Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category

27 Jul

CARMEN SOUZA IN BUDAPEST TO SPICE UP YOUR MUSIC LIFE!

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A GIFT FROM AND TO BUDAPEST FOR YOU…

carmen_souza_press1

ONE-TIME OCCASION TO START THE BALL ROLLING WITH CARMEN SOUZA ON THE MARGARET ISLAND  BUDAPEST

 

Carmen Souza is rolling over to Budapest for the first time on her debut tour Kachupada, the new world music album’s material. Reserve your seat at the Margaret Island’S Open Air Stage and enjoy the hot summer night of Carmen Souza’s Soundscapes.

Friday, 8 p.m., August, 2. Margaret Island – Budapest

Carmen was born 27 years ago in Lisbon. She is a  Portuguese singer-songwriter, composer and multi-instrumentalist. Her family immigrated from Cape Verde. She was in her teens when already experienced the “Sodade” feeling of missing someone with the long absence of her father due to his work out on the sea. She grew up in a mixed environment of Creole, the Cape Verde dialect her parents spoke at home, and Portuguese, always surrounded by the capeverdean way of life. Carmen started singing professionally at the age of 17 in a Lusophone Gospel Choir and since then she participated in several projects from the road of Funky to Soul and from Jazz to World music.

Already released four albums, influenced on traditional African and Cape Verde rhythms like Batuke, Morna, Cola djon, with her jazz-’n-soul contemporary influences  brought a totally intimate and acoustic vibe, indeed different from the traditional environment of Cape Verdean sounds.

Just mentioning a couple of musicians  whom made a great influence on her personal style:  Billie Holiday, Nina Simone, Etta Jones, Ella Fitzgerald and as for the men: Horace Silver, Keith Jarret, Theo Pas’cal and Luis Morais, Joe Zawinul … but thanks to Theo Pas’cal, her producer and mentor and one of the best bass players in Portugal was the one who discover her talent and introduce her to the land of Jazz, Fusion and other contemporary sounds that really influenced her a lot.

Those individuals who are in the house on rooted jazz music needn’t have to introduce the band, but for those who ain’t too familiar with them can describe them in seven words: ”Remarkable, splendid performers in the current jazzville!”

So it’s now up to you rollinginbudapest out to the Margaret Island on this coming Friday, August, 2. to see and hear a slice of music which reflects the Cape Verde sound, yet bringing to it a superb evolution by Carmen Souza – vocals, guitar, Theo Pas’cal – bass guitar, double bass, Filipe Melo – piano, Kacomanolis Elias – drums, percussion.

Here’s an  “appetizer”,  a YT video from Carmen Souza:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3-RRVkK01A

Last, but not least here comes … the real musical delicacy, offering a premium experience package within: a round trip boat ticket, Latin style welcome cocktail, light meal, water tower observation deck. Now how does that sound?  Your seat can be purchased online at the website: Budapest Summer Festival 2013., http://eng.szabadter.hu/#

Update by Aggie Reiter

23 Jul

DAY 1 … ROLLING IN GYULA … 50TH GYULA FESTIVAL … STUDY TOUR

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Participated by invitation for a two-day study tour during June, 22 and 23. to the City of Gyula, organized by the Gyula Castle Theater and the Gyula Tourism  Non-profit Ltd.,  together with other media representatives. Was  kinda  road show,  getting acquainted of  the life and culture the city which offers for the locals and the Hungarians from other parts of the country and a terrific  showcase for the foreigners boarding, living in Hungary that beside Budapest, the Capital and the Lake Balaton there are places which are  indeed worthwhile to visit. Throughout our study tour “our guardian angel” was Ms. Aliz  Komoróczki, Manager  at GyulaTourism Office, who made a splendid and enjoyable stay for all of us.

The drive from Budapest to Gyula took 3 hours. Upon arrival our first stop … why not … we were taken to the  famous pálinka manufacture at Gyula.  It was so refreshing after the ride. Whether arriving individually or with a bunch of people, as a group this cozy spot  surely holds an experience to see, to hear and to learn about the number 1 spirit not just  in Hungary, but for those foreigners who once tasted it will never forget their stay in Hungary. Visited the world of spirits and it took us only 5 minutes drive from the City Center.  Upon arrival a presentation took place at  factory’s distillery named after “Baron, George John Harruckern”  who established the first pálinka distillery in Gyula in 1731.  The Baron Harruckern – Gyula Pálinka Manufactory Ltd. still continues the tradition over nearly 300 years.  Interesting part of the presentation was  to visit  the  brewery itself and a demo of the long way it takes to have a snip of the pálinka from the fruit till the fine taste of the Gyulai Pálinkai already bottled. They also accept fruit cooking by wage deals. To be or not to be hungry the tasty morsels await the gourmets. After the presentation been invited for a (“light lunch!”) cooked at the house.  During the lunch we were in the company of  having 5 shots of heavenly scent of the 100% fruit pálinka which surely made its way to  the knuckle and bean stew. We were told: Quote: ” Tasting the pálinka at the ideal temperature should  20C , you will feel the velvety soul of the fruit in every drop.”  Well we went by the rules and have to admit for our first stop we were fully trained.   They also have a small store on the spot where anybody can fill their baggies with the taste of  pálinka they have fallen in love. The Gyula Castle Theater  Director Mr. József Gedeon,  Director,  Gyula Castle Theater joined the “studies”  spoken about the sights-and-sound to come during the 50th anniversary of the Gyula Castle Theater. As we were told, tIt is going to be an ongoing,  longest in days,  summer festival  of the year. The festival holds celebration shows with invited theater performances  from around the country, smooth concerts, exhibitions, blues and jazz concert with international musicians .  Mr. Gedeon outlined the wide range  of comprehensive programs such as, Quote: ” The unique and rare Shakespeare laboratory which will be bringing the mixture of performances to remember for a lifetime. Even though Shakespeare  was not born as a Hungarian, here at Gyula he has a special place in our age. The Shakespeare festival has been expanded, developing  every year within an inclusive  celebration  of  programs of performances, screenings, workshops, readings and media events all connected to William Shakespeare, the Magnificat English poet and playwriter. The City of Gyula by itself is unique in Hungary by not just celebrating Shakespeare works within programs and performances, but also holding other prominent events during the festival. On the occasion of the 50th season of all-arts festival, the City of Gyula welcomes locals and foreigner visitors to  spend  as much time as they can in enjoying the Gyula Castle Theater’s productions . The whole venue holds a unique atmosphere whereas the visitors will get into the mood in the minute they enter the City.”

