XXXV. JUBILEE NATIONAL WINE COMPETITION – BUDAPEST – 2014.

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Hungary’s tradition in having the largest wine muster …  the XXXV. National Wine Competition  this year was at Mór, which was organized by the National Council of Wine Communities (HNT).

Early afternoon at the Budapest Music Center  (BMC) was held this year’s  National Wine competition award ceremony, whereas from the four corners of  Hungry’s wine makers,  vineyard owners and family companies, small wineries, the so-called number of „Best Wine of the Year” awarded  wine makers and yet hardly known producers were present along with the media representatives. The wine makers previously headed to Mór in dimensioned their wine products and let alone hosted the competitors with an awesome hospitality.  Only Csongrád county had not signed in the competition. In the year 2013, a total of 319 samples entered the competition which were  judged by local and regional professionals.  Number of samples submitted  this year was 382 wines and champagne. Also international committee was present. The jury consisted of 6-7 members of  professional wine experts. The number of competitors were 118. From the total number of samples  30% received different remuneration. The jury voted 3 big gold, 37 gold and 69 silver prizes were distributed to the excellent wine makers. The XXXV. Jubilee National Wine Competition ended with the result announcement and giving over the prizes by Assistant Secretary of State for Defence dr. Eliza Kiss along with President Tamás Torna (HNT) and András Horkay President of the (OBV). Learnt there were   extremely high entries especially from the wine makers territories of  Villány, Kunsági and Szekszárd. Regarding to the number of competitors  compared to the previous year, 17% more wineries kept in mind the importance of being as competitors  with their wines at one of Hungary’s most important competition. This time in the top 10 grape varieties two from the Carpathian Basin was among the naturalized species. These were: Italian Riesling, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Riesling, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Gamay, Irsai Oliver. It has been said that the most successful female oenologist was Viola Mak Vikmanné and under the  age of 35 years, the young winemaker  Péter Mészáros was recognized. It was told that huge emphasis was put on display in the price and value ratio to help the buyers in finding, having their own beloved wines. The BEST Buy WHITE was the Sauvignon blanc from the Wine Merchant and Production Ltd. The BEST Buy RED was the Hajós-Baja Cabernet Sauvignon from Csaba Koch.  This year, three sophisticated wines had reached the Gold prize …  the Szekszárdi  and the Tokaj wine region receiving the title:  “Honor of Producing”. These were the Mészáros Winehouse,  Puklus  and Takler Winery Cellar. The Puklus Cellar received the Big Gold prize with their „Tokaji Muscat Aszú Essence” from 2003. Dr. József Brazsil, from the Western part of Lake Balaton receiving the Gold prize with the „Riesling Silvaner„ from 2013. The Borbély Family Winery with its “Ice Wine – Italian Reisling”  from Badacsony – Lake Balaton was award with the Gold prize as the best vintage wine. Éva Gálné Dignisz winemaker is by now a regular competitor at Hungary’s wine competitions. This time Eve Gálné Dignisz  – Gal Vineyards and Winery received the Gold prize  for her „Riesling” from 2013.  The Best „Rosé” Gold prize went out to the Szöllősi  Cellar Ltd.   from  Transdanubia region. As the Best Red Wine came from the Mészáros Wine House receiving the Gold prize with its „Merlot Reserve” from 2011., Szekszárd. The Best carbonated products Gold prize winners were given to  the Nyilasi Cellar with its „Fizzyzzz” – 2013., and the „Chardonnay Brut” – 2011 produced by the Törley Champagne Cellars.

 At the end of the prize winner’s ceremony, the competitors,  invited guests and the media representatives were invited to go for tasting the Gold and Silver  prized  superb wines.

Update and snaps  by Aggie Reiter

THE VENUE AT THE CITY OF GYULA THE CURTAIN FELL DOWN … ENDING THE 10TH SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL

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NOTHING STAYS FOREVER … AND EVEN THE GOOD HAS LEFT … AT LEAST FOR  A YEAR TO COME!

Here’s a little overview to The-End of the Xth Shakespeare festival … 

Between June 27. and August, 9., the Gyula Shakespeare Festival, held its 51st season, whereas 60 programs were for spectators to enjoy. Within this number 10 to purchase ticket and the rest was free of charge. Overall, 27.500 visitors were interested to be a part at the Shakespeare Festival arrangements. Arriving from abroad were from twelve countries. Six hundred professionals and one thousand  amateur artists within three new presentations holding four festivals at Gyula.

