Archive for the ‘Entertainments’ Category

ITEC Scholars Day – Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation @ Budapest

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ITEC Day – Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation – Budapest – 2018.

The ITEC Day was celebrated organized by the India Embassy, at the Amrita Sher-Gil Cultural Center Auditorium in December, 14. 2018. by the newly appointed Ambassador of India to Hungary – H.E. Kumar Tuhin, who has had replaced H.E. Rahul Chhabra – Ambassador of India to Hungary after his term of office has expired.

H.E. Kumar Tuhin open the floor by welcoming over 70 individuals, including Dr.Sándor Sipas, Director General, Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade and members of press, members from Indian community, ITEC alumni attended persons and briefly talk about the ITEC itself Q.: „The Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Program was instituted by a decision of the Indian Cabinet on September, 15. 1964 as a bilateral program of assistance of the Government of India.” Continued: Q.: „The importance is placed on relations with Hungary and the enormous potential that both countries hold for each other. Our bilateral trade is growing very fast. Working towards positive economic impact. The Government of India delivering technical assistance, technology and in many other fields. ITEC offers unique training courses, both civilian and defence, in different centers in India. There are short-term, medium-term and long-term courses every year in a wide and diverse range of skills and disciplines. The useful knowledge and experience gained in India is value, and that undoubtedly bring to their organization national development and experience to their employer by sharing the gain technologies.”

This year 30 individuals from 18 countries arrived in the framework of ITEC scholarship to India and from India 45 persons arrived to Hungary. This year still 3 students left out of ten in participating the ITEC scholars, leaving soon for their courses to India. Within ITEC programs, India shares its experience and expertise together in various fields over 160 developing countries, such as: Asia, Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, Central and Eastern Europe, and the Pacific Island States.”

Overall, the three ladies stepped on stage and shared their experiences gain during their ITEC participations. Melinda Irtl Földiné – Yoga teacher attended in 2016 at a ’Special Training Program for Yoga Trainers. She came along with her student Ágnes Demeter who attended in 2018 a Yoga Cyclic Meditation course. As she described the course, in her class were 55 persons from 16 countries. She also underlined that within the number of participants from all religion and colors from around the world were present. There were no problem of differences in faith, nor color they all behaved as a one big family, nothing stopped them from being just-as-one!  Thereafter, Edina Barna – author and digital artist shared her experiences who participated in 2014 at a web designing course. Participated on a 10 weeks web design course with 100 people from the four corners of the world. There were participants from countries that she has never heard before. Appearing as a “full stop” on the world map, and with to-day’s tech she keeps with many the daily contact. She expressed in her name that most probably the participants had a pleasant stay in India within the wonderfully organized course and sightseeing days and well took care of them.

In between the presentations, traditional dance  performance written in the 16th century  took the stage by Sonali Roy – Kathak Dancer and Table artist’s music entertained the audience. There were stunning classical raga fusion show by  Pandit Rajesh Gangani played on Tabla and Zoltán Lantos, performed on Violin. The event was closed with a reception in serving traditional India Food.

Update and snaps Aggie Reiter

José Carreras – Last Farewell World Tour @ Budapest

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 The concert will be on stage at  Budapest Papp László Sport Arena

 December, 19. 2018. 

Wednesday – 7.30 p.m.

José Carreras has performed several times in Budapest and with his coming extraordinary gala concert wish to say good-bye to his Hungary’s fans. Undoubtedly, one of the most famous tenors in the world. Last year the distinguished tenor announced his on the farewell touring, but not from the stage, which perhaps be the last time to see, to hear the magnificent tenor! Despite being worshiped between different styles of music, he has deep, true love of the opera. We can witness music fusion in December, where Hungarian world stars join the production such as … the  baritone – Roberto de Candia, the soprano singer – Polina Pasztircsák and children choir will accompany to tenor. The Art Anzix Syphonic Orchestra’s conductor János Ács, who has often been the conductor of the three tenors. At the Papp László Budapest Sports Arena, in the framework of an extraordinary gala concert, perhaps the last time to see José Carreras on stage.