Our second stop was to the “Százéves” (Hundred Years Old) confectionery.  Guess what , did not have time to get hungry and we were welcomed with the finest, traditional hand-made chocolates, cakes and home-made ice creams. Our eyes ate more than we were able to eat. We were told the history of this sweet shop, so in a nutshell here it goes:  The  “Százéves”  (Hundred Years Old)  confectionery shop was set up in 1840 by the  owner Mr. Andrew Salis. At the corridor of the old pastry shop there is a small exhibition of tools and equipments in use from the past.  The cake recepies are preserved from the original description from the 19th century. Even though time slips by the confectionery  and the shop got older, the name remained as  “Százéves”  (The Hundred Years Old). We were told, the story of the name …  it had no name, but as years rolled by, folks simply kept saying they are going to the “Százéves” (The Hundred Years Old!). All sweet tooth knew where the road led them. To-day the place that takes you back in time to an intimate  scene with  restored original Biedermeier furniture and other facilities, open fireplace, museum, indoor and outdoor  service, of course depending of the season of the year. Later,  the owner of the confectionery was Mr. Reinhardt. Being in Gyula, worthwhile to note the address: 1, Erkel Square, Gyula.

Continuing the day’s program, out next stop was  to occupy our 2 days place of accommodation, as the guest of the local Tourinform at the 4star Hungest Hotel ERKEL – Dürer Building.  As entering  into the hotel I’d rather say it was a neat 5star hotel. A place for a pleasant holiday and recreation …  where everything is at your fingertips,  a place  after a hard week to relax hard … where you can enjoy the wide range of mouth-watering Hungarian dishes with also sweets-for-sweets.   The Hotel Erkel  had sugar and spice and all things nice … where the indoor natural hot spa is just a couple of steps from your room’s doorstep. Every window has the spectacular view to the Castle, also a fine view on the pond and around the ancient tress, hear the robin sing in the morning and can continue a list of the goodies that this hotel is up to, to make their guest their Day! The hotel was renewed two years ago, shares 177 double standard rooms, 5 suites view to the Fortress and 4 rooms for disable guests. The rooms are equiped with all the pleasures that stands for a 4star hotel. Worthwhile to note the address: 1, Várkert Street,  Gyula.  This hotel  has 3stars and 4stars accommodation for every generation: kids, teens, adults, students, pensioners.

There was  a break before supper and the evening’s official opening of the 50th anniversary at open-air theater to the Gala performance at the Castle. The press and media representatives were let to explore, go for a splash into the 4star ludo and thermal bath to pamper and relax at the Gyula Castle Spa.  So  some of the member of the group went to warm up their soul and body.  During the suppertime the representative from the Gyula Spa joined us and talked about the gift from heaven, the Gyula Castle Spa which has per year one million visitors, enjoying  the spa’s medical healing. Talking about  healing,  was told that the medical water wells up from the depth of 2005 meters.and the blowing temperature is up to 72C . It  contains alkali hydrogen-carbonated-chlorinated.  Was told it serves as a balm in case of locomotor disorder, rheumatic, local nervous, diathesis, gastric complaints of acidic origin  and for many other health problems to decrease the pain. The color of the water has a brownish tone owing to its high organic contents.  As we were told  quote: “May sound funny, yet true, if anybody would grab a shovel, start digging or even be in the mood to use a drill  and hit the soil would not be an oilman, but would experience the hot water eruption as the tsunamis.  Gyula lay on the soil of hot mineral water.

Gyula definitely has the most beautiful health resort in Hungary. The waterland lay on 8.5 hectere park which was 200 years ago the Almásy mension.  Everybody will find their favorite pool, cause there are 19 of them, such as  the waterfall, bubble pools with medical water and so forth. Wish to feel on the beach, no problem cause the wave machine will bring high and low waves. The new water-slide world  is a real paradise for the waterlovers.

The venue  and the atmosphere at the  evening’s opening  ceremony and the 50th  Gala performances  were  amazingly full of entertainment. Around the courtyard area at the Gyula Castle Theater  there is a stage upon the huge pond, where the plays  took place and also the stage during the lovely summer nights, with breeze sweeping through.  Not only high above will appear the twinkling stars, but the well know stars will be down here on the stage.  The croaking frogs from time-to-time kept you from not forgetting your on an outdoor theater stay, but that’s free of charge!  The Gyula Castle is the only gothic brick fortress whstormy ich has survived in whole Central-Europe. The evening’s last act was,  a play brought to Gyula by guest theater from Szigliget. „Silent Levente” director Jozsef Kiss, play writer: Jenő Heltai. Romantic story of King Matthias’s time. Peter Agárd Hungarian hero falls in love with a beautiful Italian widow Zilia Duca. The only virtuous lady and her friends persuaded the valiant horse is Sana Bepponak accept the stranger through the stratagem. Peter’s confession of love Agárd noble lady rejects. A reference to an old gallant at Piedmont Tradition calls for a kiss from her. Zilia one kiss from her demands him of three years of silence. The hilarious comedy is well known in Hungary  and also have had been on stage at number of countries around the world with great success.

Unforfortunetely, the stromy rian washed away the end of the play. Nature did not allow the play to come to an end, so sorry for the poor actors, who coulnd’t finish their performance.