The festival artistic high points was earned by presenting  probably the two out most classical works of Shakespeare:. On the first day A Midsummer Night’s Dream brought to Gyula by the Globe Theater from London and the Macbeth  play by the St. Petersburg Baltic House Festival Theater, director – Luk Perceval. Both play the performances attracted a full house.  Lectures were given by the Subotica Hungarian People’s Branch Theater.

For the first in Hungary, Gyula held the Fringe Festival, where street theater productions and folks could hook on some marvelous  concerts. Projected movies, was a two-day international conference to bring together leading researchers of Shakespeare and secondary school teachers, students filled the city’slibraryhall. Processing sonnets in jazz music, pop, classical and contemporary music genre made the night by the invited artists from around the homeland and abroad.

Workshop was organized for secondary school students. Contemporary menu was served with the taste of Shakespeare’s delights at one of the local restaurant. The festival organizers deemed a success at this year’s festival.

Update by Aggie Reiter

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HUNGARY IS READY IN HOUSING THE 2ND JUNIOR INTERNATIONAL SWIMMING CHAMPIONSHIP – 2014.

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Hungarians were spoiled by our superb swimmers at the European Swimming Championship in 2012 … whereas the 9 Gold, 10 Silver and 7 Bronze were in our swimmers neck before the London’s Olympic  Games. That was the BEST Hungarian performance ever said, never-the-less …

We all wished to be spoiled again in 2014!

 Where: Baltonfüred (Lake Balaton) – Hungary

When: During during September, 5 to 7. 2014.

The International Swimming Federation (FINA) unfortunately had to change venue from Eilat – Israel because of the unsteady situation at the settlements in the Israel. Balatonfüred – Hungary was awarded this year to organize the World Junior Open Water Swimming Championships. Also added it was overwhelming to hear this  result as Balatonfüred having beating behind countries as Dubai – UAE,  Setúbal – Portugal and Barcelona – Spain .

This new situation was out just 40 days  previously to the World Cup, but the organizers were optimistic that the championship will be like floating on smooth waters said Tamás Gyárfás – president of the Hungarian Swimming Federation, FINA Vice President opened words were at this morning’s press conference.  Quote: “It is heartwarming to have the waresome champions on the spot  here to-day at the press conference at  the Margaret Island – Thermal Hotel and having high hopes to have same great  swimmers in the future generations. Continued …  “It was an enormous value of having present the recently winning 3-3 European Championship gold medals in both the long László Czech and Katinka Hosszú at Debrecen.” Katinka said,  she does not wish to predict in any numerical predictions, but she will be up to do her best. László Czech treble is not basically the goal, but will do his best  to ensure to outbreaks of the series reached since 2004 receiving and continuing in having in the gold in the coming days at the German capital. With Daniel Gyurta talked through a telephone connection and   there were other excellence at the press conference. Gyárfás  added: Quote “We can be proud and show the examples to the young ones heading into the pools in having their dreams come true.”

Tamás Gyárfás emphasized that it was a huge advantage in decision in  having  the Junior international Swimming World Cup in Hungary after the awesome success at the water polo European Championship in Hungary, whereas d the FINA superiors of eight  visited  the venue a month ago and already learn the success housing the European Association’s second series of the open water swimming Europe Cup. Therefore  managed to quickly reconcile István Boka – major of the city of Balatonfüred.

According to László Kiss, the swimmers coach admitted, five gold medals is a result to be satisfied. The goal is to maintain their place in the medal table at the leading edge, after all, the Euro-ken regularly managed to close down in the top three which also was reached  recently in 2012 Debrecen … straight out of the lead in the Hungarian national team.

On the Lake Balaton will be 21 vessels, including the  water policing and rescue vessels will be  are watching  over the Lake.  Insuring the health care, the Oxyteam’s  senior doctor  Dr. Tibor Nagy  will be present throughout the swimming games,  said István Bóka – major Balatonfüred.   Impressing view will be supported by The Telekom with giant projectors placed on the coast to spot more and more what is happening at Balatonfüred at the Lake.

Gábor Gellért – open-water coach announced at the press conference junior swimmers from Australia onwards from Syria to Italy, including the Chinese,  Kazakhs and  Americans are joining the event.

The junior’s will be divided in two age groups (14-16 years and 17-18 years), boys and girls will take the plunge in races of 5km for the youngest category and 7.5km for the oldest.

Entries deadline date: August 10, 2014.

Apart from individual events, a 3km Team Event composed of three swimmers will be also organised for both age categories.

