concert

Wordwide metal sensation Pantera returns to Hungary!

pantera concert

The world-renowned metal band Pantera is set to return to Hungary early next year. The band will start their European tour in January and entertain the Hungarian audience at the beginning of February.

2025 European tour kickoff

Pantera, one of the most influential bands in metal history, will commence their European tour on 21 January in Helsinki. The tour will include stops in Stockholm, Amsterdam, Berlin, and Paris, according to the event organizer, Live Nation. Following their dual concerts last year in Hungary, Pantera will perform at the Budapest Sports Arena on 3 February 2025, as part of their European tour.

Honouring founding members

The band, currently featuring original members Philip H. Anselmo (vocals) and Rex Brown (bass), along with Zakk Wylde (guitar) and Charlie Benante (drums), will pay tribute to their late founding members, drummer Vinnie Paul and guitarist Dimebag Darrell.

Recent performances

The band’s European journey follows successful performances in the UK and Ireland. On June 15, they played at the iconic Download Festival in Donington, marking their first UK show in three decades. This year, they also joined Metallica on their North American stadium tour, Világgazdaság writes.

Hungarian audience connection

Hungarian fans are familiar with Pantera, who performed back-to-back concerts on May 30 and 31 last year at Barba Negra, their first shows in Hungary in 25 years.

Legacy of Pantera

Formed in 1981, Pantera released nine studio albums before disbanding in 2003. They are celebrated as pioneers of heavy (groove/thrash) metal. Four of their albums—”Cowboys from Hell” (1990), “Vulgar Display of Power” (1992), “Far Beyond Driven” (1994), and “The Great Southern Trendkill” (1996)—achieved platinum status in the U.S. Their final album, “Reinventing the Steel,” came out in 2000. They are known for iconic tracks like “Cemetery Gates,” “Walk,” “I’m Broken,” and “Drag the Waters.”

Tragic losses and rebirth

Guitarist Dimebag Darrell was tragically killed in 2004 during a concert in Columbus, Ohio. Drummer Vinnie Paul passed away in 2018. Frontman Phil Anselmo nearly died from a heroin overdose in 1996 but continued his career with bands like Superjoint Ritual and Down, and later with Philip H. Anselmo & The Illegals, who performed at Hungary’s Rockmaraton festival in 2019. In 2022, Anselmo and Brown revived Pantera with Zakk Wylde and Charlie Benante joining them.

Pantera’s impact

To date, Pantera has sold 20 million records worldwide and received four Grammy nominations.

Check out Pantera’s Barba Negra performance from 2023 below:

Read also:

VIDEO: President Zelensky booed at Rod Stewart’s Budapest concert

President Zelensky booed at Rod Stewart's Budapest concert

Rod Stewart projected the photos of Ukrainian soldiers, destroyed Ukrainian towns and cities, and President Zelensky during one of his greatest hit songs in his Budapest concert in the MVM Dome. He probably did not expect this reaction from the audience.

Rod Stewart is in Budapest

The Scottish superstar returned to Budapest with his greatest songs on 22 June and gave an astonishing concert to the Hungarian audience. The Hungarian capital is one station of his world tour. Next week, he will give a show in Cologne, Germany, and then he will go to Switzerland.

Rod Stewart Budapest concert Zelensky
Photo: facebook.com/rodstewart

He gave his first concert in Hungary in 2010 on the Square of 1956 freedom fighters in Budapest, and more than 250,000 fans attended it. The 78-year-old star’s greatest hits include Maggie May, Da Ya Think I’m Sexy, Baby Jane, The First Cut Is the Deepest, I Don’t Want to Talk About It, Tonight’s the Night, You Are in My Heart, Hot Legs, Forever Young, and Sailing.

Boo came after Zelensky appeared

But it seems nobody prepared him for what he could have expected from the Hungarian audience after projecting President Zelensky behind him during one of his songs.

According to Telex, he offered one of his hit songs, Rhythm Of My Heart (1991), to Ukraine and Zelensky. He was dressed in Ukrainian national colours (blue and yellow) and projected photos of Zelensky, Ukrainian cities and soldiers. When Zelensky appeared, the Hungarian audience began to boo. According to the reporter of the Hungarian media outlet, they calmed down immediately, and his next song was welcomed with an ovation.

President Zelensky booed at Rod Stewart's Budapest concert

That was not the first time Rod Stewart showed support for the Ukrainian president. He did the same in Leipzig’s Quarterback Immobilien Arena on 14 June and received the same response from the fans. Even so, he said after the incident that he supports Zelensky and the Ukrainian people. “Putin must be stopped!“, he added. In a Sky News interview, Steward called Putin an a**hole.

Here is the video of the Budapest “incident”:

Read also:

  • Hungarian musicians at Sziget Main Stage include Azahriah, Beton.Hofi, Margaret Island – Read more HERE
  • American rock icon comes to Budapest this summer – Details in THIS article

Hungarian musicians at Sziget Main Stage include Azahriah, Beton.Hofi, Margaret Island

azariah sziget

The Main Stage at this year’s Sziget Festival will feature Hungarian headliners Azahriah, Beton.Hofi and the Margaret Island group, while several other stages will showcase hundreds of other Hungarian acts between August 7 and 12, the organisers said on Tuesday.

They said in a statement that the Main Stage will allow Hungarian musicians to use the event as a springboard to enter the international scene.

Azahriah, who has recently filled the Budapest Puskás Arena three times on three consecutive days, is slated to draw an audience of up to 70,000.