During the opening Gedeon József, Director welcomed the gathering locals and the visitors from other regions and spoke about the Gyula Festival, Quote: Between 1st July and 15th August the guests are entertained with the best performances of historical dramas, different forms of contemporary prosaic theatre, opera, operetta, ballet, mediaeval courtyard-music,  jazz,  puppet-show, classic,
folk-music and folk-dance in the summer theatre. Not only the court of the fortress is turned into a theaterground, but
programs of great variety are available on the nearby lake-stage and on stages set up at different places in the town.

Even though “schools-out” Shakespearean performances  and workshops arranged by performing companies will be hand-picked to make the link between enjoyable and educational school’s activity on a non-school class day.

The City of Gyula by itself is unique in Hungary by not just celebrating Shakespeare works within programs and performances, but also holding concerts and other prominent events during the festival. The whole venue holds a unique atmosphere.

Between 1st July and 15th August the guests are entertained with the best performances of historical dramas, different
forms of contemporary theater, opera, operetta, ballet, mediaeval courtyard-music,  jazz,  puppet-show, classic,
folk-music and folk-dance during the festival.  Not only the court of the fortress is turned into a theaterground, but
programs alsorts of programs will be available at the nearby lake-stage and on stages set up at different places in the City.

Soon to be coming up the update on  Day 2 Study Tour …

In the meantime, have attached some videos to see some scenes from the 50th Gyula Castle Theater opening celebration:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0rAerJrWZLg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WsaQEAfPxzc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0RU8KA_bCiY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXxjQuNEnMk

Update, snaps, video Aggie Reiter

10 Jul

SUMMERTIME AND THE LIVING IS EASY … ESPECIALLY VISITING THE CATHEDRAL (DÓM) SQUARE IN SZEGED

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Source: Szeged Open-Air Stage

Source: Szeged Open-Air Stage 

NEWSFLASH  …

To a  real rarity for opera, jazz and gospel fans coming up …

 Szeged Open-Air Stage …

 two-time show,   both at 9 p.m. …

 George Gershwin: Porgy and Bess at the Cathedral (Dóm) Square …

August, 9  and 10. 2013.

For the time being this will be the only city in Europe to see and enjoy the superb masterpiece of the legendary opera. Most probably only a child born yesterday haven’t heard yet the emotional hit song the “Summertime”.  Gershwin’s  sensational  Porgy and Bess will be brought on stage by the performance of the  Living Arts Inc. company arriving from N.Y. This piece of art in the music history wasn’t on stage for decades in Hungary, but now it will come alive  in  the City of Szeged.

Casting in “Porgy and Bess”: Porgy: Richard Hobson, Crown: Philip Boykin, Sportin’ Life: Reggie Whitehead, Jake: Tom Elliott, Bess: Angela Owens, Maria: Stephanie Beadle, Serena: Anne Fridal, Lily: Jeanette Blakeley. Director: Susan Williams-Finch, playing:  the Szeged Symphony Orchestra, conductor: Stefan Kozinski.

In 1970, the Hungarian State Opera House at its Erkel Theater held  two cast of Porgy and Bess, directed by András Mikó. Main roles were sung by Ferenc Bégány, György Radnai  and Erzsébet Esterhazy and Éva Andor. The opera was staged more than a hundred times. In 1973 Gershwin’s opera was sold out on four occasion with a total of twenty thousand visitors at the Szeged Open-Air Festival.

The Hungarian National Opera House in 1981, had revived Porgy and Bess.  In 1991, at the Margaret Island’s Open-Air Stage was presented the opera with invited Afro-American descent guest artists and were warmly welcomed by the Hungarian audience. The heirs came up with more-and-more strict conditions to the roles. Gershwin insisted that the white characters should play the white roles and the Afro-American descent singers to be 100% Afro-American descent.  Indeed, this will be  the first production in Europe where Gershwin’s wish 100% will come true and alive.

Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess was based on DuBose Heyward‘s novel Porgy  and on  the subsequent play of the same title, which he co-wrote with his wife Dorothy Heyward.  George Gershwin  created the “American folk opera“,  the Porgy and Bess premiere was in New York during the fall of 1935 with the entire cast featuring of classically trained Afro-American singers.

Way back in 1943, was held its European premiere at the Royal Danish Theater in Copenhagen. There  all the opera singers were all-white cast in blackface. This was the time of the Nazi occupation. There were only 22 sold-out performances, thenafter having  closed down the production by  the Nazis. Other mainly white productions in Europe where in Zürich in 1945 and 1950, and in 1948, the opera was staged in Gothenburg and Stockholm. In 1954 it went on road  in several European countries,  also in Latin America and the Middle-East.  Porgy and Bess was presented at the La Scala in Milan for the first time, in February, 1955. In the middle of  the 50’s a major historic step, fully tense premiere took place in Moscow.  This was the 1st time after the Bolshevik Revolution an American theater group arrived to the Sovietunio’s capital.

Better to be quicky, if  you want to sharpen your sight and ears to the hit songs as the  “Summertime” or “I got plenty o’ nuttin”   before another takes your place!  Here you go … a site in English language, where all the information to get your tickets is available at your fingertips: http://www.szegediszabadteri.hu/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=10792&Itemid=76

VISITING SZEGED WILL HAVE AT LEAST TWO MAIN PURPOSE TO DO SO …

1ST TO ATTEND AT THIS FANTASTIC  GERSHWIN’S PORGY AND BESS PERFORMANCE …

2ND TO TASTE THE WORLD-FAMOUS FISH SOUP A’LA SZEGED …

AND  LAST BUT NOT LEAST …  WHAT AN INTERESTING COINCIDENCE IN THE FIRST TWO LINES OF THE OPERA  … “SUMMERTIME AND THE LIVING IS EASY … FISH ARE JUMPING”  (YESSS …  MANY IN THE  RIVER TISZA  AT SZEGED)

WISHING EVERYONE A SUPERB  “SUMMERTIME” AT SZEGED

Update Aggie Reiter

2 Jul

STUDY TOUR TO THE SALFÖLD PAULINE MONASTERY AT LAKE BALATON

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Continuing the Badacsony study tour  organized within the frame of  the Badacsony Tourist Guild Association.