Last but not least, Gyárfás noted that the purpose of the competition is also a  kind of test to treated as if  it would be the great World Cup year of 2021. Also those who return home from leaving Hungary say: “Hungary was fantastic hosts and might want to come back more frequently to be at prestigious events!

 Update and snaps by Aggie Reiter

“ART ON THE WATER”- CITY PARK – AUGUST, 7 – 20. 2014 – BUDAPEST

 

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Moments of Central European Art Visual Art Festival (AMS) 

“Art on the Water”

Motto: “Melting Pot”

Where … around the Castle of Vajdahunyad

When …  Thursday, August, 7 until  Wednesday, August, 20. 2014.

Was announced to-day at the press gathering, that it is a pleasure to have this year the Art Moment at the City Park of Budapest. In the frame of Art on the Lake, around 20 programs will be organized with piece of works of arts to catch the eye whilst boating on the City Park’s lake, adjacent to the Castle of Vajdahunyad. On a 600 square meters an exhibition presenting art works by European, UAE and Hungarian artists. Those who wish to skip the boating may view the arts from the dock of the lake. During the evening time there will be concert, shooting films, literature discussions, discussion about art works on 600 square meters venue. It will be opened for the public, no matter being local, foreigners working staying as tourist in Budapest or throughout the country.

The arts festival aims is to bring closer the contemporary art of the domestic and artists and to provide an introduction and demonstration of emerging opportunities by the domestic and the already well-known artists. Simultaneously, there will be „room on the lake” for foreign talents to strengthen the connection between the international professionals. Here at the Lake the Art Moments will present a unique show from the usual contemporary art up to the gallery environment. By this  sophisticated exhibition a much wider audience can be present at the same time.

The abbreviation of the CAP comes from the English Contemporary Art Platform, in expressing the colors of contemporary art. The CAP is a modern and contemporary nonprofit art center in Kuwait. Aim is to support to-day’s or emerging artists, providing creative workshops, exhibitions, workshops, readings, cinema nights organized and to continually support the expanding library of art. Continuing the collaboration started last year, this year’s the CAP Director – Abed Al Kadirinek of the Art Moments of Kuwait will be here who is also an active artist and also arriving two other artists from the Arab region, Rima Chahrour and Kevork Mourad who will be also creating live performance on Thursday, August, 7 and Friday, August 8. on the spot. Their joint project title bears the state of the anxiety: war, destruction and creation.

What may be expected to the coming days by the visitors … Carried out on request of Art Moments, the Central and Eastern European Art exhibition focuses on the young and emerging contemporary art of the region. The exhibition’s sculptures, installations, videos and their hybrids will bring alive at the temporary exhibition space set on the City Park Lake alive. This is largely due to the intention of the exhibitors. The exhibition showcases constellations, which are both highly entertaining and humorous yet, at the same time confusing, making the audience uncertain and stimulating them to understand it, but bringing us closer to the true essence of contemporary art and understanding. Placing particular focus in the realm of applied art, Abu Dhabi Art Hub has assembled an extraordinary group of prestigious international artists  from Germany, Scandinavia, Ireland,Philippines, France , Canada,  4 Eastern European States, USA, South Korea,Mexico Arab North, Australia and Hungary have had already been at the Art Hub at the community oasis designed to live, to create, to exhibit at the platform for artist both local and creativity in the UAE, said Ahmed Al Yafei – founder – owner of the Art Hub.

Artist Zéro Kelemen – Hungary, statue welcomes the visitors arriving to the venue to admired the “Möbius ship” floating on the water. Will be presented the MOME and Mercedes-Benz joint project. The best of diploma exhibition … The “Worker” painting by Alexandra Evelin Hegedűs  – Hungary can be seen  on the spot. She graduated at the Faculty of Arts at the City of Pécs  (was founded in 1996 which is the only institution to provide the higher education in music and art, as well as visual arts programs in shaping the cultural life of the City, furthermore the Nation’s and Europe’s Art Moments. Sculptures formed of volcanic stones floating on the boards on the water titled “Mom Sees Into Water” by Imre Pistyur – Hungary. His motto: “For me painting is a study of reality perceived, a new cognizance of the world. The process of cognizance shows as new side of fality … this is what I call essential realism” Have to mention the Must see sculptures! Have the experience to lead your steps to the spectacular shadow art sculptures by Bassam Al Selawi (3 family members sculptures) and Maysoon Masalha. An another Hungarian artist  has worked in Abu Dhabi Marto Takat’s painting „Musaffah Seaside” About the venue he said: “Some contemplative workers and two old ships in the morning by the seaside of Abu Dhabi’s industrial district „Musafah.”

