SZOMOLYA – CHERRYVILLE FESTIVAL … AS THE LOCALS SAY … “WE ARE THE CHERRY REPUBLIC’S CAPITAL

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As in the previous herald news have been mentioned, the village of Szomolya has the calf-length black cherries which are famous because nowhere in the world can be reached this fruit in size, color, sweet  delicious taste and crunchy  like the ones from the village of Szomolya. The locals actually say  „We are a Cherry Republic’s capital”.

So the „Cherryville” opened for the week-end and many locals and visitors from other parts of  Hungary just for the purpose to be at this once a year fair  came to Szomolya join and celebrate the well ripe cherries of their land.

This year the weather wasn’t in favor for the „Szomolya” cherries. Dreadful pouring rain hitting the cherries ruin a lot in their growth. Never-the-less there were a many locals whom brought crates full of freshly picked cherries from their „cherryfields”. Locals  and also nearby  the village of Szomolya, like from Nostvaj also brought their freshly baked cherry strudel, jams, syrups,  cherry wines and pálinka at the annual cherry festival, so the visitors wouldn’t have had to leave without obtaining from these delights for their own. Was hard to pass each-and-every stand where these marvelous cherry winked  and coax on the folks rolling by. Often had to stop couldn’t simply pass on the wide-spread of yummies without not giving in and leaving the opportunity of tasting. Also once  your eye calls for these cherry delights need not have to be a weak person, to simply dropped in vain. The traditional folks art and crafts created by the locals of Szomolya were very attractive and popular among to buy.

As for the culture, the  stage was never empty, so everyone was able to find their own choice of programs to follow. Traditionalist group shows, musical songs  and evergreen songs filled the air throughout the day by well-known artists.

The children were not left out of the happy-go-luck day.  Face painting, creating crafts, music programs and fun contests were awaiting for them throughout the day.

The heavens were of good favor seeing so many cherry fans as to please them with sunny times  given to locals and visitors.

Looking through the window at the sideshow will surely show  the mood of what was going on in-and-around Cherryville.

Also added two videos whichwere taken at this awesome event.

First the  „Nessma”  Belly Dancers, second the local folk song singers … lyrics all about the Szomolya cherries:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y-vfUsO9bGk&feature=youtu.be

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xxUIerivnQs&feature=youtu.be

Update snaps and video by Aggie Reiter

GIANTS LIVE … WORLD’S STRONGEST MAN … OFFICIAL QUALIFYING TOUR – 2013 – BUDAPEST

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The A to the Q to which is the most-watched TV sporting event after the Formula 1 in Hungary, some folks perhaps should need more than a minute and only a few could immediately give the right A, which would be „The Giants Live Budapest”.  The last year’s competition was broadcasted through the largest European sports channel, so thanks to the EuroSport channel millions of fan were interested in viewing the „strongies” nearly in 90 countries, mostly  broadcasting  live on time.  The contest in June, 2012 took place at the Ramada Resort Aquaworld in Budapest, Hungary. It was the most prestigious strongman contest of our last quarter of our century. Many may have followed and know it ended with domestic success.

The finalist in the competition,  gained the Giant „V” was fought by Mr. Akos Nagy, who won the award and the right as to be the official World’s Strongest Man. After ten years break, Hungary was granted further representation.

After last year’s Hungary’s  participation in organizing such a successful competition won the right to organize this year again the World Cup qualifiers Giants Live strongman competition.

Who will be the strongest … this isn’t the Q of head-or-tail! There will be out there 10 already strongest men to hold your breath with them at the same time.  An amazing spectacular competition, with the contestants to “mobilize” around 2 tons in a single event.

This year’s comnpetition  are benchmarked with five competitive strength of numbers from 10 country’s “strongrest man”

Here is the list of the competitors:

1 Michael Burke … In 2012, the US’s Strongest Man in 2012 Arnold Strongman Classic 5 prize, The World’s Strongest Man 2 Tomi Lotta … Finland’s strongest man, twice a finalist in The World’s Strongest Man.