Beton.Hofi will perform a show with the world renowned Rajko Gypsy Orchestra and Margaret Island celebrating its 10th birthday will put on a multidisciplinary act with guest dancers of Szeged Contemporary Ballet.

Other Hungarian acts of various genres will perform at venues including the Revolut Stage, The Buzz, BOLT Party Arena, Colosseum, dropYard, Global Village, the Petofi Stage, Magic Mirror, Cirque du Sziget, Theatre, Dance Corner and ArtGarden.

Sziget last year attracted some 420,000 visitors.

As we wrote earlier, the organisers aim to bring the biggest names to the festival each year. Let’s dive into what Sziget 2024 has in store for us.

  • read also: Here are the top festivals in 2024 in Hungary – PHOTOS

American rock icon comes to Budapest this summer!

American rock icon Lenny Kravitz in Budapest

The 60-year-old Lenny Kravitz, the American rock icon, singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and actor, is coming to Budapest this summer for a concert. Will you be there?

According to Szeretlek Magyarország, Lenny Kravitz will perform at Budapest’s iconic Papp László Sports Arena on 30th July. Kravitz’s music is rooted in blues, soul, funk, classical rock and roll, the psychedelic rock of the late 1960s and folk music. He debuted with his 1989 album Let Love Rule, which featured the hit song Mr. Cab Driver. His subsequent albums gained even more popularity: Mama Said appeared in 1991, followed by Are You Gonna Go My Way in 1993.

American rock icon Lenny Kravitz in Budapest
Photo: FB/Lenny Kravitz

Lenny Kravitz was born in New York City. His mother was an actress, and his father was an NBC TV news producer. At home, they listened to R&B, jazz, opera, gospel and blues, and his father personally knew musicians like Miles Davis and Duke Ellington.

American rock icon

However, the young Lenny Kravitz learned much from iconic bands and singers like Led Zeppelin, David Bowie, Prince, Aerosmith, Black Sabbath, Pink Floyd, Cream and The Who. While he remained faithful to these influences, he managed to create his unique style by blending old rhythms with new musical movements and orchestration.

American rock icon Lenny Kravitz in Budapest
Photo: FB/Lenny Kravitz

His songs like Fly Away, American Woman, Again, Dig In and Black Velveteen quickly became hits. He has sold more than 40 million albums worldwide and won four Grammys.

Furthermore, he has also worked as a producer and collaborated with stars like Madonna, Vanessa Paradis, Slash, Sean Lennon, Steven Tyler (Aerosmith), Mick Jagger, Michael Jackson, Al Green and Curtis Mayfield. He appeared on screen as an actor in The Hunger Games (portraying Cinna) and The Butler (portraying James Holloway).

Blue Electric Light tour in Budapest

Kravitz’s newest, 12th studio album is titled Blue Electric Light and was released this March. He wrote the songs in his studio in the Bahamas and plays most of the instruments on the album. The songs were recorded with his guitarist, Craig Ross.

American rock icon Lenny Kravitz in Budapest
Photo: FB/Lenny Kravitz

The Blue Electric Light tour will arrive in Budapest on 30th July with a concert at the Papp László Sports Arena.

Throughout his career, Kravitz has been nominated for nine Grammy Awards. He has won four: Fly Away (1999), American Woman (2000), Again (2001) and Dig In (2002). In February, he received the Global Impact Award from the American Recording Academy.

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Hungarian superstar’s concerts in Budapest: huge traffic restrictions expected

The Budapest Transport Centre (BKK) recommends using public transport for those going to the concerts held at the Puskás Arena on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings by today’s biggest Hungarian sensation, Azahriah. If you’re not going to the concert but have business around the area of the arena, public transport is also recommended.

azahriah concert budapest
Azahriah (Attila Baukó) in 2023. His concerts in Budapest on 24, 25 and 26 May await tens of thousands of people. Photo: MTI/Vasvári Tamás

Traffic restrictions in Budapest on Friday, Saturday and Sunday

According to BKK, Dózsa György Road and Ifjúság Road may be closed from 18.30 in the vicinity of the stadium before the performance, which starts at 20.30. Stefánia Road will be closed for about an hour after the concerts, which are expected to end at 22.30, hvg.hu writes, based on BKK.

As parking is limited at the arena, BKK recommends using public transport to get to the venue.

The M2 and M4 metro lines and tram 1 will run more frequently, and all buses on Thököly Road will stop at Reiner Frigyes Park and Thököly Road/Stefánia Road.

Budapest Mol Bubi bike
Photo: https://www.facebook.com/molbubi

In addition, the company also recommends the use of the MOL Bubi public bicycle system and points out that the stadium can be reached on foot not only from the Puskás Ferenc Stadion metro station but also from the Keleti Railway Station (via Verseny Street) with similar travel times.

BKK added that several buses and trolleybuses will be diverted in the area when the closures take effect.

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From Europe-day celebrations to new exhibitions: here are some of the best programs in Budapest to attend in May

Gourmet Festival Budapest hungary

Europe-day, concerts, cultural and culinary festivals, new exhibitions: the last month of spring brings colourful programs to Budapest, for kids and grown-ups as well. Here are a few of them that are worth checking out.

Corvin Beer Festival

The Corvin Sörfesztivál (Corvin Beer Festival) will celebrate its 10th birthday this year with a 5-day festival. The festival takes place between 8 to 12 May in Corvin Sétány. More than 30 beer manufacturers will be present, including Csíki sör, MONYO Brewing, Etyeki Sörmanufaktúra, but you can also taste some of Hungary’s best cheese and sauces.