Below is the description, history of the 700 years old monastery read at the scene on an offsite description table in Hungarian language …  Here is an overview, short summary of interest  translated into English language …

The Pauline Order is managed by the Bakonyerdő Ltd. which lays in the forest near the village of Forestry Monostorapáti Salföld. It is the only a monastic order which was founded in Hungary. The Salföld lays South-West in the forestland in the middle of a small valley. The monastery ruins stands on an outstanding viewpoint on the hillside.

The church itself was dedicated in honor of Mary Magdalene, which was owned by the Pauline,  first mentioned in 1263. Other documents from 1307 and from 1475 also mention the existence of the monastery.

To-day can be seen the cloister of the Pauline Order. The monastery and the surrounding area has long been  popular as a tourist destination. The  Forestry recognized that cultured resting place should be established. They regularly arrange carriage rides back-and-forth in time-and-age. In 1307 as the existence of the monastery was also mentioned in an official certificate: “The son of Barnabás, Kelemen Chapter of Veszprém, the Abrahamic soul of a serf offered their grapes as a donation of the Kőkúti Hermits to St. Mary Magdalene’s Church in honor.” The chapter contributed donated the grape as paid a payment.  This was the background to understand the why and the how a huge wine cellar was built under the monastery. In 1475 Cardinal István issued a farewell permit order to renew the Kútikő church and at the turn of the century the monastery was rebuilt in Gothic style.

In the 16th century, border castle fights reached the Balaton Uplands, the monastery was abandoned and dilapidated. During the battle on November, 7. 1554., the monastery was unsuccessfully attacked by the Turkish invasion. The fight hit both towns Tihany and Csobánc. The stronger, better-built church would have had better the weight during the centuries, but the monastery was built of inferior materials, which happen to quickly, easily be affected and destroyed, and most probably the construction was made by the use of worn out stones. To the remaining ruins major mortality happened during the 1820s when the construction of a nearby sheepfold occurred on the Alba family land and both the church’s and the monastery’s stones were taken away. So since then the old monastery stood completely in ruins. In the 1960’s exploration and conservation of consistence began and the renovation of the ruins had nicely been carried out.

Renewing works started filling the bits-and-pieces of the gaps in 2003, placing bricks and stones, wooden window frames, old saplings of monastery garden, stone building restoration ahead. Rain shelters, resting sites, wooden tables, benches and fireplace, guiding informative boards were also placed at the scene. Visiting the scenario at the Pauline Monastery with the background silence. Only sometimes a chirping sound of the birds were present together with us and yes, nature worthily preserved the atmosphere of the place and really took us back in time  … 700 years.

To-day worthwhile for locals and foreigners to visit the forest, to see the Pauline Order where once the members of cloister lived. The monastery and the surrounding area has long been  popular as a tourist destination. The  Forestry recognized that cultured resting place should be established. They regularly arrange carriage rides back-and-forth in time-and-age.

Update and snaps:  Aggie Reiter

2 Jul

ON A ONE DAY STUDY TOUR AT BADACSONY 2013

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Badacsony is a place at the Lake Balaton, where once-upon-a-time volcanoes lava and smoke-filled the valley,  there are many faces of the  lake-side,prehaps for many still aren’t familiar with its beauty. So here goes some places, whereabouts that may be of interest:

The media representatives were invited to join a  study tour and  were taken around the Badacsony area on the regional tourist bus, organised by the Badacsonyi Guild Tourism Association. Rolling along, not just us but the visitors to may also hit the road on the tourist bus, watching this neat city in comfort, without having recourse to fatigue, see the region’s sights and learning where to stop by … to stronger your energy by a sip of local pálinka or visiting the regions wine cellars! This was a two-day study tour, but I only join them on the second day,therefore my update stands for the time being.

Visiting  the József Egry Memorial Museum

Our road led us to a villa, the former home, to-day open as a memorial museum of the famous József Egry, the painter who was obsessed by the shades of the reflections of the lake and the hazy lights, the shades of the water, the countless points of view, as the humans are changing their mood, the Lake Balaton also has its moody days. Beside the Egry images at the Memorial Museum, the world-famous Herend Porcelain Manufactory’s work of art in the same building are also out on display.

Káli Basin on the Uplands Visiting the Folly Arboretum, at Badacsonyőrs

There lays one of the world-famous botanical collection of cedars and cypresses, like the species cedar, cypress species, Syrian juniper (Juniperus drupacea), Sabine pine (Pinus sabiniana) giant pine (Pinus Coulter), coastal giant redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) all collected from their original growing land. Dr. Gyula Folly started to install the plants in the year 1900. Since then the collection had grown over the decades. The beautiful botanical garden, beauty lays in the tradition of his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren whom also follow the founder of the garden in protecting nature and showing all these beautiful trees to the visitors who come by to see the world’s cedars and cypresses all at one plantation. Two see it by your own two eyes … 25 Chapel Valley Rd. (Kápolna-völgy út) Badacsonyőrs at Badacsony Northern territory of Lake Balaton.

Out on the Farm

Wish to bring attention to two Hungarian breed animals. One is the Hungarian Duck and here the animal species in a nutshell: this type of  ducks were probably domesticated during the Roman times, but it is also possible that the Greeks or the Chinese were already involved in domestication. The Hungarian duck is considered to be indigenous in the Carpathian basin, its ancestor must be the mallard. It’s existing in white and wild color. Resistant and has a good “seeking habit” that’s why it has juicy, delicious meet.

The other Hungarian animal species is the Mangalica pig and in a nutshell: the Mangalica swine developed in the mid 1800’s in HUngary. In lard production it was the first in. Because of the demand of the fatless pork meet the mangalica became endangered. the whole world. Three variety exists: blood, black and red mangalica.