Recently, have had been on world tour by giving his fans a farewell concert in many countries from London Albert Hall to Montevideo.

The Grammy Award-winning tenor debuted at the Teatro Liceo stage in Barcelona, at the age of 11, in the solo operetta Manuel de Falla, Spanish composer Pedro’s puppet theater. At the age of twenty-eight he had been already singing 24 different operas,

Had preformed at four of the world’s leading opera houses in Vienna, London, New York and Milan.

In 1990 the mastermind of “The Three Tenors” was José Carreras that became a true legend with Italian Luciano Pavarotti and Spanish Plácido Domingo opera singers.

The gala concert is presented by Danubius Music.

Added some snaps and more info heard and taken at the press conference held on Monday, December, 17.

José Carreras worked with the most famous conductors. He has been writing history for decades, master of the great moments of the stage, loving passionately, emotionally singing. He is the “star of the low tones”, one of the greatest don Josées of all time. Through its roles and concerts, success is crammed into success, full house is filled, and the loudspeakers are loud on the auditoriums, its tone resembles the great Carusó. His repertoire includes more than 60 operas, including the most outstanding ones: Andrea Chenier, La Boheme, Tosca, Werther, Don Carlo, Carmen, La Forza del Destino, I Pagliacci, L’Elisir d’Amore and Un Ballo in Maschera. And at the Sports Arena the audience  will recognized some of these operas.

Update by Aggie Reiter

John Lennon & Yoko Ono’s “Imagine” film returns to cinema @ Budapest

Prehaps not on my own by saying John Lennon’s “Imagen” song is one of the best from the last century! Generations from B.C.  … “Before Computer” … have had probably seen over-and-over again the video „Imagen”. Now can live through the moments/ days growing up in the last century at the Puskin Movie Theater screening on December, 20. 2018. in Budapest’s. Spend time … Enjoying  83 minutes back in time! The ground breaking music film being released for a limited theatrical run.

The screenings took place globally from September 17.  No need to „Imagine” music film co-directed, co-wrote and co-starred by John Lennon and Yoko Ono. The remastered frame-by-frame from the original film negative and completely remixed from the ground up from the original audio multi-tracks in stunning Dolby Atmos and 7.1 Surround Sound.

Prehaps the film has have been seen more than once,  and this time the collage of colour, sound, dream with reality stars John Lennon and Yoko Ono along with George Harrison, Fred Astaire, Jack Nicholson, Andy Warhol, Dick Cavett and so many more is a film to remember for a Lifetime!

The film will be accompanied by exclusive cinema-only bonus footage featuring John Lennon performing tracks in the studio with The Plastic Ono Band … George Harrison from The Beatles, Nicky Hopkins … The Rolling Stones, Alan White … Yes, and dear a friend Klaus Voormann.

John Lennon And Yoko Ono’s „Imagine” film was newly expanded version  that had been restored and reassembled” with an additional 15 minutes of never-before-seen footage.

Locals, Tourist, foreigner living in Budapest,. if you have one-and-a-half hour… spend some time by turning the wheel back  spending  at places and friends  on  your memory lane.

Preliminary:  https://www.pannonia-entertainment.hu/koncertfilm/rockzene-konnyuzene/imagine-1972

The film is brought to Hungary by Pannonia Entertainment Ltd.

Update by Aggie Reiter

Albinoni Chamber Orchestra Jubilee Concert @ Budapest

Italian Cultural Institute – Giuseppe Verdi Hall
Friday, December, 14. 2018. –  6.30 p.m.
District VIII., 8. Bródy Sándor  Street – Budapest

On December 14, the Albinoni Chamber Orchestra celebrates their 50th anniversary of its founding at the Giuseppe Verdi Hall in the Italian Cultural Institute. The Orchestra was founded in 1968, with  physicists and physics students later on music teachers and professional musicians  joined the ensemble. Within their work, they carry out a kind of folk-educative, educational work. They hold free concerts and before each presentation say a brief introduction on the composers and works presented before the pieces.  In their performances pieces of pre-Baroque composers and lesser-known authors can be heard.

