Free concerts at historical venues in Budapest!

Photo: Daily News Hungary

Are you visiting the Hungarian capital this summer? Do you like music? Do you like free programs? Then this article is for you.

Since last Saturday, we are no longer required to wear masks because the country reached 5.5 million administered coronavirus vaccine doses.

People can finally take a deep breath and have a tan on their face. Moreover, tourists can do so as well. Not only because the European Union’s vaccine certificate is already used, which makes it much easier to travel, but also because Hungary is considered the “safest green” zone in its region.

Budapest is full of fun and great things to do and see. Try out a meal in one of the capital’s best restaurants and admire the mesmerising panorama of the city and the beautiful colours of the Hungarian sunset at one of the terraces!

Best Budapest restaurants with a view

What if we tell you that Budapest offers over 300 free concerts this summer?

The project called “Zenélő Budapest” (Budapest makes music) awaits music lovers to enjoy free concerts at the capital’s most wonderful outdoor locations between 1 July and 29 August.

Buildings reflecting Hungarian history will be filled with music, such as the Museum of Fine Arts and the Hall of Art in Heroes’ Square, the Hungarian National Museum, the Saint Stephen’s Basilica, and several spots of the Várkert Bazár in the Buda Castle.

Of course, there is no need to reintroduce the famous Musical Fountain of Margaret Island right in the heart of the capital.

As artistic director Nándor Götz said, the objective is

“to fill historical locations with music throughout this summer”.

When it comes to musical styles involved in the project, diversity is key so that anyone can find the genre that best fits him. The opera of Hungarian Romanticism, a female string quartet of Rococo, jazz, gipsy melodies, folkloric music of the Carpathian, or a brass band dressed in traditional hussar uniform are all included in the repertoire.

The basis of the musical series involves several chamber orchestras formed from the most prominent orchestras of the country. The organisers thought of everyone, as many thematical concerts will be given to children and teenagers, moreover, special presentations to discover musical instruments await those interested.

The biggest venue probably is the Várkert Bazár, where the Öntőház Garden gives place to four big concerts. Izabella Simon, together with Dénes Varjú, will provide an exceptional piano experience, followed by a jazz concert of Tony Lakatos and Bála Szakcsi Lakatos. To complement these events, the Muzsikás musical group and the Modern Art Orchestra are both preparing with an unforgettable evening.

If you particularly enjoy jazz, HelloMagyar proposes to visit the terrace of Hegyvidéki Kulturális Szalon (Cultural Salon) for an authentic experience of a café house concert of the old days.

Apart from music and the experience it offers,

it is an important objective of the project to give space and possibility to young talents.

This way, four musical groups and bands have the chance to perform at Várkert Bazár. To complement the historical experience, hussars will march and watch the safety of visitors, while a brass band dressed in traditional hussar uniform will give concerts at the Gloriette.

Here you can find the detailed programme guide in English, as well.