Hungarian Concerto

Hommage à Béla Bartók

The political cataclysm of the nineties had resulted in the emergence of new democracies in Central and East Europe. The living memory of the revolution of 1956 had made Hungary a protagonist of such changes. A new Hungarian Republic was born. This significant historic event fundamentally and quickly reshaped our economic, social and cultural environment.  However, the whole world is continuously changing and we are influenced by these changes. 

In such an ever-changing world, it is difficult to rely on certain values because our approach to tradition, considered beforehand permanent and constant, has also changed. In view of these facts, the conclusion is inevitable that we need to identify and to show the live, affirmable and valuable elements of our tradition; and to identify and to position ourselves in our language and in our world.

While conceiving the Hungarian Concerto, the originators were guided by the oeuvre of world-famous composer, ethnomusicologist and pianist Béla Bartók. His spirituality and life-work convincingly prove that tradition and modernity are complementary categories.  Knowing our native culture, folk-dances and folk-music, and proceeding from it, we can find our special, modern and topical way of artistic expression, our new language of stage dance.

The performance of the Hungarian State Folk Ensemble is a complex dance theater unique in the world; traditional folk-dance, folk-music, contemporary music, sophisticated stage equipment and an up-to-date dramaturgy are integral parts of a contemporary communal theater, however facilitating personal identification, representing universal values.

The Hungarian Concerto reflects the unity of tradition and of modernity: the gorgeous variegation of Hungarian folk-music and folk-dance, the acrobatic virtuosity of men’s dances, the lyricism of girls’ dances, the charm of love reflected by twosome dances, pearls of vocal culture…

The most beautiful, almost classic pieces of Hungarian folk-music, fine instrumental solos, fortes and pianos, a tremendous orchestral sound… 

A glorious and inspired scene. 

The Hungarian Concerto is a new performance of a new world.

Music: Gergely Agócs, László Kelemen, István Pál, Ferenc Radics 

Choreographies: Rita Furik, Gerzson Péter Kovács, Richárd Kökény, Gábor Mihályi, Mihály Richtarcsik 

Costumes: Rita Furik, Edit Szűcs

Lighting/Settings: Gerzson Péter Kovács

Graphics: Bori Vilma Kovács

Video Works: Zoltán Dénes, Digitart, Ernst Süss

Sand Animation: Ferenc Cakó

Music Coordinator: László Kelemen

Assistant Director: Gerzson Péter Kovács (Harangozó Gyula Award, Lábán Rudolf Award)

Director/Choreographer: Gábor Mihályi (Harangozó Gyula Award)

Performed by the Dance Ensemble and Orchestra of the Hungarian State Folk Ensemble.

Directors of the Orchestra: István Pál, Ferenc Radics

Chorus Leader: Richárd Kökény

Assistants: Gabriella Bakos (Harangozó Gyula Award), Szilvia Nemes, Péter Varga 

Artistic Director: Gábor Mihályi (Harangozó Gyula Award)