 H. H. Sheikha Alyazia bin Mubarak Al Nahyan – UAE … ” Most of our shapes come out from our thoughts and views, consists of beneficial or unbeneficed information we receive from the different forms of media. We become what we are by taking in what is fed to us through our screens … and as the saying goes…YA WHAT YA EAT!” Sheikha Alyazia drew the contours of her artistic career at an early age, adopting a unique approach in her paintings which are characterized by cultural reflections. A lists of art exhibitions and events she participated would be far long to long to give an overview, so therefore mentioning a couple of them as being at the “Emirati Expressions”, titled “39 Artists” in Abu Dhabi, which was arranged by the Ministry of culture on the UEA National Day. In 2011., “Fine Arts” titled: Abu Dhabi Business Women Council. Also in 2011 she opened her own solo art exhibition entitled “Dialogue” at the Artspace Gallery in Dubai.

Highlighting some  programs: Movie presenting famous photographer Vivian Maier’s life. Closing day of the Art Moments will be on stage „Cities of Mary”, the only opera by Astor Piazzolla – performance by the musical theater. Within the Art Moments events, to have the rhythm under your feet there will be a happy-go-lucky Salsa evening.

Joining the festival will be brought the “Cégér”,  is to address to designs of wine the labels of this year’s top 10 wines. At the same time the goal is  to introduce young vintners and help them enter the market, which is pretty hard task without a marketable brand image.

Further source: http://artmoments.hu/en

Update and snaps by Aggie Reiter

PICNIC WITH THE “VITÉZ” CHIMNEY CAKE PROFESSIONALS – 2014.

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Media representatives were invited  by the owners of the “VITÉZ” chimney cake to gain experience how to prepare one of the most popular Hungarian sweets.

This was the  2nd Vitéz Chimney cake blogger’s picnic arranged on Monday, July, 28.2014.

The invitation to the picnic  was to  the peninsula  name: Kopaszi Dam  – Kopaszti Gát at the Don Pelican buffet. So ….  on a so-called sunshine day was the picnic day for the media volunteers to create their own unique chimney cake. Had on the spot al-sorts of ingredient, as cinnamon, walnut, vanilla, Choco bits-and-pieces, coconut, dried sour cherries – blueberries and many more Transylvanian delicacies. We were told to do it just the way we like. For most of us, having the ins and outs of baking a chimney cake wasn’t a problem, because the helping hands were there by Tünde András – marketing manager of the Vitéz Chimney Cake to led our fingers in preparing the sweetie. The Csilla Tatár moderator – TV2 riporter who also came to learn  how to do it was with us. She told us she ain’t so good in baking, somehow things do not work out for her, especially when she wish to deal with yeast and milk or to prepare sourdough.  So Tünde gave us the instruction and step-by-step we started to prepare our own chimney cake. Folks with kids stopped over, hanged  around the lane and watched our industrious hands. As they asked, they could also join in baking. Last but not least, thanks to the members of the „Vitéz”  professional supporting team, we all had the chance to learn the secrets in baking our own chimney cake. In between baking the chimney cake, having snacks and cool drinks, sport was not neglected. Those guests who felt they could do a little move around  could go down the bank where at the Danube-conquering Team Warrior Chimney kayak team awaited for those interested in a little rowing ,but unfortunately from up above signs came and did not take too long! It was a real picnic atmosphere, lovely scenery on the banks of the peninsula. Started with a beautiful day relaxing by the River Danube, but did not take too long, high humidity and the heavy curtains of clouds slowly but surely were above us and before we realized came the stormy winds and hell pouring rain! Luckey, it only stayed for a half-hour  and  by then we all baked our own chimney cakes and we were told to take them if we please to do so.

Update and snaps Aggie Reiter

OLYMPIA CHAMPS OPENED TO-DAY AT THE 15th OF MARCH SQUARE THE VODAPHONE WATER POLO ARENA!

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To-day opened the biggest attractions of Budapest!

Heads-up to the giant projector to watch the last 4-days of the Water Polo Championship finals at the spectacular pool  established by the  banks of the River Danube, located at the 15th of  March Square,  where 290 viewers can follow the water polo finals!

Rita Drávucz, Alexandar Sostar, Gergely Kiss, Zoltan Kos and Zoltán Szécsi world, European and Olympic water polo champions were also present  on the spot during the opening ceremony.

