The Festival Academy Budapest (FAB) is pulling out all the stops for its 10th anniversary, promising an extraordinary blend of music, art, and cultural activities. Since its inception as a chamber music festival, FAB has expanded into a nationwide programme featuring competitions, masterclasses, and concerts.
At a press conference on Wednesday, Róbert Zsigó, Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Culture and Innovation, highlighted FAB’s unique role in bringing world-class music to Hungarian audiences. He emphasized the festival’s commitment to fostering community and promoting cultural values through diverse events, ranging from talent searches and violin competitions to literary evenings. ‘Music has the power to create peace in our hearts and strengthen our collective yearning for harmony in a chaotic world,’ Zsigó noted.
The FAB’s artistic directors, violinists Barnabás Kelemen and Katalin Kokas, unveiled an ambitious calendar for 2024 and beyond. This includes the return of Winterfest in Lillafüred on 24–26 January, where classical chamber music will intertwine with traditional gypsy music in the enchanting setting of the Hotel Palota.
Adding to the excitement, FAB introduces Springfest, a new festival taking place in Lendvajakabfa, one of Hungary’s smallest villages, from 30 May to 1 June 2025. Continuing the 26-year tradition of The Days of Blossoming, this event will feature concerts, masterclasses, and workshops in crafts like basket weaving and bread baking.
The flagship Summerfest will commemorate its 10th edition on 18–27 July, transforming Budapest into a global chamber music capital. Hosted at iconic venues across the city, including churches and unique spaces, the event will welcome 150 university students and 60 artists from 65 countries to the Liszt Academy.
Looking ahead, FAB will pay tribute to the Hungarian violin school with a landmark event from 1–3 May 2026. Barnabás Kelemen, a Kossuth Prize-winning violinist, will perform ten concertos associated with Hungary’s distinguished violin tradition, accompanied by leading orchestras such as Concerto Budapest and the Kodály Philharmonic. Esteemed conductors, including Andreas Ottensamer and Michael Stern, will lend their talents to this unprecedented celebration.
Reflecting on FAB’s journey, András Batta, a music historian and co-founder of the festival, acknowledged its growth into a one-of-a-kind event in Hungary. ‘With support from Zoltán Kocsis, FAB has flourished into a cultural beacon,’ he said.
The Hungarian government, investing twice the European average in cultural initiatives, remains committed to supporting FAB’s future. As Zsigó reaffirmed, ‘The resources dedicated to Hungarian culture are secure, and the Ministry stands firmly behind FAB’s 10th season.’
FAB’s decade-long commitment to excellence has enriched Hungary’s cultural landscape, blending tradition with innovation to inspire generations of music lovers and artists alike.
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