Floralia – Roman spring celebration

Between 10 and 12 May, the Aquincum Museum and Archeological Park will celebrate spring with a festival for the 33rd time. As promised, the park will be full of flowers and Roman citizens wearing togas, celebrating the goddess of spring, Flora. Programs include guided tours, both in Hungarian and English, and workshops. Visitors can try what it’s like to live in ancient Rome, they can learn how to make flower crowns, experience Roman school, or compete in the Olympic games.

Europe-day celebration

Celebrate the 20th anniversary of Hungary being a part of the European Union with a free festival in the 5th district, near Kossuth Square. Taking place on 12 May in Szabadság Square, there’s something for everybody: there are programs for children, including quizes, games, a puppet show, and more. Concerts for children will start at 10:30 AM, and later in the afternoon, Hungarian bands including Szabó Balázs Bandája and Carson Coma will play an acoustic set. There’s also a 20-km running race celebrating the anniversary.

Jazzy Festival

Hungary to launch new jazz radio station this week
Photo: depositphotos.com

Enjoy jazz music and a glass of wine at a 4-day festival between 17 and 20 May at MomKult. Food trucks and more than 40 wine shops will be represented at the festival as well. Concerts include Matt Bianco, Electro Deluxe, Los Orangutanes, and many more. You can read more about Jazzy Festival here.

Gourmet Festival – MBH Bank

Gourmet Festival Budapest hungary
Gourmet Festival, Budapest, Hungary. Source: Gourmet Festival

Taste the Hungarian gastronomic landscape at Millenáris between 24-26 May. This year, Gourmet will focus on female energy and the female perspective. With more than a hundred exhibitors, excellent chefs, pastry chefs, bakers and manufacturers will be present at the country’s biggest gastronomy festival. For more information, visit the festival’s website.

Exhibitions in Budapest

The world of Banksy

banksy exhibition
Photo: MTI/EPA-AAP/Steven Saphore

After Milan, Paris, Brussels and Lisbon, the contreversial artist’s exhibition is coming to Budapest from 3 May. The exhibition includes street art, graffities, photos and prints from the artist, whose work usually revolves around the topics of war, imperialism, peace, individualism, capitalism, greed, consumerism and hypocrisy. More information and tickets here.

Kertész, Moly-Nagy, Capa – Photo exhibition

Photo exhibition Museum of Fine Arts Budapest
Photo: MTI

The exhibition in the Museum of Fine Arts in Budapest is the first comprehensive presentation of the work of Hungarian  photographers who emigrated to America, including André Kertész, László Moholy-Nagy, Robert Capa and György Kepes. The exhibition examines the impact of Hungarian-born artists, and their journey from Hungary throughout Berlin and Paris to New York, Chicago, and Hollywood.

Divas & Icons

The new temporary exhibition takes place in the House of Hungarian Music, and showcases the power of divas like Rihanna, Björk, Cher, Marilyn Monroe, Whitney Huston, Beyoncé, and many more. The exhibition was originally organised by the Victoria and Albert Museum of London, but it travels to several museums around the world. Apart from exhibiting the incredible costumes worn by the icons, it gives an insight into the history of great divas from the stars of the opera and silent films to today’s world stars.

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Donald Trump greets Hungarian violinist in a letter: ‘May God bless you and your family!’

donald trump zoltán mága hungarian violinist

Former US President Donald J. Trump greeted the Ferenc Liszt Prize-winning and world-renowned Hungarian violinist Zoltán Mága with a personal letter of congratulations on the occasion of his 50th birthday. Last December, at the traditional end-of-year gala of the Republican Club, Mága dazzled the audience with his violin playing, and it seems like Trump has not forgotten him ever since.

Trump congratulated Mága with a handshake last December

zoltán mága hungarian violinist
Photot: Facebook/Mága Zoltán hegedűművész

The artist played at a gala in Manhattan, one of the oldest Republican clubs in the US, last December and wowed Trump with his performance.

“It was a great honour for me that one of the most influential people in the world, the former leader of one of the most powerful and largest countries on earth, thanked me for my performance at the gala evening – almost the first to get up from his table – with a round of applause, and then called me over and congratulated me with a friendly handshake,” the Hungarian violinist told Blikk.

“We also exchanged a few words with the President, who was very direct and good-humoured.

He mentioned that he was campaigning with my name, referring to MAGA, the slogan ‘Make America Great Again’,”

Mága added.

Mága is a well-known Hungarian violinist

According to the Hungarian tabloid, Mága is no stranger to the overseas art world and audiences. His two solo shows on PBS, and his annual US and Canadian tour series receive considerable media attention and a high level of interest from music-loving audiences.

Whether it’s Carnegie Hall in New York, the temple of music, Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles or the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, home of the Academy Awards, his concerts are always packed to capacity, with standing ovations and roaring applause for the violin playing of the Hungarian artist.

Trump’s wishes to Mága on his birthday

Trump also remembered the Hungarian violinist’s birthday. On 19 February, in a personally signed letter, he greeted the artist, who he considered to be incredibly talented, on his 50th birthday, recalling their meeting in December as a joyful moment. The former US President wished Zoltán Mága good health and happiness, also on behalf of his wife Melania Trump.

Read Donald Trump’s letter to the Hungarian violinist below:

“Dear Zoltan,

Melania and I join your family and friends in wishing you a wonderful 50th birthday!

It was a pleasure meeting you this past December. You are an incredibly talented violinist!

As you celebrate this special occasion, we pray your year ahead is filled with good health, happiness, and the many blessings of our great country.

Happy Birthday, and may God bless you and your family.

