2 minute read
HUNGARIAN NATIONAL DANCE ENSEMBLE
Captivating rhythms, elemental power, driving momentum, dazzling visuals...
The performances of the Hungarian National Dance Ensemble not only bring to the stage the folk music and folk dance treasures that have been polished to perfection over the centuries, but also bring to life the fairy tales and legends of our country, the lives of our heroes who still serve as role models, as well as many outstanding events in our history. Anyone who has ever seen these large-scale, impressive historical tableaux and this monumental choreography will have been influenced by them, and the spectacle remains a lasting memory. Under the artistic direction of Zoltán Zsuráfszky and his wife Zsuzsa Vincze, who was also his partner in the creation, the ensemble has created a unique visual world, a truly national repertoire. The kind of commitment and respect with which the Kossuth Prize-winning choreographer, Artist of the Nation, approaches the folk culture of the Carpathian Basin is naturally passed on to the members of his dance company. The close spiritual bond that he has developed with his dancing and musician masters during his countless collections is still a strong source of inspiration, adding an unobtrusive emotional surplus to the dances performed. A deep and profound knowledge of the original dance and musical material and the various segments of the peasant tradition surrounding it is not an external expectation of the artists, but a leaven of cohesion, a bond that comes from within and which permeates everyday life in the 21st century. There is no need for words about the ensemble; seeing just one of their performances makes it obvious to all.
And there are plenty of performances to choose from. For decades, the authentic works based on the iconic dance films of Zsuráfszky’s master György Martin and his colleagues (Living Dance Archive) have been a defining dance experience for folk dance lovers, members of amateur and professional ensembles and the industry. The performances of Hungarian folk tales have already stolen the hearts of hundreds of children and families. A multitude of historical dance performances and thematic works, such as Szekler György Dózsa, A Tenkes kapitánya (The Captain of the Outlaws), Egri Csillagok (Eclipse of the Crescent Moon) or Hungarian Heroes, Battles and Loves, which introduce young people to our traditional culture and the important events and heroes of our country, have been successfully performed on both smaller and larger stages in the Carpathian Basin. Their unique theatrical co-productions such as Merry-Go-Round or the legendary Passion at Csíksomlyó will certainly not leave the audience cold.
I recommend that you sit in on the performances from the Hungarian National Dance Ensemble and get closer to the colourful traditional culture, history, lore and past of the Carpathian Basin.
PERFORMANCES OF THE ENSEMBLE OF THE SEASON:
Wednesday, 20 September 2023 / 7 pm
Thursday, 21 September 2023 / 7 pm
The Faithless Wife
Saturday, 14 October 2023 / 7 pm
Sunday, 15 October 2023 / 7 pm
Sunday, 5 November 2023 / 11 am
Liszt Fest
CASTLES, WARRIORS, FRONTIERS – premiere
Ticket sales for Liszt Fest performances are expected to begin in May 2023.
Wednesday, 15 November 2023 / 7 pm
Thursday, 16 November 2023 / 7 pm