György Beck – chairman of  Vodafone – Hungary at the Wednesday’s press conference,  pointed out by highlighting his thanks for the co-operation  between the Media Service Support and Asset Management Fund (MTVA) to set-up the Arena within  the period of a week, to view all the clashes happening  at the same time on the Margaret Island  through broadcasting here on the Arena’s giant projector. So through the giant projector.  At the pool  the locals and foreigners. can  follow the water games  in comfort.  Tomorrow when the final countdown begins two more giant projectors will be placed for the audience left outside due to the lack of space  from  the Margaret Island .

Dénes Kemény – president of the Hungarian Water Polo Federation at to-day’s opening he highly welcomed  the space and timing to have been built the Vodafone Arena in the heart of Budapest. Added by wishing a successful European Championship to all teams in Budapest. He also wished to mention that a couple of the water polo champions of the world will be present in commentating the water polo events on the spot.  Will most probably be full of joy and jump into this awesome water pool by seeing the awaited shinning results. By-the-way, nothing will remain in secret what’s happening under the water, because all motions can be viewed through the pool’s major glass walls. Here at the Vodaphone Area it is a superb place to be beside the Margaret Island where hundreds of spectators can view the last four day’s pool matches. The president told us that already fifty thousand visitors made it to the Margaret Island’s pool and through the TV channels broadcasting constantly the Water Polo European Championship, approximately a half-a-million folks where interested to follow the  flying ball on the water. Mr. Kemény also spread the news of tomorrow by saying … the European Championship success in water sports international associations (FINA, LEN) leadership has been recognized. Furthermore, Hungary is the world’s water sport’s center of  gravity. Int he coming years Margaret Island will be the venue in the European competition. It will be the beginning of a very special series  of water polo event beginning in 2017  „Junior Swimming World Championships”. In 2021 the World Championships and jointly the „Masters World Championship”  as well in Budapest.  On Sunday, 27.,  due to take place with a boost off to be holding  presentation matches. Before the  men’s Bronze match, and the Championship Finals Firsts match, Ádám Steinmetz – Olympic champion, Frank Tóth – World Cup winner and Szilárd Jansik and Márton Lévai  (as to previously selected team members)  will be competing, challenging the amateur water polo players.

For those fans interested which team will be the European Cup winner and missed purchasing their tickets to the main venue at the Margaret Island may follow the water fights hitting the ball into the net may watch the team in an environment of an arena set-up with a giant screen . The casual Sport Television will  hold a studio whereas the  Olympic water polo champions will be present to comment on the games.

Vodafone Water Polo Arena Budapest can be visited by the public between July, 24 to 27. 2014.

To enter fee is needed at the arena, only just a registration is required on the spot.

Opening hours at the Vodaphone Water Polo Arena – Budapest:

Thursday, July, 24. … 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.  … Friday, July, 25, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. … Saturday, July, 26. 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. … Sunday, July, 27. 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.

The video was taken at the press conference of to-day,  playing for fun by the a/m Olympic and World Champs:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHbRwDGu0Vc

 

Update, video and snaps by Aggie Reiter

 

THE HUNGARIAN ROCKMUSEUM – HALL OF FAME – HOUSED IN THE RAM CULTURE CENTER

 

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The history of music especially Jazz, Rock, Pop, Beat, and Hungarian Beat-Pop-Rock rock classical music is part of our history and the music can be attached very well to historical events.

Hungarian Hall of Fame … District XIII. Angel Field (Angyalföld) – Budapest.

Whether you like pop music from the past eras or not, it certainly affected generations having music even coming out of the tap circulating in their daily life. Recall the past in space and time at the Hall of Fame … the Hungarian Rock Museum.

A press call was set for the day to celebrated the statue installation ceremony, whereas the Budapest’s Mayor István Tarlós welcomed the guests. Quote:”I am pleased the creation of the museum, because we must not forget the world, feeling, mood, which is linked to the awakens of the Hungarian rock music”. He recalled saying: Quote: „I had a collection of more than 400 piece of bakelite records from the Hungarian beat and rock bands. During my school years was sitting behind me drummer Botond Homonnai from the Liversing band and knew his brother Tibor as well. Was invited and went many times to their concerts.” Also was present József Tóth Mayor of District  XIII., who said that not only in Hungary, but the universal musical culture thrives on a new institution. Added, in the last decades of rock music it has become an industry, but also self-discipline for example, recently the Hungarian Academy of Sciences researcher working group organized a scientific conference in the pop music. Here, in this district there were superb excellent club operating in the sixties. These were the Bosch, József Attila Cultural Center. Streets have been named after former resident growing up in the district: Levente Szörényi, Tibor Tátrai, Béla Radics.

