The city is together – and it has been so for 150 years

Faix Csaba, a Budapest Brand vezérigazgatója

Csaba Faix - CEO of Budapest Brand PLC

Dear Festival-goers,

We often refer to Budapest Spring Festival as a multidisciplinary one which should not be considered a cliché, since anniversaries, world days, iconic artists, diverse community, family, and multicultural events, and varied programmes are awaiting us this spring as well.

This year, we build on unique anniversaries: Katona József Theater is 40-years old, György Ligeti was born a 100, while John von Neumann a 120 years ago, and Budapest is going to be 150! The world days of the Earth, of Dance, and of Jazz are all present with programmes in the agenda of BSF. Our opening and closing days provide a strong backbone: Katona has three premieres on the first weekend while Budapest Sound Collective is going to perform pieces by Ligeti and by old Viennese masters in the Grand Hall of the Liszt Academy. The mock-up of Budapest uses AR and VR this time, and we can also join the building of it. To the great satisfaction of jazz-lovers, we can once again welcome JazzFest Budapest as our partner, Madách Square will transform into a dance stage on World Dance Day. Furthermore, Budapest Festival Orchestra is also performing at Budapest Congress Center, as usual, and we present a participatory theater piece entitled Flying Data – Utopia at Kristály.

There are quite a few among us who live in this city far from the mainstream, fighting for their own identity, for being able to freely adhere to their own value systems. Budapest is also a home for them. SZX_MCHN is a show with music and a fashion performance, created by Trojka Theater Company. Tibi Kiss is going to showcase his photos in an exhibition entitled You are not alone, at the Főfotó Gallery. The vernissage is accompanied by a roundtable discussion, focusing on solidarity and mental hygiene.

This year’s Budapest Spring Festival is a diverse celebration in a diverse city – and much more. Join us and let’s enjoy the festival together!

Csaba Faix
CEO
Budapest Brand nZrt.