Pálos Monastery ruin at Salföld

… Just like a fairy tale …Once upon a time a splendid edifice built-in a Gothic style in honor of Mary Magdalene for the Pálos order. The excavation work began in the 60’s, whereas the whole monastery was revealed. There is a charter from 1307 which refers to it as a monastery, at the area of “Köveskút”. The original monastery was destroyed during the invasion of the Turks. probably, the monks took possession of the existing Romanesque chapel, which was subsequently extended by building around their needs. The rebuilt church has unique architectural of the Pauline style.  The church building is orientated to the east, north to join the monastery.  The  full history of the 700 yrs. old Pailine monastery can be followed at:

https://rollinginbudapest.com/2013/07/02/study-tour-to-the-salfold-pauline-monastery-at-lake-balaton/

Visiting the  Istvándy Family owned Winery

They organize professional winery visits for a friendly gathering, family celebrations, combined with the wine tasting. On the spot the visitors may get acquainted with the craftiness of wine making and see the grand landscape of the vineyards with the far ahead Lake Balaton. As we were told, advance booking is needed for visiting the winery and cooking for gastronomy events. All-in-all or on the bottom line the  Istvándy winery is not only engaged with their high-quality, but as the French chateaus or Australian wineries hold wine tastings at the high-level professional events, and their aim is to boost the wine tourism to prosper. Beside the smooth Istvándy wines, they thought about the kids sweet tooth, they prepaid 100% grape nectar. The home-made lunch prepared by Ms. Csilla Istvándy was more than excellent, we were all K.O. Very much enjoyed their 100% care and hospitality.  During our stay we were also told about their family backgrounds … The Istvándy family history has over 200 years history behind them. Way back in the 1800s the family lived in the rural farming area and started beginning to produce grape and wine products which mainly covered their livelihood opportunities. Their Grandpa was a winemaker, his father an agronomist, all had their place at their plantation and jointly worked together.  In the beginning the wines were not bottled with brands, only gave them as a present to  friends. The Istvándy two son and daughter  believes their family is committed to the site’s past and being worthy of its reputation. Emphasis its place on the Badacsony growing wine region, whereas  the unique Kéknyelű grape varieties and characteristics of this region the Grey’s friend and Riesling are like nowhere else in Hungary.

What a marvellous day the Badacsony Tourism had organized for the press and media representatives … Culture … Art … Breathtaking Landscape  … Wine and heavenly food … alittle Garden of Eden … famous Pálinka distillery at Badacsony. These places must be visited, of course not squashing the programs into one day…take your time and enjoy the welcome and hospitality at Badacsony, at the Northern side of Lake Balaton. The region offers locals, tourists, foreigners working, staying in Hungary who love to take a rural holiday, relax, feel the closeness of the nature can meet all these at Badacsony and its surrounding area and gain experiences to remember for a lifetime.

Reaching the final station to the day’s study tour … Renaissance Pálinka House

The Renaissance Pálinka House at Badacsonyőrs reached its success with its magnificent fruits after two years of design work. It is a small family business, by hard work of the husband Tamás and his wife Kati who both operates the manufactory. The Pálinka House construction started in August, 2011 and by March, 2012 have had prepared their own premium spirits.

Even though the Pálinka workshop is considered young in age the Renaissance is all about revival of the flavors, emotions and rebirth of perfect harmony. The magnificent beauty scenery of Badacsony captivated them during one of their holiday trip  to this area and at once they both decided to achieve their wishful dreams by creating their pálinka house. The technology they use is well-known in Hungary, but the Renaissance is about rebirth in  this sence. They use a special technique by which the fruit flavor is even more intense in One senses the spirits enthusiasts.  The grapes and its spelt origin from the vineyards around the territory of the Badacsony Mountains. The distillery procedure can be viewed by the visitors on the spot upon prior arrangement, whereas the superb distillery equipment can be seen in operation during harvesting time and at special orders of wage-cooking.

The couple also holds sales and by pre-reservations having pálinka tasting days-or-nights. They have wide selection pálinka, as fruits as pear, wild pear, apple, quince, ground elder, plums, cherries, apricots, „Irsai Oliver” grapes, these pálinkas are hitting the 40degrees, while the wine base pálinkas are 45degrees. The Badacsonyi Grey Monk Spelt is a real hot-shot with its 55%degrees.

Before we left the Pálinka house Tamás  was glad to say word about the foreigners who have had already visited his House of the Rising Pálinka. Quote:   “Two groups coming from abroad who visited the Renaissance  Pálinka Distillery at Badacsonyőrs was … a group from a Travel  Agency from London,(UK) came especially to the Renaissance Pálinka Distillery to explore and learn about this place, to advertise at the UK travel agencies our pálinka house. They sip samples of the local distillery and of course brought as gifts to take back home. The other foreigner group was from Moskau, the Moskau Gazetta. It was a study tour for the group and made the schedule in advance to stop by this place.  Even knowing their national drink is not a soft drink, but the tough Vodka, they had  made up their sleeves for the “job” in tasting through the distillery’s collection of Pálinka. They admitted  the tasted Hungarian Renaissance Pálinka has several levels that leads up to the RigorMortis, but until reaching that point  the GRAVELYill, EMBOMBed” are still levels one can reach. They seem to be satisfied and jolly well and at farewell they said they are glad they spotted this place at home to be visited and even if only for this one purpose it was really worthwhile to visit  Badacsonyőrs at Lake Balaton, Hungary.

Think, there is no more words to be said … having own experience is the best approval. Worthwhile to drop by, to soak up with the beautiful surroundings and the pleasant fruity taste of the local pálinka and last but not least enjoy, discover the flavors of the real Hungarian kitchen home-made on the spot.  Reservation  in advance is needed (at the moment no English language description can be seen on their website) … so you have to rely upon this update  🙂

http://www.badacsonyipalinkahaz.hu/elerhetoseg#&panel1-1

Address: 3, Füredi Road, Badacsonyőrs, Lake Balaton – Hungary

Update and snaps Aggie Reiter

30 Jun

“CIRCUS NIGHT” IN HUNGARY … BUDAPEST, BALATONLELLE, BALATONFÜRED AND ZAMÁRDI

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FIRST CIRCUSES NIGHT

Saturday, July 13.  2013.