The highlights of their anniversary concert … Alessandro Stradella: Christmas Symphony and KantátaTomaso Giovanni Albinoni: D minor oboaverseny – oboaszólista: Ágnes Girgás Giacomo Antonio Perti: Magnificat – with the Albinoni Chamber Choir Antonio Vivaldi: Concerto C-minor RV 509 Giuseppe Torelli: Christmas Shepherd Game (Op. VIII / 6) Alessandro Marcello: D-moll oboaverseny – soloist: László Hadady –  French oboist of Hungarian origin, currently a soloist and professor at the Conservatoire de Paris.

Obligatory reservation is needed through: iicbudapest@esteri.it
Only members of the Italian Cultural Institute with a valid membership card (+1 person) can participate at the concert.

Update by Aggie Reiter

“SlowDown” – Avoid Xmas panic/stress on the iconic streets of Budapest.

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Get to know the themed shopping streets of Budapest!

Avoid Xmas panic and stress by experiencing culture during the Season of Advent.

The iconic streets of Budapest have joined together to point out the true meaning of the Season of Advent by encouraging locals, foreigners and tourists to slow down. The thematic streets’ from December, 1.-24.2018. So instead of crushing at crowded shopping malls, these venues offer cool  enjoying time without rushing to visit Falk Art & Antique Street (Falk Miksa Street), Bartók Béla Boulevard, Fashion Street (Deák Ferenc Street), KultUnio  and Ráday Soho – Street,  Király Street, Pozsonyi Picnic,  Fashion Street, Liszt Ferenc Square, Mikszáth Square, Háris Bazár, Markets.

The joint adventures of the streets, called “SlowXmas” emphasize slowdown and recharge yourselves!

During the locals, tourists and foreigner visitor can take a look at the antiquity of the month, and can also participate in real auctions. On auction day, the participant shops offer special discounts and gifts to the customers and free wrapping of the locally purchased goods provided.

The participants are rewarded at these venues with a stamp that can be used for tea and other gifts.

As the real advent calendar, as we flip-up the window may see/where/what is happening with friends, families on these streets and boulevards.

On these special locations hot beverages and street music awaiting for the visitors.

Beside the arts and crafts programs  the participant shops and galleries also welcomes the visitors by having longer opening-hours. On this coming Friday and Saturday, visitors can give it a try to comfy themselves at the mobile sauna placed at the Gárdonyi Square, and relax a bit after the day’s Xmas rush and regain their energy to go for the 2nd half of Advent.

Details about the whereabouts: : bevasarloutca.hu/en

Update and snaps by Aggie Reiter

Herald News: Interested going to il Maestro Ennio Morricone concert @ Budapest – 2019.

A gift from film composer Ennio Morricone …

within less than 2 month, the Italian legend, il Maestro Morricone, on  Wednesday, January, 23. 2019., will host a jubilee exclusive birthday concert at the Papp László Sport Arena, where the best-known melodies will be heard. The maestro will be accompanied by a full Symphony Orchester, along with about 250 musicians  participating at the monster production.

The Hungarian musicians sent photographs to the 90th birthday in November to Ennio Morricone wishing good health and success to the composer. Morricone received the greetings in his Roman home and thanked through his management. The musical magician deeply was touched by the gesture of the Hungarian musicians.

There is hardly to name another living true virtuoso as Ennio Morricone …  a film composer, a legend whose work has reached far-far-away beyond borders.  Morricone’s legendary sounbdtracks such as: “Once Upon a Time in The West” (American-Italian-Spanish Western – by Sergio Leone) or the “The Good, The Bad and The Ugly” …   A true epic Spaghetti Western film with Italian music composer Director: Sergio Leone …  by far the most ambitious, unflinchingly graphic and stylistically influential western ever mounted together with Morricone’s music.The maestro’s soundtracks are well recognised and cannot be divided from the screenplays. The maestro’s soundtracks will not be different here in Budapest at the concert.  The audience may close their eyes and layback as hearing the melodies which will fill the air and soul at the one time concert in Budapest.

Update by Aggie Reiter

ENIT – Italian National Tourist Board Evening – focuses on the Mediterranean diet!  

