Spring Festival

The Budapest Spring Festival brings spring to Europe each year. This is a real celebration. In addition to the rich offering of music (classical, musical, jazz) and high standard dance performances on the program, unique exhibitions, a bustling festival atmosphere and comfortable hotels await the visitors. The prestige and the temperature of the event is provided by the great personalities of international artists.

 

 

 

 

 

In March 2010, for the thirtieth time, we will once again bid farewell to winter with a festival. We are preparing for a modest celebration; we would not like to fall into a mood of nostalgia and we do not intend to draw up a balance of the last three decades either as that is not our task. But the Stravinsky Evening to be given by our ?twin?, the 30-year-old Győr Ballet will in a way be a reminder of the early days of our festival, but even more of the mutual inspiration of Classicism and Modernity that could even be the motto of the festival. We have always considered it important to transmit classical values on a high standard and to ensure scope for new impulses.

For three decades the Budapest Festival Orchestra and the Hungarian National Philharmonics have been stable pillars of the Budapest celebration of spring. The former figures in the programme with a Beethoven Evening and the latter with a Bart?k concert traditionally held on the anniversary of the composer?s birth and this time promising surprises. The Franz Liszt Chamber Orchestra too was there at the beginning; this year at the final concert of the festival they will appear with two world famous young artists, pianist Denis Matsuev and trumpet player, G?bor Boldoczki.

Our guest will be Denmark. This Nordic country known for its colourful culture will be sending the Royal Danish Ballet, one of the oldest ballet companies, and Hotel Pro Forma, a highly original formation that defies genre classification, to delight us with their classical and disturbingly beautiful productions. The world famous Ars Nova Copenhagen choir brings a blend of old and new, archaic and modern. The Danish National Chamber Orchestra will perform works by the modern classic of Danish music, Carl Nielsen, and the ?interpreter? helping us to overcome the language barriers will be ?d?m Fischer. For lovers of chamber music the Trio con Brio Copenhagen are bringing a programme that includes a composition by Bent S?rensen, an outstanding figure of new Danish music. In keeping with tradition, our guest country this year is bringing not only music and dance programmes but also art exhibitions. The gala opening event of the festival will be held in the Ludwig Museum where visitors can see the work of Danish artists and art groups. The exhibition titled Power Games examines current social and political problems as well as the role of contemporary art. Our public has become accustomed to the appearance of a whole series of world stars at the Spring Festival. We have grouped the programmes of outstanding figures of the international arts world under the title of ?Meeting of Worlds?. Yuri Bashmet, the most sought after viola player will return to Budapest to give a concert at the head of the Moscow Soloists. At the romantic aria recital by South American-born artist, Uruguayan Erwin Schrott we will be able to meet a singer who has had a meteoric career, the ideal Don Giovanni for our age. The playing of the Italian ensemble Il Giardino Armonico has long been enjoyed not only by the cognoscenti. They are bringing to Budapest a wonderful early Handel oratorio, La Resurrezione. The international team of young soloists are all artists who could become big stars in the future. Virtuoso percussionist Evelyn Glennie is already a well known personality. The highly versatile artist regards her body as a resonator and generally performs barefoot because she feels the deep notes through the soles of her feet. Emma Kirkby, Michael Chance and the Florilegium early music ensemble are also coming from England. They will perform rare works by Vivaldi and Pergolesi. Nigel Kennedy and Paco de Luc?a represent the peak of refined entertainment. In his latest programme Kennedy plays Baroque and jazz, Bach and Duke Ellington. Festival-goers can meet the master of stirring Andalusian rhythms and melodies, Paco de Luc?a in the Palace of Arts. Admirers of Spanish temperament should definitely not miss the Ballet Flamenco de Andaluc?a?s Lorca evening either. And for fans of modern dance we recommend the performance by the Arnie Zane Dance Company with choreographies by Bill T Jones. The year 2010 is bringing many musical history anniversaries and true to its traditions the Spring Festival is paying tribute to great achievements of the past with a rich programme.

Moreinformation: http://www.budapestinfo.hu/en/calendar_of_events/budapest_spring_festival_2010