The museum is operating as an association, whereas the President is the former Dj and radio presenter László B Tóth. The Vice-Presidents András Clement  former guitarist for the Old Boys. The museum to exist was one of the dreams to come true said, radio host László B. Toth, adding that the museum size is based on 810 square meters and the main target was to introduce it as the memorial to the Hungarian rock music of the past fifty years. The exhibition is day-by-day expanding, for example, Béla Radics famous Samurai Headed shirt, Levente Szörényi’s first and one of the last guitar, Omega band’s first smoke machines, guitars, organs, drums, amplifiers, reel recorders, vinyl record, photos and many more items Posters of: Edda Group in the early music days, Phonograph band, Pyramid band, Omega band. The list would be extremely long to print all the musicians being present, but mention a couple. At the opening was present among others: Illés band: Levente Szörényi, Omega Band: László Benkő – György Molnár, Benkő Dixieland Band – Sándor Benkő, Subway, LGT, Scorpio band: Károly Frenreisz,

Legendary Pyramid band’s bass guitarist and co-leader Lajos Som  and  János Závodi,   LGT band – János Karácsonyi.  Károly Frenreisz said he had a Fender Precision bass  playing in the Scorpio band. In 1976 or1977, sold it to a Swiss band, they were to give much money for it, could not say no to that offer and now sorry not having it to bring it to the museum. “The mixer of the late „British five-channel” offered  items for the museum corresponding to the LGT band’s from their show in 1972 Lincoln Festival in the UK. The was an awesome gig for the band where 70 thousand spectators were present.

RockMuseum (Hall of Fame) for a lot of people will be a feedback, reminder of the music from their teenager days, and for some elder folks of the long gone ahead  favorite singers of yesterday. Within the RockMuseum at the chamber hall, will hold chamber concerts, educational, interactive events. From the drum museum at Cegléd was borrowed some equipment that can specifically be linked to the Hungarian rock days. Heard at the press call, that the Rock Hall is rapidly expanding such as the music life was in the ’40-50-60’s.

It is important to highlight the work of volunteers, and the sacrifice of those people who for example: widows, families, relatives who amassed over thirty years, or who painted portraits over fifteen to twenty years, and voluntarily gave them to be in the collection. There are treasures, as written int he work book of Peter Hanka pre-Atlas and Juventus band.

There is a huge map of Budapest, with small light bulbs indicating the time and place where music clubs existed.

Visiting the Hungarian Hall of Fame can bring back for many those forgotten memories of „those were the days” when the New Generation … Children of the Revolution popped up and imprinted heartwarming love in many individuals.

 

Update and snaps by Aggie Reiter

XTH SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL LECTURE GIVING BY HONORED INVITED GUESTS – INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE AND WORKSHOP 2014.

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„TO BE OR NOT TO BE” was the question in Shakespeare time … To-day was not a question „TO GO OR NOT TO GO” !

Participate on a one day of the two days International Conference, whereas dissecting the question was whether „Shakespeare was contemporary?” Was delightful to be present at the János Mogyoróssy Public Library’s Assembly Hall on the Town Hall Street – Gyula.

Director József Gedeon welcomed the worldwide distinguish Shakespeare historian Stanley Wells – Stratford-upon-Avon who talked about scripts in Shakespeare work that in a way rang the bell of Sex and Love …  ie.: Homo erotic” interpretation in that era. Furthermore, gave an autopsy overview of Shakespeare’s text as sexual joking and sexual jealousy in his plays. For example: Shakespeare’s word „nunnery” was in use at the common daily conversation, which meant „F… me off”. These lines have been said in Hamlet … „Get thee to a nunnery: why wouldst thou be a breeder of sinners.” Shakespeare, masterfully offended others with his hidden jokes. Mr. Wells went back in time to the young life of Shakespeare by saying that he was a young developer, also at the age of 18 he got married. Shakespeare was one of the three young adults who was registered to have been married under the age of 20. In those days only at the age over 20 men could be married in church and he was not too welcomed of his act at Stratford-upon-Avon.  In the audience there were college students, theater representatives and simply folks interested in the era of the time-and-age with Shakespeare thoughts which were put with black ink on white papers.  Many came to the library to learn from the experts more about what was the meaning of the lines in the Shakespeare drama and comedy that triggered the mind of those folks reading, viewing a theater play and in how we understand the background meaning in our to-day’s understanding. He spoke about the literally works of Peter Brook, whose entire career was the most important artistic motif of staging Shakespeare’s plays and another prominent director of Romanian descent, but living for decades in the U.S.A., Andrei Serban who covered deeply in his work the Shakespearean thoughts on stage. Reference were made to Editor Jonathan Bate from the Royal Shakespeare Company who also carried out researches in resource of Shakespeare plays. He also dealt with much information on Shakespeare’s contemporary theatrical life.

