A musical marathon can be just as euphoric as long-distance running, without being as strenuous. Since 2008, Müpa Budapest and the Budapest Festival Orchestra have been inviting indefatigable concertgoers to their music marathons, which shine a spotlight on the oeuvre of a specific composer. On February 4, 2023, the focus will be on Sergei Prokofiev, who passed away seventy years ago. Like Mozart, the Russian composer was a child prodigy, who tried his hand at almost every genre, composing symphonies, ballets, concertos, chamber compositions, piano pieces and even movie scores.

At the Béla Bartók National Concert Hall, the marathon concert series will kick off with a family program featuring the Budapest Strings; next up will be the MÁV Symphony Orchestra, with Prokofiev’s Symphony no. 5. They will be followed by the Győr Philharmonic Orchestra, performing the suite version of Romeo and Juliet. The Dohnányi Orchestra Budafok will bring Lieutenant Kijé to life, before being joined by Barnabás Kelemen for Violin Concerto no. 1. The Pannon Philharmonic Orchestra will perform Symphony no. 1 and Piano Concerto no. 1. And to round out the day, we will bring another story to life: the Budapest Festival Orchestra’s performance of the brilliant Cinderella suite will be conducted by Iván Fischer.

The Festival Theater will also host a number of programs during the day: János Palojtay’s piano performance will be followed by the chamber formation comprised of Ildikó Szabó, István Lajkó, Gabriella Pivon and Emese Mali. BFO musicians Júlia Pusker (violin) and Dávid Báll (piano) also have an exciting line-up in store. Last, but not least, the marathon will include an evening of song, as interpreted by Evelina Dobračeva and Nikolay Borchev.

In addition to the concerts, we will also offer various “off-programs”: in the Glass Hall, Liszt Academy students will give free concerts; in the Auditorium, we will screen recordings of memorable performances at Müpa Budapest, along with Sergei Eisenstein’s legendary films, which Prokofiev composed the scores for.

Tickets for the performances of the Prokofiev marathon are already available at the standard rate of 2500 forints per concert and 1600 forints per film screening.

Click here for the detailed program of the marathon.