre, also boasts a rich and diverse musical heritage. From the courtly sounds of the 17th century to the lyrical grandeur of the Romantic age and the introspective modernism of the 20th century, this year’s marathon shines a spotlight on the island’s most defining voices.
- Henry Purcell (1659–1695), often called the “British Orpheus,” represents the soul of Baroque England. His stunning vocal and instrumental works capture the elegance and emotional nuance of an era when music was both divine and intimate.
- Edward Elgar (1857–1934) embodies the late-Romantic splendor of the British Empire. His compositions, full of stately grandeur and heartfelt melody, epitomize what it means to be the quintessential English gentleman—dignified, yet deeply emotional.
- Benjamin Britten (1913–1976) bridges past and future with modernism shaped by tradition. His music reflects a turbulent century, layered with introspection, innovation, and compassion.
Together, their works weave a captivating narrative of English musical identity — one that resonates across time and continents.
A day-long festival of sound
The English Marathon at Müpa is much more than a typical concert series; it’s a full-day festival experience. From the first notes played in the morning to the grand finale at night, the day unfolds like a musical journey through history. With eleven concerts taking place across Müpa’s Béla Bartók National Concert Hall and Festival Theatre, audiences can tailor their experience: attend individual performances, or stay for the entire day to soak in the complete story of English music.
Here’s the full program lineup for 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
Each concert offers a fresh perspective on the featured composers’ works. Conductors such as Héja Domonkos, Dénes-Worowski Marcell, Hollerung Gábor, and Kovács János will bring their own interpretations to the stage, guiding some of Hungary’s most acclaimed orchestras through this British musical adventure.
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The Made in England exhibition: beyond the music
Adding another layer to the experience, Müpa presents the accompanying Made in England exhibition, open for two weeks around the marathon event. The exhibit offers deeper insight into the worlds of Purcell, Elgar, and Britten — their lives, influences, and creative turning points.
Spanning music, literature, and the visual arts, this tableau exhibition connects themes of identity, tradition, and innovation that shaped these composers’ works. You’ll see how Purcell captured the sound of Baroque England, how Elgar’s symphonies mirrored imperial pride and emotion, and how Britten’s compositions reimagined Englishness for the modern age.
The exhibition is free to visit, open daily from 10 am to 6 pm, and serves as a perfect counterpoint to the live concerts — connecting ideas you hear on stage with the art, texts, and cultural currents that inspired them.
A family-friendly start
Müpa’s marathon days always have something for everyone, including young audiences. This year begins with a special family concert by the Budapest Philharmonic Orchestra at 10:30 am in the main concert hall. It’s an engaging introduction to English music for children and parents alike, offering a fun and educational start to the day’s celebrations.
A feast for all senses
Throughout Müpa, visitors can expect a true festival atmosphere: the continuous flow of live performances, the hum of conversation in the lobbies, and the buzz of anticipation before each concert. Between events, guests can relax at Müpa’s cafés overlooking the Danube, browse the Made in England exhibition, or simply enjoy the serene riverside setting.
The variety of performances ensures that every concert feels distinct — from the choral richness of the Purcell Choir to the elegant chamber textures of Fejérvári Zoltán and Varga Oszkár, and the sweeping orchestral power of the Hungarian National Philharmonic Orchestra.
Practical details
- Event: English Marathon – Purcell, Elgar, Britten
- Date: Sunday, 15 February 2026
- Time: 10 am – 10 pm (11 concerts throughout the day)
- Venue: Müpa Budapest (Palace of Arts)
- Address: 1095 Budapest, Komor Marcell utca 1
- Exhibition: Made in England – open daily 10 am – 6 pm for two weeks (free admission)
- Ticket prices: 2,000–4,000 HUF per concert (approx. €5–€10)
- Tickets available at: the Müpa Budapest official website
Why it’s unmissable
Few cities in Europe combine architectural beauty and musical excellence like Budapest, and few events blend these qualities as completely as Müpa’s annual Marathon. The 2026 edition unites British artistry and Hungarian performance tradition in a unique cultural dialogue — a bridge between islands and continents, eras and emotions.
Whether you’re a seasoned concertgoer, a student of British culture, or a traveler seeking an extraordinary day out, the English Marathon offers a journey that excites the mind and stirs the heart. Spend a winter Sunday discovering the sound of an empire and the voices that shaped it — right here in Budapest.
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