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ENIT – Gala Dinner – Italian Culture Institution – Giuseppe Verdi Hall. The evening was arranged by personal invitation to illustrious V.I.P. and special guests, also dedicated to Italian and Hungarian tour operators with a dinner focusing on the Mediterranean Diet and the ENIT 2019 Activity Program.

Beside the mouth-watering flavors, the entertainment was throughout the whole evening.  The Italian Culture Institution – Giuseppe Verdi Hall with its interior architecture  “fesko”(a screen of the “so calling” landscape of Italy) on the stage’s back wall is simply beautiful with it as if we have had been just arriving to Italy.

The keystones of the evening was the promotion of the Italian tourist offers – Made in Italy – one of the richest artistic heritage in the world. Breathtaking landscapes, the warmth of the Mediterranean, extraordinary sounds-and sights of Italy. Also was to introduce the forthcoming ENIT 2019 program of activities. Beside the mouth-watering Italian gastronomy, was told that tourist enjoy their visits from Budapest to Italy back-and-forth exclusively to experience the world of so many things to enjoy Made in Italy. Was  pointed out by visiting, exploring of the places where culture, history, art and good kitchen and home-made real “mama”cuisines” …  real “à la carte”  made in Italy style are available and are not to be missed. Was introduced three Hungarian tourist office’s representatives who were invited to explore some Italian  cities, towns, vineyards and other venues which are not listed in their tour offers to Italy and known by the Hungarians. They spoke about the experiences and the wonderful hospitalities they gained during their study stay. Mr. Francesco Maria Mari  President – Italian Chamber of Commerce in Hungary outlined the tourism situation in Italy and that next year another opportunity will come forwards for tourist offices to explore the discoveries Italy.

After tasting through the Mediterranean Diet awesome food, cakes and top wines, fun time has not been left out.  András Hábetler and Beatrix Fodor, two grand opera singers performed a superb opera stand up featuring exceptional sounds and with fully packed of humor.

Coming close to the end to the grand gathering a Huge Cake was rolled into the Giuseppe Verdi Hall with the sign on top of it saying „Welcome to Italy”.

Update and snaps by Aggie Reiter

Klimt and Schiele: “Amor and Psyche” Birth of Art Nouveau

 

 

Italian film with Hungarian subtitles, 90 minutes – 2018. – Director: Michele Mally

Screening coming to Hungary – Budapest: December, 13. 2018.  – Urania National Film Theater

and among other regions cities at  Szolnok, Szeged, Pécs, Nyíregyháza and Szentendre.

The temples of art educational series next episode is of the late 19th century – early 20th century. Vienna presents a flourishing cultural life and the birth of supremely exciting  to the Art Nouveau period. The era when new ideas appeared, when Freud discovers the human psyche and motives  when it comes to women and femininity as a symbol gained new meaning in art and psychology. The movie highlighting both the social, historical and artistic aspects guiding factor provided by Gustav Klimt and Egon Schiele art exhibitions and thematic processing of the birth of art nouveau.

As once said/wrote in a letter by Egon Schiele to his uncle, Leopold Czihaczek … “The erotic works of art are also saints!”

The film will take the art loving audience in comfy through 5 stunning exhibitions housed in Vienna without leaving their seat, to the Albertina, the Leopold Museum, the Belvedere Palace and the Kunsthistorisches Museum on a  journey from a historical café, which takes to Vienna’s cultural sights, touches on Klimt’s studio, Sigmund Freud’s house, Neulengbach, where Egon Schiele lived, the Raven, frequently visited by Klimt and to the New York  Neue Galerie as well.

The screening is brought by the Pannonia Entertainment. Tickets available on the spot at the cinemas desk.

Update by Aggie Reiter

Diplomatic Spouses Fair Budapest – 2018

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More than 50 countries represented from  respective embassies  were present to a good case at the 8th annual Diplomatic Fair hosted in the InterContinental Hotel from 10 a.m- 4 p.m. Entrance fee was 500HUF for adults.The event was organized by the Diplomatic Spouses of Budapest (DSB), where plenty of international food and drinks were served from the participating countries. Around the stalls were showcased specialties and souvenirs from around the world.