7  p.m.

In Budapest and three spots around the Lake Balaton …

Balatonlelle, Balatonfüred and Zamárdi.

The Metropolitan Circus  in Budapest will  highlight the mood on the night with its Circus Maximus show. A gladiator among 5 tigers,  elephants and an adorable clown trainer, beautiful rubber girls, air acrobats and the Khadgaa group will step on stage.

At 11 p.m. the Hungaricum Orpheum vaudeville comedians, dancers, music and song will entertain the audience.

Just a hint of what is to come … a bunch of world-wide enchants with a viewers: 16 meters high above the walking artist, a trainer of 10 lions in a cage, hair-raising stunts, world-renowned Italian composer clowns, hilarious horse show, lions, camels, llamas, Grey and Scottish beef. The sensation of the night will be for many grandparents seen this in the past as kids and kids of to-day an act to wider their eyes as to see  the World Number 1 attraction in the CIRCUSLAND … „THE SHAVING ELEPHANT” . This act is kept from the golden age of Circusville,  a real traditional act which is mostly missing in the Circus show of to-day. Mind you,  being a volunteer for a shave  you have to be brave person. Don’t give up the elephant won’t as well… enjoy the ride!

At Balatonfüred  (the Northern area at Lake Balaton) 35, Fürdő  Rd. (along the side of the Annagora Aquapark . The visitors may see the Eötvös Cicus show. A great timeout for the kids, face painting and riding on the pony, having fun with Duda the clown.  The Eötvös Circus singer, Fasy – Kratelly Josephine will be on stage.

At Balatonlelle (the Southern area of Lake Balaton)  at 297, Rákóczi Rd.  the ground will be enchanted into a circus field. The „Circus Night” show will be worthy to visit for those circuslovers who don’t too often travel to Budapest to see the artists of the Hungarian National Circus.  Just a hint of what will be going on. The guest artists from Spain Duo Alambria will  be  walking 16 meters  high  and on tip-toe on a connecting cable on marquee pillars.

At Zamárdi (the Southern area of Lake Balaton)  at  the St. Stephen’s Road, the Military Park,  the Florián Richter and his team of 50 artist  will entertain and provide a memorable night for the audience. Beside the high starry sky, down here at Zamárdi the stars of  highly appreciated horses will be galloping in the sand  at the Horse Show.  The Richter group  in 2004 won the award-winning artist in riders and dancers at the Monte-Carlo Circus Festival of Gold and Silver Clown.

It’s going to be the “CIRCUS NIGHT”  all  in capital letters …  with the magic in the air bringing unforgettable sights-and-sound for the audience …  so check your smarty pad, don’t miss to be there  on the night like this at one of the scenes in Hungary.

Update Aggie Reiter

29 Jun

“DO YOU LOVE ME?” … THE NEXT CIRCUS GENERATION IN BUDAPEST

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Mr. Imre Baross Acrobatforming, secondary technical school  held  the young artists final examination to their school year 2012/2013 with great success and much appreciated  by the audience of all age at the National Circus  in Budapest.

The Future Circus, is a joint project with the MACIVA and Imre Baross Acrobatforming school, aimed in refreshing, renewing the national acrobats. On the occasion of International Meeting of Artists, students arrived to  the National Circus in Budapest from Madrid, the highly respected educational center the CARAMPA, also from Italy, the Milan school and the FLICK Turin acrobats who in the air were full in motion, superb performance, a speedy wheel is slow motion compared to them! There was a joint production with the CARAMPA, and the Hungarian students, which was much appreciated by the cheering public. They had practised only for the last 5 days together for to-day’s show and what an awesome show the future acrobat stars  had presented.

The international show combined elements of traditional and contemporary circus acts such as: native american shamann dancing with  flaming flambeau, Clowns with fans, Duo board, Air acrobat traditional circus numbers, Juggling trio,  Net acrobat, Swinging Trapeze,  combinations on the ladder code. The techniques were all  simply amazing. Of course there were many more fantastic performances, here was  just mentioning a couple. Indeed, these young artists performed like those artists who are out in the “circusland”  for more than decades. The circus was full and the audience cheered and never stopping claps filled the air.

The jury was present at the 3 p.m. show, viewed, evaluated the performances. The examination show was perfectly organized, you couldn’t tell these young artists are in the spotlight of their exams. Something new in style at the National Circus was  the presence of authentic folk music carrying on  by the  Makám Band.   So not just for the eyes but for the ears the  background music during one-and-another performances was simply gorgeous. The title of the show was … “DO  YOU LOVE ME?”

The Acrobatforming  school showed the pupil’s aim to develop and achieve real international relations within a long-term cooperation. These young artists surely made many a day to remember of their art of work, also wouldn’t be surprised at all, if after being at the show of to-day, young kids in the audience got into mood for joining the world of circus.

Update and snaps Aggie Reiter

28 Jun

FLASH NEWS … FROM THE CIRCUS NIGHT TO THE ARTISTS OF THE FUTURE GENERATION!

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FLASH NEWS

“The circus is one of the most entertaining common family program.”

But before getting into the presentation of the CIRCUS NIGHT we were told about two unique shows taking place at the Hungarian State Circus on

Saturday, June, 29. at 11 a.m. and at 3 p.m.

Address: District XIV. 12/a.  Állatkerti Blvd. Budapest

Mr. Imre Baross, Director, Artists Training School told us this  at the press call there will be the young adults examination performance titled, “Do you love me?” with two shows.

The Future Circus, the MACIVA (Hungarian Circus and Variety Nonprofit Ltd.)  This will be a special day on te circus floor within a  joint project, focusing at education on national artist renewal . This day will be a milestone and a new phrase in International Meeting of  Artist’s School from  Madrid,  Milan and Turin. These young  adults  will be on the circus floor with the best Hungarian circus students.  They have already warmed many hearts with their public success performing at the Night of Museums.  Those who missed it will have a last chance to see  their spectacular performances on the same floor at the Metropolitan Circus, Budapest.

