Diverse colours of Hungarian culture

An eclectic mix of music, dance and art arrives in India for the connoisseur

NEW DELHI: On the occasion of the Hungarian Presidency of the Council of the European Union under the Lisbon Treaty, a five-month-long “Hungarian Cultural Festival” opens at India Habitat Centre's Stein Auditorium here this Thursday.

Hosted by the Hungarian Information and Cultural Centre in association with the Embassy of Hungary, the Delegation of European Union, Indian Council for Cultural Relations and IHC, the renowned Hungarian State Folk Ensemble will perform “Hungarian Rhapsody” on the opening day.

The “Hungarian Rhapsody” comprises a number of dancers, a singer (Agnes Herczku) and percussionists.

Internationally-acclaimed composer Ferenc Liszt is the most important representative of Rhapsody. With this performance, the ensemble is also paying tribute to Ferenc, whose music was also greatly inspired by the Hungarian folk music.

“Hungarian Rhapsody” presents a very specific and unique dance form that includes all the important characters of this genre based on and getting inspired by tradition. All the diverse colours of Hungarian peasant traditions appear in dynamically changing pictures like the sequences of vigorous men's dance, the lyrical girls dance and the virtuosity of the couple's dance.

The most beautiful melodies of Hungarian folk music appear either as an accompaniment for dance or as an energetic solo or a livery orchestral piece.

As an art form, Rhapsody means excitement – the passionate movements of emotions and thoughts and most significantly the freedom of artistic expression.

Ambassador of Hungary Geza Palmai and Head of the Delegation of European Union Ambassador Daniele Smadja will be present on the occasion.

Botond Elekes, Head of Culture in the Hungarian Cabinet Ministry of National Resources will be a special guest.

Founded in 1951 to collect, preserve and present the treasures of Hungarian folklore, the ensemble presents all folk-related Hungarian genres on stage -- historic music, authentic folk music and dance, dramatic folk plays, as well as traditional-based world music. Its variegated repertoire has made it one of the most widely performing ensembles of the world. It has performed in 44 countries of four continents, entertaining more than 7.5 million people altogether.

The festival featuring literary evenings, photo exhibition and film shows will be held across the Capital till June. Some of the events will be held in Mumbai, Pune, Goa and Bangalore.

The Hindu

2011.01.18.