The DSB holding of this day goal was in supporting charities, with raised funds, to specific projects that benefit sick, disabled, vulnerable or disadvantaged children – such as to Pető Institute or SOFI, Special Education and Development Institute.

Visitors also enjoyed exciting entertainment which featured music and dance productions.
The DSB was not just an entertaining international day for the whole family, but to also find the time for Xmas shopping.

This year at the Diplomatic Fair at Hotel commenced an awesome and colourful participation by the Indian Embassy within two scintillating performances by Amrita Sher-Gil Cultural Center.The newly assigned Ambassador H.E Kumar Tuhin  to Hungary attended the fair and was touched by the beautiful displays here in Budapest.

Last but not least, the British Ambassador to Hungary himself, a proud Scot clad in his kilt welcomed  two Scot Lads also fully dress from head-to-toe Scottish style (Scottish Kilts … one of the most recognizable symbols of Scotland and Scottish culture) and of course the bagpipe was not missed).

The main attraction so much awaited by the visitors to watch the two Scot Lads playing on bagpipe

Really Stole The Show –

Update, snaps and video by Aggie Reiter

Extraordinary Italian Taste – Journey into the world of Italian wines – 2018.

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The Italian Trade Institute (ITA) wine tasting was held for the 3rd. time on the occasion of the Italian Culinary World Week with masterclass for Italian and Hungarian business meetings. The Italian wine tasting seminar titled “Traditional and Quality” were present H.E. Massimo Rustico – Italy Ambassador to Hungary, and representative of the Italian Cultural Institute, the ICE-Agency Office, ENIT, the Italian Chamber of Commerce for Hungary.  The “Wine & Food” workshop within the framework of the Third World Italian Culinary Week was held after the seminar at the Marriott Hotel – Elizabeth Ballroom (District, V., 4. Apáczai Csere János street Budapest. In parallel to the technical seminars, meetings were held between Hungarian and Italian producers, 11 importers, distributors,  restaurants members and hotel sales, as well as members of the press.

Within the series of the Italian Institute for Foreign Trade and the Italian Gastronomic World Week the ICE Office – Budapest invited  Ms. Barbara Tamburini, an internationally renowned wine expert.  In the first part the expert lectured on the emergence of the Italian wine makers, and then after followed to the tasting one-by-one from north to south of 10 Italian excellent wines, which demonstrate the excellence of Italian wine production.

The tasting hosted by ICE offering a snapshot of 10 Italy’s grand wines from Head-to-Toe … meant from North to South of Italy’s  superb wine regions:

Number 1. Lombardy Vigna Dorata Franciacorta Brut. Grape variety Chardonnay 80% and Pinot Nero 20%. The soil composition is alluvional morain soil of early origin with an extremely sandy structure and very frequent presence of moraine stones.The Vineyard comes from the village of Cazzago San Martino. The exposure and height South-West exposure with light slope, 230 meters above sea-level. Taste: vanilla and perfume fragrances. Franciacorta was the official provider of sparkling wines for the Expo Milano 2015.

Number 2. Umbria Fiorfiore Roccafiore  (2017). The grapes 100% Grechetto di Todi and organically treated vineyards at a height of 380m. above sea level are on the bottom of slate, chalk and clay. They are harvested manually. The vineyards have a South and South-East orientation. The winters in Todi are cold and rainy, the summers warm and windy. After the soft pressing of the grapes, the juice and the must get a natural fermentation, followed by a ripening on large Slovenian barrels for a year and in bottles for 4 months. It is best served after 3 or 4 years after the grapes were harvested. Tastes: golden apple, pineapple, small yellow flowers with very delicate sweet spice notes.

Number 3. Campania Donnachiara Greco di Tufo  DOCG (2017) The Campania wine region is in southern Italy. The region’s most prestigious white wine, made predominantly from the grape variety that shares its name. The Greco di Tufo grape is a clone of Greco Bianco and is believed to have been introduced to Campania by the Pelasgians, an ancient people from Thessaly in Greece. The best Greco di Tufo vineyards are found on the volcanic hills of the Avellino province in central Campania.The Greco di Tufo wines are cultivated at an altitude of 450 to 500 meters. Often typified by warm tropical fruit and a touch of oak. Aromas ripe citrus, nectarine passionfruit drive this style. Recommended with White Fish.