A high standard quality circus album was presented to the media representatives. This is a publication of famous Hungarian artists, which thematically reviews the history, including original photographs of the circus   MACIVA  “The Art of Entertainment” was presented by  Dr. Zsigmond Kriza,  Director of the MACIVA  who said this  album sold 100 units offered to the Hungarian Circus Arts Foundation, as  to support young artists to their start off in their career, to accomplish their costumes, choreographers,  helping in their room rental and so forth. The sophisticated album was published in Hungarian and English language.  With this publication the foundation wish to please their dear circus visitors and  circus lovers. (Coming up a chapter update of the contents of the album)

The show is jointly directed by Ms. Rebeka Bakk and Mr. Laszló Bona. The choreographed production of the artists of our future is by Ms. Rebeka Bakk, Ms. Laura Mars and Ms. Krisztina Paál.

In addition to the Hungarian talents, the FLICK Turin, and Madrid from the Carampa circus school will be on the circus floor to entertain the audience within their show.

For all circus lovers who wish to support  the next generation of young adults, circus artist here is the  channel where they may be in help in fundraising and make  their offers:  The Hungarian Circus Arts Foundation Account Number: HU25 1020 0940 2152 1384 0000 0000  SWIFT: OKHBHUHB.  Those individuals who support the foundation will receive in exchange for their  support this gorgeous  unique album introducing the history of the Hungarian Circus. The album is not marketed.

They have jointly previously appeared together  at the circus ground  on the “Museum Night” and will be on show at the  “1st. Circus Night” in Budapest and around the Lake Balaton.  During this special  night they will be holding hilarious performances, backstage walking, feeding animals, horse shows and many other colorful programs  to entertain the audiences. This will be a night to remember for the artist and , kids  and adults of all age.  Information of the whereabouts and timing will be shortly  updated.

Hope this message reach many  in time to be on Saturday at 11 a.m. or at the 3 p.m. shows.

 

Update and snaps Aggie Reiter

25 Jun

EXHIBITION OF EGON SCHIELE VIENNESE EXPRESSIONISM AT THE FINE ART MUSEUM – BUDAPEST

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Be ready, plan your time to visit an exciting exhibition during the morning, noontime or in the early afternoon hours to the Fine Art Museum in Budapest to  have an insight of the treasures of the Austria History shaped in art by the artist Egon Schiele, who exerted a major influence on early Viennese Expressionism.

June, 26  – September, 29. 2013.

Address, District XIV. 41, Dózsa György Rd.

Opening hours: 10 a.m. – 6 p-.m., seven days a week

Recommended time at the exhibition: 1.5Hs

 The exhibition titled Egon Schiele and His Age will show over fifty works by Schiele. The Leopold Museum in Vienna loaned the majority works from him.  Many may know Egon Schiele was the most outstanding artist of the generation that followed Gustav Klimt. The 70 works contributed to the exhibition from the Leopold Museum Collection in Vienna, boasting with the richest collection of Schiele’s art in the world. The exhibition displays drawings and paintings by Schiele and Kokoschka which are preserved in the Museum of Fine Arts. Furthermore, several pieces are borrowed from private collections.

The exhibition surveys the period in two halls through works arranged around 12 themes.

Visitors to the exhibition will enter into the world of masterpieces, experience a unique overview of the works of the superb painter Scheile’s: Two Girls Embracing and Standing Boy with Hat, as well as Oscar Kokoschka’s work: Veronica’s Veil. Display also the Second Generation of Viennese Modernism, Erotica, and Works of the Final Years the “Self Portrait with Chinese Lantern Plant”, “The Hermits”, “Reclining Female Nude”, “Self-Seer”, ”Portrait of Trude Engel”, “Dead Mother”, “Still Life with Drawings” (Schiele’s Desk), and “ Girl” … The Virgin, also a numerous number of other nudes and erotic depictions of women.

„The bustling cultural life of Vienna at the beginning of the 20th century was still ablaze with the success of the Secession when the new pretenders to the throne made their appearance. These artists – some with a wild and rebellious spirit (Schiele, Kokoschka) and some escaping into a stifling loneliness (Richard Gerstl) – attracted enthusiastic support and vociferous criticism in equal measure, with their works often bearing the influence of their “masters” (Klimt, Moll, Kolo Moser). In this productive period marked by a diverse art scene and rich in artistic discourse the relationship between Vienna and Budapest also flourished, this being clearly demonstrated by the fact that almost exactly one hundred years ago (in 1912 and 1913) Schiele and other Austrian artists – including Gustav Klimt – exhibited their latest works in Hungary’s capital. The present exhibition focuses on Egon Schiele’s relatively short artistic career, spanning a mere ten years, a cross-section of which is provided by more than fifty works. At the tender age of sixteen Schiele already became the youngest student at Vienna’s conservative Academy of Fine Arts but soon left in the company of some other students and founded the Neukunstgruppe (New Art Group). Schiele’s art was inspired by the leading figure of the Secession, Gustav Klimt, and by the guest artists (Van Gogh, Toulouse-Lautrec, Munch) who participated in the exhibitions of his association.  Klimt’s nudes imbued with eroticism – some of which will be displayed at the present show – directly influenced the young artist, who often visited the master’s studio. Schiele’s nudes drawn with tormented lines and anxiety, as well as his small townscapes soon attracted the public’s attention, while the authorities reacted to his indignant, taboo-breaking depictions of men, women and, in some cases, adolescents by imprisoning him for a short time on the charge of displaying indecent drawings. The Neukunstgruppe founded by Schiele was soon joined by the emblematic figure of Austrian art, Oskar Kokoschka, who also features at our exhibition.  Other members of the New Art Group included Albert Paris Gütersloh, Hans Boehler and Anton Faistauer, works by whom are also displayed at our show along with three works – a portrait of a woman and two landscapes – by the most tragic and lonely figure of Viennese Expressionism, Richard Gerstl, who committed suicide at the age of just 25. Additional artists that will bring to life Austrian Expressionism are Anton Kolig, Leopold Blauensteiner, Herbert Boeckl and Max Oppenheimer, all of whom are significant yet scarcely known in Hungary.” Source from the Budapest’s Fine Art Museum.