With best wishes,

Donald Trump”

“The president running for election again in November forwarded his letter to my son’s address in New York, so I received the presidential greeting only recently, in the days before Easter, while I was in America,” the Hungarian violinist told Blikk. He added that his US manager and Donald Trump’s staff are already discussing when and where they can meet during his US tour planned for the second half of the year.

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New world-famous names announced for 2024 Sziget Festival

Sziget Festival

Liam Gallagher, Halsey, Skrillex, Janelle Monae, Raye and Tom Odell are among the nearly fifty acts announced on Wednesday to perform at the Sziget Festival taking place in Budapest from August 7 to 12.

Former Oasis singer Liam Gallagher will focus on the group’s debut album Definitely Maybe, a seminal 1990s record published thirty years ago, the event’s chief executive, Tamas Kadar, said in a statement.

Other headliners performing on the main stage will include the US singer Halsey, a three-time Billboard Music Awards recipient and three-time Grammy award

Sziget Festival Budapest (2)
Photo: facebook.com/SzigetFestival

nominee, and US electronic dance music artist Skrillex, the winner of nine Grammy awards.

 

The US pop’n’soul singer Janelle Monae and the British singer-songwriters Raye and Tom Odell will also be among the headliners this year.

The list of international performers to appear at other stages will include Marc Rebillet, Anfisa Letyago, Apashe with Brass Orchestra, Archie Hamilton, Ari Abdul, Camo and Krooked b2b Luude, Charlie Sparks, Colyn, Dyen, az Editors, Enrico Sangiuliano, Franc Moody, Goldband, Job Jobse, Kevin de Vries, KI/KI, Kiasmos, Lachesi, Len Faki, Loco Dice, LP Giobbi, Lucia Lu, Mannequin Pussy, MO, Modeselektor, Neil Frances, Nico Moreno, NTO, Rebuke, Sam Paganini, Sarah Story, Sven Vath, Teezo Touchdown, Tinlicker, Tkay Maidza, Venerus, Victoria and Whipped Cream.

Previously announced acts scheduled to appear at this year’s festival include Fred Again, Sam Smith, Stormzy, Martin Garrix, Louis Tomlinson and Big Thief.

Read also:

  • Here are the top festivals in 2024 in Hungary – PHOTOS and more in THIS article
  • Big names announced for 2024 Sziget Festival – Read more HERE

Wild God Tour: Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds are coming to Hungary this year

Nick Cave Concert

Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds are beginning their tour this autumn across Great Britain and Europe starting in September and ending in November. The tour supports their new album “Wild God” which is set to be released at the end of August.

The tour, named the Wild God Tour, will feature 27 concerts with Budapest’s Papp László Budapest Sport Arena hosting the 10th stop on the tour on the 13th of October. The tour begins in Oberhausen, Germany on the 24th of September and concludes in Paris on the 17th of November, according to Telex.

The band consists of Nick Cave, who is doing the vocals, keyboards, accordion and guitar; Thomas Wydler, who is responsible for the drums and percussion; Martyn Casey, who does the bass and vocals; Jim Sclavunos, percussion, keyboards and vocals; Warren Ellis, violin, guitars, synthesisers, vocals and various other instruments; and George Vjestica, guitars, piano and vocals.

Nick Cave mentioned in a release that he does not usually consider how an album will sound live during the creative process. However, after listening to their new album, he feels confident they can create a great live experience. Cave believes that the songs from the album were almost made for the stage from the beginning.

Nick Cave Concert
Photo: depositphotos.com

Nick Cave’s career

Nick Cave’s career started in Australia with punk bands like Boys Next Door and Birthday Party in the early 1980s. After the band Birthday Party disbanded and Cave moved to London, he formed Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds around 1983, releasing their debut album “From Her to Eternity” in 1984.

The band reimagined well-known musical styles such as blues and gospel with a dark and artistic style with Cave’s distinctive songwriting at the centre stage. They went through several lineup changes and spent time in Berlin during the 1980s collaborating on projects like Wim Wenders’ film “Berlin Above the Sky”.

In the early 1990s, Cave, who had overcome drug addiction, moved to Sao Paulo and released albums like “The Good Son” and “The Boatman’s Call”, which was influenced by his brief relationship with PJ Harvey, a British singer-songwriter. In the 2000s and 2010s, Cave had a prolific career, released excellent albums, and formed the garage rock side band Grinderman for two albums. He is also known for his work in writing film scores for movies like “Lords of the Praire”, “Far From the People” and Murderer’s Trail”.

Additionally, Nick Cave is a novelist with works such as “And the Ass Saw the Angel” and “The Death of Bunny Munro” and with a recent interview book featuring him “Faith, Hope and Carnage”. The two significant albums in Nick Cave’s career are “Skeleton Tree” and “Ghosteen” which are regarded as some of his best work but are also marked by tragedy due to the death of one of his twin sons Arthur back in 2015.

Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds have performed in Hungary multiple times over the past three decades including twice at the Sziget Festival. Their most recent performance in Hungary was in June 2018 at the sports arena. The band is set to perform again on the 13th of October with the Irish band Murder Capital as the guest artist.

Read also:

  • Hollywood about Hungary: Austin Butler and Christopher Walken praise Budapest – HERE
  • SopronFest 2024: experience live music and great food at iconic Hungarian festival – HERE

Featured image: depositphotos.com

Historic concert: Hungarian pianist may play for King Charles III in Westminster Abbey

King Charles III

A 34-year-old Hungarian pianist will write history this Sunday. Zsombor Tóth-Vajna may play for King Charles III as the first ever Hungarian in the more than 700-year-long history of the abbey. And he was the one who invited Charles III to the event.

