Budapest – Capital of Music evokes Bartók’s notion of “from the clearest springs” in making classical music of the highest order available to the capital’s citizens. The orchestra aims to bring their music to all of Budapest’s generations, from pre-school-aged to the elderly, with a special focus on musical education for children. To that end, they have developed various forms of concerts.
With its plan for the capital, the world-renowned orchestra not only provides a service to the people of Budapest, but also makes a significant contribution to the image of the Hungarian capital; as is the case with other leading orchestras (the Berlin Philharmonic, the Vienna Philharmonic and the New York Philharmonic) whose names have become intertwined with that of their city.
On 3 November, senior figures in the capital met the Budapest Festival Orchestra in person to discuss the details of the programme; Budapest Mayor István Tarlós and musical director Iván Fischer were both in attendance at the meeting. The orchestra’s management proposed that, in future, the capital support the BFO’s activities in line with the specific projects identified in the plan. The parties agreed to continue regular consultations by adopting the Budapest budget.
Programmes involved in the Budapest – Capital of Music series:
- Bridging Europe Festival – combined arts festival organised jointly with Müpa Budapest
- 10 Cocoa Concerts – classical music for families, a playful introduction to the world of music
- 2 Autism-Friendly Cocoa Concerts – special musical performances for children with autism and their families
- Sunday Chamber Music Concerts – chamber music in the BFO’s rehearsal hall
- 40 free ‘Choose Your Instrument’ sessions across 25 Budapest schools
- 10 free youth opera performances for primary and secondary school children
- 4 Midnight Music Concerts – night-time performances for young people
- Family Picnic – a free full-, single-day festival showcasing all educational programmes
- 20 free community concerts in Budapest (in churches, old people’s homes and child-care institutions)
- Dancing on the Square – a free concert in Heroes’ Square celebrating tolerance
