This concert is a must for turn of the century music fans. The works of the era’s emblematic figures evoke the flourishing culture and creative productivity of the time.
It is a lesser known fact that 130 years ago, the young Mahler was under contract with the Royal Hungarian Opera House and spent two years working in Budapest. It was during this time that he premiered his first symphony, which will also be featured in this evening’s concert. The piece is an excellent example of how a brilliant twenty-two years young talent - who would later become one of the titans of music - tested himself in one of the highest genres of symphonic music, by composing an entire symphony.
Hubay was born 160 years ago and was a prominent figure in the music education of the era. His violin school is still internationally recognized, and as head of the Music Academy he mentored several generations. Károly Goldmark was better known for his stage pieces in his own time, but his Scherzo in A Major offers a crisp overture for both concertgoers and season ticket holders. Their music is characterised by Hungarian influences, as well as the diverse culture of the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy, late Romanticism and Art Nouveau. The program can be considered a farewell to a long and rich century, and a welcome to a new and yet unknown one -- the same way audience members may feel during late-summer, early-autumn evenings.