According to atv.hu, Zsombor Tóth-Vajna is a PhD student at the Royal College of Music, the world’s nr 1 institute of higher education in music. His research focuses on the organ music of the 17th century. That is why the Westminster Abbey contacted him a year ago.

“It is an exceptional honour and responsibility to play at this place. Westminster Abbey is a special place for me because that is the centre of Anglican culture. Several monarchs have been buried there, and it is the coronation church of the United Kingdom”, the Hungarian pianist said.

He said he would never forget the day when he received the abbey’s invitation email. “I was very happy when I got it. I immediately phoned my sibling and my parents. They said they would come to the concert”, Mr Tóth-Vajna said.

There is a special guest on Zsombor’s list: the British monarch, Charles III. His friends living in London told him it was a custom to invite Charles III to all the concerts performed in the abbey. Thus, he wrote an invitation with the help of his brother and printed it on a pretty paper.

The Hungarian pianist in the Vatican:

Charles III has at least one Hungarian friend

Zsombor Tóth-Vajna has been regarded as a prodigy ever since his childhood. He graduated from the Liszt Ferenc Academy of Music. Afterwards, he continued his studies in Amsterdam. However, in Budapest, he graduated as a doctor at Semmelweis University, where he studied concurrently. He is a frequent guest of Hungarian and international concerts. Apart from several European countries, he already performed in the United States.

The Westminster Abbey concert will be held on 18 February at 5 PM local time. Entry it is free.

The abbey said in a Facebook post that “we’ll be welcoming organist Zsombor Tóth-Vajna to the Abbey at 5 PM on Sunday when he’ll be giving a recital of music by Blow, Purcell and Handel. Entry is free, and everyone is welcome”, they concluded. HERE, you may read the full program.

If Charles III reads the invitation and sees that a Hungarian pianist is performing, he may go. The British monarch was a regular guest in Transylvania and bought several properties there. One of them, where he regularly spends some days each summer, is in a village populated only by Hungarians. HERE is our article about it.

Furthermore, one of his best friends is a Hungarian man. Count Tibor Kálnoky lives in Miklósvár in Transylvania in a renovated castle and regularly meets the British monarch in Zalánpatak. We wrote about Count Kálnoky in THIS article.

World-famous Bocelli is coming to Hungarian festival for an open-air concert!

World-famous Bocelli is coming to Hungarian festival for an open-air concert!

The internationally acclaimed singer, Matteo Bocelli, son of Andrea Bocelli, is set to grace Hungary with his performance at an open-air festival in Zala County, near the enchanting Lake Balaton. Taking place on the evening of 29th June (a Saturday), this concert marks Matteo’s debut alongside a symphony orchestra.

According to Egereszegi Hírek, a local news outlet made in Zalaegerszeg, the centre of Zala County, the successful and talented Matteo Bocelli will perform at the Örvényesvölgy Festival this June. Spanning from 28th to 30th June, the highlight will undoubtedly be Matteo’s performance on the 29th evening, set amidst the scenic valley of the region.

The 26-year-old musician and singer performed in some of the most prestigious concert venues in the world, from New York’s Madison Square Garden to the opera houses of Sydney and Dubai. He has even serenaded at the White House in Washington.

Matteo, the son of Andrea Bocelli, the world-famous tenorist, received an exceptional musical education during his childhood. He regularly shared the stage with his father. However, in 2023, he embarked on a solo venture, releasing an album in collaboration with Capitol Records.

Matteo Bocelli worked together with Ed Sheeran

Having begun his musical journey at the age of six, Matteo’s debut onstage at the age of 18 saw him mesmerising audiences with Verdi’s melodies at Rome’s Colosseum. In 2018, he captivated hearts with the touching duet “Fall on Me,” a poignant ode to the bond between father and son, which has garnered over 400 million downloads.

Transitioning towards contemporary pop during his formative years, Matteo found inspiration in the likes of Ed Sheeran. Their collaboration in 2023 birthed his inaugural album, featuring the soul-stirring ballad “Chasing Stars,” a testament to self-acceptance:

Tamás Badacsonyi, the director of the Örvényesvölgy Festival, revealed they had been working on securing Matteo’s concert for years. The singer’s management represents some of the biggest stars in the world, including Madonna, McCartney, Nicky Minaj and Miley Cyrus.

Unlike other big names who had previously turned down the invitation with a curt message, Mr Badacsonyi said Matteo was probably touched by the charming location of the festival, their ‘natural arena’, which rivals big city venues.

Discounted tickets for the festival

The festival’s venue is a 20-hectare family estate, situated in one of the most picturesque valleys of the region.

Matteo Bocelli had announced a number of concerts for this January, with tickets sold out within just days.

The good news is that the Hungarian festival will launch ticket sales for upcoming concerts this February. Moreover, they will offer discounts for pensioners above 65 and students below 25. Entrance is free of charge for children under 12.

Zalacsány’s Örvényesvölgy Festival will see four superstars and several Hungarian guests, the biggest stars of jazz, blues and soul. Among the others, Morris Madrone from Los Angeles and Steffen Morrison will also be on stage.

In addition to Matteo’s performance, the Örvényesvölgy Festival boasts an eclectic lineup of international and Hungarian artists, spanning jazz, blues and soul genres. From Morris Madrone of Los Angeles to local sensation Steffen Morrison, the stage will be ablaze with musical brilliance.

Apart from the concerts, festival-goers can indulge in literary pursuits, e-bike adventures, puppetry delights, children’s crafts and even delve into archaeological explorations.

