The Cziffra Festival’s international season begins on October 14 in Luxembourg with an evening titled “The Freedom of Music.”
On October 14, the Philharmonie Luxembourg will host “The Freedom of Music,” featuring pianist János Balázs, artistic director of the Cziffra Festival. Through works by Chopin, Liszt, and Ravel, Balázs will explore one of the most important aspects of György Cziffra’s artistry: freedom of interpretation.
Organized in collaboration with the Liszt Institute Brussels, the event also commemorates the 70th anniversary of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution.
Students at the European School Luxembourg will have the opportunity to learn about the pianist’s career and life through lectures and concerts, the Cannons and Flowers exhibition, and a screening of a biographical documentary about Cziffra.
Talent development is another key pillar of the international season. In Brussels, the festival will be associated with a master class for students at the Royal Conservatory of Brussels, as well as the debut of young Hungarian talent Henrik Szőcs.
On October 22, the Cziffra Festival prizewinner will give a piano recital at the Liszt Institute Brussels as part of the Young Talents in the Spotlight concert series. The performance also embodies one of the festival’s core missions: providing young Hungarian musicians with opportunities to perform on international stages.
The international season will continue in New York on November 16.
Following his debut there last year, János Balázs will return to Carnegie Hall for a solo recital in Zankel Hall titled Hommage à Cziffra. The program will feature works by Schumann, Liszt, Chopin, and Ravel, drawing on the tradition of virtuoso performers associated with the Hungarian piano school.
In the second half of the season, the Cziffra Festival will continue its collaboration with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. A concert titled Liszt Hungarian Fantasy – Hommage à Cziffra will take place at London’s Cadogan Hall, celebrating György Cziffra and Hungarian music through works by Liszt, Bartók, and Kodály.
The world-renowned orchestra will perform under the baton of Emilia Hoving, joined by hammered dulcimer player Elsa Bradley and pianist János Balázs.
The gala concert will also mark the centenary of the premiere of Kodály’s "Háry János."Continue reading
Via MTI, Featured image: Fortepan / Juricza Tibor
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