The exhibition’s curator is art historian Ms. Kata Bodor. The exhibition’s chief sponsor is the Erste Bank. 

Update and snaps Aggie Reiter

24 Jun

DAY2 … ROLLING IN GYULA … HUNGARIAN AND INTERNATIONAL MEDIA STUDY TOUR

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Before continuing  the Day2  to the Hungarian and International (Transylvannia) Media Study Tour in Gyula wish to share a few words about the City itself … The city of Gyula lay in Békés county, located at the south-eastern area close to the Hungarian-Romanian border. The city’s inhabitants of to-day are Hungarian, Swabian, Romanian, Croatian citizens. Gyula is a city of multi-religion, where the inhabitants always lived together in harmony. The City’s major symbol is the gothic brick-masonry fortress which in Central-Europe remained intact. Over the past years the city of Gyula has been enriched with new streets and square pavements, fountains, garden seats and street lamps  and renewed the old  gas lights. Recently the downtown capture the eye of the most beautiful World Clock and especially after dark it looks like an out-of-space globe shinning in blue color and more to it he foreigners may have a glance on the local time of the family and friends who they have left at home.

Visiting Gyula, indeed you would love the place and the most important things are at the palm of your hands…  to rest, calm and refresh you body is the place to be. Fittings places  to rest at hotels, motels, guesthouse after a great sightseeing tour on the little city train or rolling on the River „Fekete” Black Körös. On the River Körös  to join a floating sightseeing cruise, is just  a matter of time.

As a matter of fact, now-a-days visiting Gyula is not just for a one-time occasion on weekdays or during the  week-ends to hop over to the land of entertainment,  to visit  the programs at the Gyula Castle Theater and All-Art festival during this time of the year.

After having our brekkie we were taken  on a wonderful “Rolling in Gyula” sightseeing train tour: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gvjc5lhHaCg

Passing by on the city’s train along by the renovated(starting:1960) fortress, whereas within its walls the Castle Theater started its operation. Since 2005 significant changes were carried out and opened the new Renaissance Castle Museum. Visitors can go through the history of six centuries in 24 exhibition rooms.

As passing by the Baroque style of the Ladics-House, where one time middle-class cream of the county lived in the 19th century. Didn’t stop by, but were told family relics and properties were collected through five generations and out on display at the museum. From 1979 it holds a gallery inside of the life-work of the Kossuth-prize winner painter-artist György Kohán.

Continuing our ride on the corner of the Ladics_House can be viewed, as mentioned in the Day1  tour, the “Százéves” Hundred Years Old pastry shop.

Our city train also passed by the Erkel Ferenc Memorial House. He was the founding father of the Hungarian National Grand Opera in Budapest and also who set the Hungarian national anthem to music. Ferenc Erkel’s house has plentiful material and piece of document  and several relics. Heard that the artist was also an awesome chess player, which in fact kept his name in the memorial chess competition organised every year in Gyula.

At the  downtown neighbourhood the spectacular fountain and the surrounding restaruants with the local dishes, wines and pálinka will please their stay at Gyula. A splendid place for pleasure and culture all in one, not just for the Hungarians taste but the foreigners to be the winners to choose to visit Gyula.

In addition beside to the famous Castle Bath of Gyula,  the Castle Theater many more  unique locations have the brand of Gyula, as the famous sausages and salami plant from Gyula, which is in the top three meat combinate in Hungary. All meat are processed, produced from the animals from the region.

At the end of our sightseeing tour we headed to the Town Hall, whereas representatives of the Town Hall and Castle Theater held a conference in celebration of 50 years of the Castle Theater performances and presented to the invited theater members, and joint members from the pass up till to-day a memorial album. Following the reception at the Town Hall, the members of media  headed the road to attend on a ship cruise on the River Körös  … the River White and Black Körös  join as one just beside the city and is the country’s cleanest rivers among all the rivers in Hungary … our ship led us  to a place called „Szanazug”,a well-known surroundings by the local to spend time throughout the week at the beach, camping, fishing, having fun, enjoying water sports. Getting off the boat, came the adventure, climbing small hills, strolling down to vallies, finally reached the local pub, whereas the cool drinks were very handy and respected. After our little rest walk by the river to our boat and our cruise took us back to the port at Gyula. The 4stars Erkel Hotel awaited their guests for supper with mouth-watering dishes. After eight o’clock the beginning of 50th season’s gala night took place at the Pond Stage and auditorium next to the Castle Theater, which has more than 500 seats and they were all „occupied”. Even outside of the auditorium many-many folks gathered to hear and some had a chance to see  from aside the Gala.  The gala was opened by the director of the theater, announcing the evening’s and the forthcoming programs to be held during the 5weeks  festival.

Another video taken at the Gala of the Hungarian State Folk Ensemble Dancers,  performing  five dancing bachelors. Title of their dance: “The Kalotaszegi” Mates”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IvFfPJ9ek14

More than 30 actors, artists, dancers, singers, musicians were present in someway or another bringing back and sharing their personal memories, performances during the past 50 years at the Gyula Castle Theater.

Recalling your memories will always ring the bell of spending an awesome time at the City of Gyula and pretty sure once you visited Gyula you will go back to enjoy, relax during your stay and watch the world goes by!

All thing my past, especially the good time run in speed and during the  next morning hours the locals and international media partners have had to have a farewell to  Gyula.

Thanks goes out to all  the local organisers who paid a major part in organizing this unforgettable study tour.

To see previous herald news with schedule programs  to be held during the 50th Gyula Caslte Theater and All-Art Festival click here:

https://rollinginbudapest.com/2013/03/20/herald-news-gyulai-festival-50th-anniversary-playing-shakespeare-jazz-blues-and-sgt-peppers-lonely-heart-club-band

Update , snapshot and video Aggie Reiter

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