Secure your tickets HERE to embark on a musical journey with Matteo Bocelli and an array of talented performers at Zalacsány’s Örvényesvölgy Festival.

Read also:

  • Coldplay, 30STM, Lenny Kravitz, Sting, Slash and many other superstars will come to Hungary in 2024 – Read more HERE
  • List: World stars to perform in Hungary! – Details in THIS article

What to do in Hungary this week? 29 January – 4 February

Van Gogh Exhibition The Immersive Experience

Do you find yourself with a bit of free time on your hands? Whether you’re a local in Hungary or just passing through, we’ve got plenty of programme suggestions to keep you entertained! From a diverse selection of films, concerts, and a special walk tour in nature to carnival celebrations and art exhibitions, there’s something for everyone. What’s your favourite?

Italian Film Festival and more…

Craving a taste of Mediterranean Italy in the midst of winter? Head to Uránia National Film Theatre for the ongoing Italian Journey event. This Monday, you can tune in and watch Settembre, a romantic film directed by Giulia Steigerwalt. Beyond the Italian Film Festival, you can also watch the pre-premier screening of Smoke Sauna Sisterhood on 31 January. After the screening, you will have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to join a special Q&A with producer Marianne Ostrat. For further screenings, you can check out Uránia’s website.

Transparent Sound New Music Festival

This year’s Transparent Sound New Music Festival events will take place at the Budapest Music Centre, the Liszt Academy, the Hungarian House of Music, Trafó, Fonó, Fuga, Nádor Hall, the Három Holló, Műcsarnok, Eötvös 10 and the Lóvasút Event Centre. Astonishing concerts and musical productions can be visited from the 6th of January to the 2nd of February. Here are the event’s closing programmes on the 2nd of February:

  • 7.00 PM 2+2 Buffa/Matuz
  • 8.00 PM Quelquefois: Blooming Vinyl release

Jazz Kamra – Orbay Lilla Quartet 2024 Gyenesdiás

Experience the extraordinary musical prowess of Lilla Orbay, a standout figure in the emerging jazz scene. Orbay’s multifaceted talents extend beyond her captivating vocal performances, as she shines equally bright as a skilled composer and a dynamic bandleader. This gifted artist’s rise to prominence was marked by a captivating display of her abilities at the Young Jazz Musician of the Year final, a prestigious event organised by the Hungarian Jazz Association in 2021. The concert will take place in Gyenesdiás on the 3rd of February.

Snowdrop Festival – Alcsút Arboretum 2024

Visitors are greeted by a two-and-a-half-hectare field of snow-white flowers, a spectacular sight that is unique in the country. Twenty-four varieties of Mediterranean snowdrops in seven species are on display for visitors to see. The special event will start in February, as snowdrops start to flower. The arboretum awaits visitors between 10.00 AM and 5.00 PM on every day of the week. The snowdrop blooming is expected to last 4–5 weeks.

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Hungarian Carnival (Farsang) celebrations

February is the Hungarian Carnival season, meaning that almost every town and city awaits visitors with a colourful pallette of traditional programmes. Although the programmes vary in every location, numerous places offer an introduction to the season’s special gastronomical delicacies, such as doughnuts, pálinka, and lots of pork in every single form you can imagine! Here are some of the towns that offer great programmes on the 3rd of February: Balatonfüred, Panyola, Paloznak, Keszthely, Balatonalmádi, and Szigetszentmiklós.

Exhibitions

Van Gogh Exhibition: The Immersive Experience

As we step into February this week, the long-awaited Van Gogh Exhibition: The Immersive Experience opens its doors. The attraction conquered numerous cities worldwide before it arrived in Budapest. The exhibition provides you with a unique experience for diving into Van Gogh’s masterpieces with the newest 4k technology and visuals. The exhibition is located in the BOK Sports Hall, in District 14. For more information about the prices, you may visit the official website.

 

 

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Françoise Gilot: Rising Phoenix

This week will be the last chance to visit the astonishing Françoise Gilot: Rising Phoenix exhibition in Műcsarnok. Discover the artist’s diverse legacy; from dramatic self-portraits to floating canvases, a unique eight-decade artistic journey. Private Hungarian collections unveil her profound impact on the nation’s art scene.

Budapest: The First Golden Age

Celebrate Budapest’s 150th birthday with a captivating photo exhibition at the Hungarian National Gallery. Partnering with Fortepan, the exhibition unveils unseen German postcard company photos from 1903–1912. Frigyes Schoch’s stereo photographs add a unique spatial perspective to the city’s golden age. Witness iconic buildings and street scenes, offering a glimpse into Budapest’s vibrant history. Immerse yourself in Budapest’s rich tapestry at this historic exhibition.

Rock legends to perform in Budapest: tickets on sale tomorrow!

scorpions

One of the most successful hard rock bands of all time, Scorpions, will play in Budapest, Hungary again this summer. To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the release of its album Love at First Sting, the German band will perform a new show in the Hungarian capital. The Scorpions will also play their greatest hits alongside songs from the 1984 album, organisers Live Nation said on Tuesday. Tickets go on sale tomorrow!

Scorpions to perform in Budapest again

The Scorpions last performed in Hungary in May 2022, as part of a world tour celebrating the 50th anniversary of the release of their first album, Lonesome Crow. Founded in 1965 by guitarist Rudolf Schenker, Scorpions have become one of the most successful rock bands in Germany and continental Europe over the past almost six decades, Pénzcentrum writes.

They will perform in Budapest this year on 29 June in the Papp László Budapest Sports Arena.