Number 4. Friuli Venezia Giulia Aromatic Traminer (2017). The wine made in the north-eastern Italian region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia. Once part of the Venetian Republic and with sections under the influence of the Austro-Hungarian Empire for some time, the wines of the region have noticeable Slavic and Germanic influences.The area is known predominantly for its white wine. Is internationally styled Merlots, The Tazzelenghe (meaning “tonguecutter”) produces a very tannic and fruity wine that mellows as it ages but maintains a good amount of its fruits such as: herbal, apricot, peach and pear.

Number 5. Le Sabbie dell’EtnaEtna Rosso DOC (2016). North-eastern slope of the Volcano – Sicily, the largest active volcano in Europe. The vivid ruby color of the grapes of the native Nerello Mascalese, implanted for centuries in the volcanic area of Etna, Nerello Cappuccio and anticipates a delicious bouquet where cinnamon, black pepper, cherries alternate and blend is really admirable. Soil is loamy and sandy of volcanic origin and mineral content, including phosphorous, magnesium and potassium.

Number 6. Piemonte …  Barolo  DOCG (2014). Origin from Gancia dell’Annunziata farmhouse – Barolo. Grape 100% Nebbiolo. Soaking peels for 12 days. Fermentation in steel tub, ready maturation in French barrel for 18 months. Intense scent, mature fruit and rose petals.

Number 7. Toscany …  Brunello di Montalcino DOCG Podere la Vigna (2013). From the region Rosso di Montalcino Tuscany. Grape Sangiovese (or Nielluccio in Corsica). Color dark-berried and it is the most widely planted grape variety in Italy. Smooth wine with Beef and Venison.

Number 8. PugliaPrimitivo di Manduria “Sessantanni” Corte Giara DOC (2015) …Editor’s remark … Pardon me … this was excellent – my favorite! Most Popular wine in the region Primitivo di Manduria. The”Sessantani” is made from the grapes of vines almost 100 years old, the oldest of the Feudi di San Marzano. Deep ruby-red colour.  The fragrance is very rich, on the nose it releases primary aromas of fruit, ripe plums and blackberries, cherry jam, afterwards, spicy and fragrant notes of liquorice, sandalwood, cardamom, pepper, tobacco, incense and cocoa, It is rich, intense and explosive on the palate, but exquisitely balanced and elegant. A powerful wine with considerable body, but also smooth and caressing. The wine enhances meat dishes such as lamb chops, veal stew.

Number 9. AbruzzoMontepulciano D’Abruzzo Teramane Hills Reserve  DOP (2011). Grape type: Montepulciano. Garnet red color. Fruity and spicy scent. Intense and persistent taste, suggested with rich first course, red meat and medium and hard cheese. Awards: International Wine & Spirit Competition, 2016 – Silver, International Wine Challenge, 2016 – Bronze Mundus Vini, 2016 – Gold International Wine & Spirit Competition and 2015 Bronze.

After the workshop visited a couple of Made in Italy products around exhibitors tables … cheeses, olive oils, olives and vegetables, sweets, liqueurs and grappa by Italy, Italian coffee beans and tourist agency: suditaliahotel – Forio.

The report became slightly long so only highlighting one of the wine table … The Rosso Piceno D.O.C. (D.O.C. stands for = perfect for grapevine cultivation). Organic “CARPINO NERO” ZEROQUINDICI was pretty cool organic wine with low sulphite content and prepared without the use of preservatives, origin from Sangiovese vineyard which is located at Marche region – central Italy. The estate is still among the most esteemed wine producers of the Piceno wine-making region. The Montepulciano and Sangiovese grapes grow on the clayey texture of the soil which determines in the wines the richness of extracts. The nose is perceived with strong notes of red fruits and sweet spices. Pairings goes well with pasta, meat and/or tomato sauce or with grilled meat and cheese. Received Award for the year (2016).

Update and snaps by Aggie Reiter