After a short break the platform was taken by Maria Shevtsova –  Goldsmiths College, University of London, UK. who  held a lecture on  „Who are the contemporary Shakespeare?” Spoked about the next generation to be of high-level scholarly through Shakespeare editions to be bound through electronic use when everything will be at the fingertips for all those of interest. She held a powerful fascinating lecture … It was not only enjoyable to have a feed of new information, but listening to her beautiful clear English speech was more than delightful.

The International Conference was a brilliant idea sharing the informative thoughts in our 21st century. The audience who wished to learn more about what the texts meant in the Shakespeare time and how the back thoughts triggered those folks in the past era surely learnt a lot by being present.

Overall, even though spending a short time at the Shakespeare Festival those were the days of good on nuts and bolds  just as for those folks in the era of the Elizabethan theater practice. Imprinted superb experience in every sence and indeed for many will stay as a grand reminder of their visit at the Xth Shakespeare Festival performances brought by the best artists and scholars to the city of Gyula.

The conference was held in English language, but also available with interpretation through earphones in Hungarian language.

Update and snaps by Aggie Reiter

THE SPIRIT OF SHAKESPEARE ARRIVED TO THE CITY OF GYULA – HUNGARY 2014.

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During the early afternoon hours on Thursday, July, 10 the Shakespeare Globe theater and the Baltic theater held a press call at the Directorate of the Castle Theater held by Director József Gedeon. Both theater members were present. The Globe members said they are on tour a European tour with the play.  Mainly have their production outdoor, at castles, at  venues at buildings, courtyards with past historical  backgrounds.

To Be or Not to Be  … that is the question, but he the To Be was the main question by asking the actors how did they decided to be Shakespearean. Simon Bubb  (playing as  Benedetto)  said, originally he got in love with the film and watched it over-and-over again and decided this is his chapter to join the Globe.  This coming evening’s play they had four months of rehearsal. This is the second time on stage at Gyula during the Shakespeare festival. The members of the St.Peterburg Baltic House Festival Theater with the world-famous Belgian Luk Perceval director of Macbeth were also present. They brought to show a twist of  Macbeth by their own interpretation. This year since May, they have had been playing three occasions Lady Macbeth and the role is played by a young very talented actress who just graduated from college.  Wasn’t present ont he day at the evening’s play, but heard it was the best performance beside the Globe theater’s production.  By-the-way …the City of Gyula can already be considered as bringing the Shakespeare’s spirit again to the City at Gyula. Unfortunately, could not entirely follow through the way at the festival. Only spent an overnight by choose to be at the London’s Globe theater’s performance at Gyula the 600 years old castle’s courtyard. Undoubtedly, was a sensation performance of having the experience to go back-in-time with the piece at this stunning open-air theater.

On Thursday, July, 10 was a hot date as the Xth Shakespeare festival started with “Ado About Nothing” directed by Max Webster. Before the play started the director József Gedeon stepped on the stage to welcome to audience having an umbrella in his hands and continued by saying: Q: „There are dark heavy cloud above us, but come rain it will not disturb the play. Then will be a break and if it will rain for 2 or 3 hours, no problem cause as  the rain will stop falling down the play will continue … we have time. Wishing an enjoyable time to the Globe’s theater performance.”  Right said the director, because by the time for the break a sprinkle of rain arrived and after cca. 20mins the windy weather blew away the stormy weather … it decided not to interfere the play and our evening… observed the celestial spirit of Shakespeare!

The prose text had crossover music between the scenes … according to Shakespeare’s time, as the actors all played on instruments.