One of the most successful bands of all time

To date, the Scorpions have sold more than 120 million records, played more than 5,000 shows, won countless awards and received a star on the Hollywood Rock Walk of Fame. In 1988, the Scorpions were the first Western rock band to play (five sold-out) concerts in Leningrad, in the then-Soviet Union. They were also pioneers in China and Southeast Asia, being the first Western band to play in many places.

Scorpions and Omega

The group became a worldwide known and established band in the eighties, and commemorated the regime change with the song Wind of Change. The Scorpions covered the song of Hungarian band Omega titled Gyöngyhajú Lány in English in 1995 and gave it the title White Dove.

The two bands performed together multiple times. The current line-up of the Scorpions features Rudolf Schenker and Klaus Meine, Matthias Jabs on guitar, Pawel Maciwoda on bass and Mikkey Dee on drums.

Scorpions and Omega performing together in 1994 in Budapest:

“We’re very excited to be back on tour and can’t wait to present our new show to fans around the world, featuring our biggest hits alongside material from the legendary Love at First Sting album! Get ready… We’re stepping it up, it’s going to be one hell of a ride!!!” Live Nation quoted the legendary singer, Klaus Meine, as saying.

Tickets for the Budapest show go on sale Thursday, 11 January at 10 AM. Scorpions Rock Zone fan club members and registered Live Nation members have an exclusive pre-sale opportunity that started on Wednesday, 10 January at 10 AM.

Tickets are available HERE.

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Slipknot’s Budapest summer concert will be postponed?

Budapest summer concert slipknot

The lead singer of the band collapsed mentally and cancelled all of the concerts of Slipknot. They would come to Budapest this summer.

According to Blikk, a Hungarian tabloid, the world-known rock star, Corey Taylor, announced the bad news on Instagram. He said he had to cancel his North American tour because of his mental and physical state. He thanked his family, fans, band and friends for everything. He cleared that those who bought a ticket “for this upcoming run will get a full refund”.

He shared the following post:

 

A bejegyzés megtekintése az Instagramon

 

Corey Taylor (@coreytaylor) által megosztott bejegyzés

Their Budapest concert will be in the summer, and he did not say anything about his later tours, so we hope that Slipknot will arrive in the Hungarian capital later.

Read also:

  • Coldplay, 30STM, Lenny Kravitz, Sting, Slash and many other superstars will come to Hungary in 2024 – Read more HERE
  • British sex symbol singer is in Hungary! – photos, details in THIS article

Coldplay, 30STM, Lenny Kravitz, Sting, Slash and many other superstars will come to Hungary in 2024

Coldplay

In 2024, some of the world’s hottest acts hit the stage in Budapest. The likes of Lenny Kravitz, Thirty Seconds To Mars, Sting, Slash and Coldplay will all be there. Here are the biggest concerts of 2024.

In 2023, 77 acts performed in Hungary, organised by Live Nation Hungary. From Maneskin to Mötley Crüe, Bring Me The Horizon, Machine Gun Kelly, Louis Tomlinson, Robbie Williams, Michael Bublé, Rogers Waters, 50 Cent, Depeche Mode and double sold-out shows by Rammstein and Guns N’ Roses —Hungary was a musical haven.

But the party doesn’t stop there. 2024 is set to bring even more superstars. After a 16-year hiatus, Coldplay is making a return to Puskás Arena not once, not twice, but three times with Chris Martin and the gang.

Spring is bringing a star-studded affair. March will see LP, the Korean indie-rock vibes of The Rose at the Budapest Arena, and the MVM Dome hosting Depeche Mode for another epic show, along with Thirty Seconds To Mars led by Jared Leto, and the dynamic duo of Slash and Myles Kennedy, as reported by shockmagazin.hu.

As the summer heat kicks in, two festivals steal the spotlight—Sziget Festival and Balaton Sound, huge not only in Hungary but across the region. And the concert lineup is nothing short of spectacular: Sting, Tool, Lenny Kravitz, Five Finger Death Punch, Bruce Dickinson, Corey Taylor and even Rod Stewart bidding farewell to his Hungarian audience on his final tour. Get ready to make 2024 a year to remember, filled with beats, vibes and unforgettable concerts!

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PHOTOS: British sex symbol singer is in Hungary!

American sex symbol singer arrived in Hungary

The British sex symbol of the 1980s, Samantha Fox, arrived in Hungary yesterday. She performed her last concert of 2023 in Eger, East Hungary, world-famous for its wines, especially Egri Bikavér. We hope that Sammy had a chance to taste it.

According to Blikk, a Hungarian tabloid, Samantha Fox told her Instagram followers in a post that she would perform in Eger at ‘Event Eger Christmas advent’ show. She brought not only hits but much more. Although it seems she did not spend too much time in Budapest, she used the #lovelybudapest hashtag. Here is her post and the photo she shared with it:

 

A bejegyzés megtekintése az Instagramon

 

@samanthafoxofficial által megosztott bejegyzés

Later she shared another post about her show in Eger:

 

A bejegyzés megtekintése az Instagramon

 

@samanthafoxofficial által megosztott bejegyzés

In a video posted later, she seems stuck in heavy Budapest traffic. She said there was lots of traffic, but she would arrive in time to Eger. She seemed happy to perform at the concert, which was free. Here is the video:

 

A bejegyzés megtekintése az Instagramon

 

@samanthafoxofficial által megosztott bejegyzés

Based on the photos shared by the mayor of Eger, Ádám Mirkóczki, she arrived in time to Dobó Square to perform a great show for the audience coming from the city and its neighbourhood. Here are the photos Mr Mirkóczky shared:

Eger is famous for its rich cultural heritage and wines. The fortress of Eger is well-known to every Hungarian for its siege by the Ottoman forces in 1552. The Ottomans were unsuccessful because the witty and brave Hungarian defenders resisted their pressure for several weeks of deadly fighting. Géza Gárdonyi, one of the greatest Hungarian story-tellers, wrote his famous ‘Eclipse of the Crescent Moon’ (Egri csillagok – The stars from Eger) about those events commemorating the Hungarian heroes of that time. That is now a compulsory reading in every Hungarian school.

