The Hungarian State Opera is set to dazzle audiences with a spectacular English concert that promises to be a feast for the senses. This extraordinary musical event will showcase the finest of English musical traditions, blending cosmic grandeur with aristocratic elegance.
At the heart of this celestial symphony lies Gustav Holst’s monumental suite, “The Planets”. This awe-inspiring work will transport listeners on a journey through our solar system, from the foreboding strains of Mars to the mystical whispers of Neptune. The Hungarian State Opera Orchestra, under the masterful direction of David Coleman, will bring to life Holst’s vivid astrological portraits, each movement painting a unique atmospheric landscape.
But the cosmic journey doesn’t end there. The program also features Edward Elgar’s soul-stirring Cello Concerto, a work that has captivated audiences for over a century. The internationally acclaimed cellist Santiago Caรฑรณn-Valencia will take center stage, his virtuosic performance promising to breathe new life into this beloved masterpiece.
Opening the concert is a world premiere that’s sure to set hearts racing. David Coleman, wearing both his conductor’s and composer’s hats, will unveil his latest creation, “Celebremus”. This festive overture, crafted specifically for the Hungarian State Opera’s Anglophone Season, interweaves motifs from both Hungarian and British national anthems, creating a musical tapestry that celebrates the rich cultural exchange between these two nations.
The evening’s repertoire is rounded out by Benjamin Britten’s playful “Variations and Fugue on a Theme of Purcell”. This delightful piece, with its clever orchestrations and witty variations, offers a lighter counterpoint to the program’s more grandiose works.
As the final notes fade away, audiences will find themselves transported, having experienced a musical journey that spans from the depths of human emotion to the far reaches of the cosmos. This extraordinary concert, a testament to the power and beauty of English musical tradition, will take place on February 2, 2025, at the Hungarian State Opera. It’s an event that no music lover will want to miss โ a night where the stars align, and celestial harmonies descend to Earth.