Of course there was Hungarian subtitles, even though the “Much Ado About Nothing” Shakespeare’s well known work is basically known by the audience. Was enjoyable for the ears to follow the accent spoken in the Shakespeare era. Basically the acting was playful with lots of music, an awesome, humorous production. Here’s a short reminder in brief to ring the bell of the 3hours play … “Leonato, Governor of Messina, welcomes the return of his soldier Don Pedro and his regiment from war. But all is not peaceful within Don Pedro’s ranks. His brother, Don John, still harbors anger for past acts and seeks the opportunity for revenge. Another of his men, Benedick, has taken up a verbal war with Leonato’s niece Beatrice. Despite this, Don Pedro hopes to unite the pair in a love match. And brave Count Claudio has fallen madly in love with Hero, Leonato’s daughter, and plans to marry her. Disgruntled Don John hatches a plan for revenge against his brother and Claudio, whom he also despises. He enlists the help of his companion Borachio and bribes young Margaret, Hero’s lady in waiting, to smudge Hero’s reputation by making it look like she has taken a lover. Claudio falls for the ruse and denounces Hero at the altar. Taking pity on the devastated bride, Friar Francis hides her away and enlists the aid of Leonato, who announces that his daughter has died of grief from the proceeding. Fortunately for Hero, Borachio is arrested while drunkenly boasting of his part in the plan. With Borachio’s confession, Hero is to be exonerated. Leonato demands a public apology from Claudio, then tells him that he will allow Claudio to marry one of his nieces in Hero’s place, a niece who happens to bear a striking resemblance to Hero herself! While Don John is arrested and meets an unhappy fate, Claudio and Hero are reunited and Benedick and Beatrice have set aside their war of words long enough to wed beside them.) Source from  Shakespeare Communities.

For many in  the audience who knew this play will be hosted by the Globe theater from London did not need a close-up of the text.  Overheard during the break the foreigners and locals having English language knowledge enjoy very much the play and was thrilled to be present. Must say … not too common thing to watch an English-speaking play in Hungary at all. Unfortunately, on both sides of the stage there were subtitle screen, but for many Hungarians without English language knowledge was not at all viewed from their seats, but overall the performance was the highlight of the festival.

It was a sold-out night and for those being present most surely had received a great theatrical experience.

Thumbs up for the City of Gyula and most of all for directory for keeping on in organizing for the Shakespeare lovers  for more than ten years the Shakespeare festival.

Update and snaps Aggie Reiter

SHAKESPEARE FRINGE FESTIVAL – JULY, 10. 2014. – GYULA – HUNGARY

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The 10th Shakespeare Festival brought new blood into the circulation at Gyula with organizing for the first time the Shakespeare Fringe Festival, which basically gathers theatrical productions as dance, music, comedy all in action, held on the street. This time the performance was on the lawn area under a tent beside the Castle of Gyula.

„OR WHATEVER YOU WANT”

 

Presentated by the Studio of the Lajos Soltis Theater from Celldömölk.

Cast: Anna Boznánszky, Beatrix Hajba, László Sipos, Leticia Lang, Flóra Lestár, Mercédesz Marton, Ádám Piller, Franciska Stangl, Renata Varga, Gergő Szekér, Renata Varga, Veronika Mihácsi.

Directors: Agnes Benkő,  Zsolt Nyári

Grand selection of Shakespeare works interpreted in comedy and drama. In the audience were young children and folks of all age and in a very short time they got into the rhythm and seeing their reactions to the plays, surely had fun on the pieces.

The „Shakespop” was presented by 11 young adults being in their third-year studies at the studio of Lajos Soltis Theater.  They were presenting parts from Shakespeare’s drama, as: Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, A Midsummer Night’s Dream.Thoughts were implemented, borrowed from R.D. Laing psychologist writings and from movies. Within their plays a selection of popular songs lyrics had been included expressing emotions. Deals with issues in collaboration, such as love, pairs living together, adoption, work conflicts, issues of acceptance of others.

Pieces of the theater performances have been recognized on several occasions and received several awards. For example at the XXIV. National Student Drama Festival  at Vasvár, whereas special awards have been given … Hamlet’s monologue by Balázs Szabó,  the quality of vocal music for the enforcement and original text handling. For director’s work the stakeholders were to Ágnes Benkő and Zsolt Nyári.

Had the pleasure to spend two-days at Gyula, and enjoyed being present on the first day watching the “new wave”  performance … whereas gestures becomes action. Good choice by organiser  to bring the Shakespeare Fringe in the frame of the Shakespeare Festival concerning it has not been  held previously anywhere in Hungary. It was a special treat.

For furthermore followup  on the Xth Shakespeare Festival can be soon spotted here concerning the following:  Sunday, July,10 attended at the press call having actors from London’s Globe theater to be playing „Much Ado about Nothing” and were also in the house the stuff and actors to be on stage with the freestyle Macbeth arrived from Petersburg Baltic House Festival, representing the National Theater, Balti House. Day 2… during  the early afternoon hours participated at the first day of the 2-days International Conference titled: „Is Shakespeare still our contemporary?”

Update and snaps Aggie Reiter