We wrote about the cultural heritage and the wines in detail in THIS article.

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  • THIS is Goldie Hawn’s Hungarian name: you’d never guess it
  • Hungarian influencer becomes beauty queen of Dubai – Read more HERE

Melodies of endless steppe: the independent Kazakhstan was celebrated in Hungary

Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Hungary

A concert of the Dina Nurpeisova Academic Orchestra of Kazakh Folk Instruments was held in the capital of Hungary – Budapest.

The performance of the ensemble, dedicated to Independence Day, is organized by the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Hungary with the support of the Akimat of Atyrau region.

On the stage of the new concert hall of the House of Music of Hungary sounded compositions of great Kazakh and world classics – Dina Nurpeisova, Kurmangazy, Zhaiau Musa, Akhmet Zhubanov, Nurgisa Tlendiev, Yevgeny Brusilovsky, as well as Johann Strauss.

In the concert program the audience heard the sound of Kazakh folk instruments and appreciated the rich creative musical repertoire. The sound of the orchestra is characterized by great dynamics, the audience was interested in the compositions “Balbyrauyn”, “Korkyt”. And when the blows on the strings of the dombra became stronger, as if the horses were racing across the steppe in a furious rhythm, the orchestra performed the famous kyu “Adai”. As the enthusiastic audience said afterwards: “Hearing the music and songs, the most inexplicable feelings occurred. Folk music always reflects the events of ancient times. We heard the musical heritage of the Great Steppe, which was born by nomadic peoples. Kazakh people are naturally very talented, endowed with a rich culture, and a beautiful voice”. Also a surprise for the audience was the performance of “Hungarian Dances No. 5” by Johannes Brahms.

The audience was amazed by the beauty of the artists’ costumes, their emotionality and energy. An hour and a half of the ensemble’s performance flew by in one breath.

The audience warmly received each performance and afterwards shared their impressions of the concert:

– A wonderful concert of the famous ensemble “Academic Orchestra of Kazakh Folk Instruments named after Dina Nurpeisova”! Professional performance, national costumes, thought-out program left no one untouched, the Hungarian audience thanked the artists with great applause.

It is important to note the inspired, enthusiastic faces of the audience. The powerful energy of “kyu tartys” and virtuoso mastery of the dombra, demonstration of their musical abilities, playing technique, bright presentation fascinated the spirit of the audience.

As we wrote earlier, Sándor Petőfi Street inaugurated in Kazakhstan, read details HERE.

List: World stars to perform in Hungary!

balaton sound festivals

Lenny Kravitz, Marshmello, Paul Kalkbrenner, Timmy Trumpet, James Hype and Purple Disco Machine are some of the awesome musical acts those interested can see live next year in Hungary. According to a new announcement, Lenny Kravitz will perform at the Papp László Budapest Sport Arena, while the others will perform at the Balaton Sound summer festival.

Lenny Kravitz in Budapest

lenny kravitz
Lenny Kravizt in 2018. Source: Wikimedia Commons/Punx

The 59-year-old, four-time Grammy Award-winning musician and singer Lenny Kravitz will arrive in Hungary as part of his Blue Electric Light tour, organiser Live Nation announced on Tuesday.

Kravitz will perform in the Papp László Budapest Sport Arena on 30 July, 2024.

He wrote and recorded his twelfth studio album, Blue Electric Light, which is due for release next March, in his studio in the Bahamas. The release highlights that Kravitz’s new album is a collection of passionate songs, resonating with the artist’s talents as a songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist. He played most of the instruments, accompanied by his longtime guitarist Craig Ross.

In a career spanning more than three decades, Lenny Kravitz has crossed musical genres, mixing sounds and styles, Pénzcentrum writes. His rock music is dominated by the soul and funk influences of the 60s and 70s, and he has won all four Grammy Awards for Best Male Rock Vocalist in a row, between 1999 and 2002, setting a record. The four winning songs were Fly Away, American Woman, Again and Gig In.

Lenny Kravitz has performed twice in Hungary: in 2009 in Debrecen and in 2018 at the Budapest Sport Arena.

Balaton Sound 2024

Lake Balaton Balaton Sound
Photo: facebook.com/BalatonSound

The popular electronic festival will be held from 3 to 6 July 2024 on the southern shore of Lake Balaton, the organisers announced on Tuesday.

“This year’s Grammy Award-winning Purple Disco Machine, one of the most charismatic figures of the current dance scene James Hype, the superstar of underground electronica Paul Kalkbrenner, Marshmello with his new album, Timmy Trumpet, and John Newman, who is entering a new era of dance, will be performing at Balaton Sound,” Anna Filutás, the project manager of Heineken Balaton Sound, was quoted as saying by the announcement.

Virág Csiszár, the festival’s booking manager, said that when compiling the list of performers, the main focus was to ensure that everyone could find their favourite artist from the wide range of electronic music artists. “We kept in mind that the harder, hardstyle, hard techno genres, which have been very popular in the last year, should be given more space at the festival’s big venues next year. Among the names just announced are Nico Moreno and Ben Nicky”.

Find the current line-up and check the upcoming names in the future HERE!

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