3 Alen Radosevic  … Serbia 2 Strongest Man, from novice to pro.

4 Marc Van de Haer … South Africa 2 strongest Man.

5 Tamas Hajnal … HSMA Hungary 2 strongest Man.

6 Ákos Nagy … Former junior world weightlifting champion, professional powerlifting champion Hungary, the Budapest Live Giants 1, 2012 prize, The World’s Strongest Man 7 Eddie Hall …  In 2011, in 2012 Britain’s Strongest Man, The World’s Strongest Man 8 Alex Curletto … Italy’s Strongest Man, The World’s Strongest Man.

9 Sergey Romanchuk … Ukraine’s Strongest Man, the 2011 Strongman Champions League finals and the first Giants Live Ukraine prize, The World’s Strongest Man.

10 Bjorn Andre Solvang … Norway’s Strongest Man (2013).

Judges … In 2001, the World’s Strongest Man

Colin Bryce from Great Britain and Svend Karlsen  from Norway.

Time … Date … Place:

2 p.m. Saturday,  June, 22. 2013.

Ramada Resort Aquaworld Budapest

 District, IV. 16. Íves Road – Budapest

Update  by Aggie Reiter

NEWSFLASH … FLOOD ALERT … OPEN-AIR THEATER’S ANNOUNCMENT CANCELLING PERFORMANCES UNTIL JUNE, 28. 2013.

The Margaret Island Open-Air Theater had to cancel for probably to the coming two weeks their performances until the flooding will roll down the River Danube. In accordance with the Local and National Government ordered flood emergency and the evacuation of Margaret Island due to vis major …  act of superior forces of nature, the Open-air Stage regretfully announces the cancellation of the following outdoor stage performances in June: Verdi&Wagner 200 – festive opening concert (June, 14.), Balkan Fanatik (June, 15.), Freedom Day (June, 19), Danube Carnival (June, 21.)

This goes out to all of you hoping for a cultural gathering on Margaret Island in the near future: there will be no theater or music performances until  June, 21. or until the flooding has passed.

Tickets purchased for the original date will be valid for the subsequent concert, also the tickets brought in advance can be redeemed or exchanged for other Budapest Summer Festival performances cancelled between 6 June, until June, 21.,  at the following two locations:

Margaret Island Open-Air  box office (Szabad Tér Jegyiroda) … District VI. 68 Nagymező Street  – opening hours: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Tel.: +36 (1) 301-0147

jegyiroda@szabater.hu)

“Városmajor” Open-Air’s box office … District XII.,  Városmajor Park,

Opening hours: Monday-Friday 1 p.m.- 7 p.m.,  Saturday-Sunday 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Tel.: +36 (1) 375-5922 (ext.:123)

According to flood  which has a mystery  way  in  time of running,   it may take several days until it leaves the height in Budapest. As far as planning ahead the Margaret Island Open-Air Theater has high hopes to open the holiday season on June, 28, with the performances of the ballet Spartacus.

The theater extends thanks to the audience for its patience and understanding, and will keep the public updated with any possible changes during this unusual situation. The government and the capital is on the same view. The high-speed flood emergency is out on the Margaret Island and evacuation force is handling the situation.

Update Aggie Reiter

FLY HIGH ON THE WINGS TO ISTANBUL ON W!ZZ AIR FLIGHTS FROM BUDAPEST.

Zsuzsa Lázár and CCO György Abrán announced the new route in Budapest

(Photo:  Ms. Zsuzsa Lázár and CCO Mr. György Abrán announcing the new route from Budapest to Istanbul)

LATEST PRESS RELEASE …

BUDAPEST – ISTANBUL – BUDAPEST .

ALL ABROAD! 

The latest press release was announced to-day by Mr. György Abrán, Chief Commercial Officer, regarding a new service from Budapest to Istanbul commencing this year from August, 2. 2013. The route will operate four times per week (Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun.). From September, 2013. (Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun) and  will gradually grow over the following months to a daily operation by March, 2014.  Mr. Ábrán also said, Quote: “W!ZZ AIR has been stimulating Hungarian air traffic with very low fares and by expanding to Eastern destinations has opened Hungary to fast growing economies and great tourism destinations. Istanbul, at the crossways between Europe and Asia, is set to become one of the best-selling destinations. The increasing popularity of Turkey as business link and holiday destination will now be more accessible for individual travelers as well as families and businesses.”

Time is running so fast and by the use of flying high you can make the time stop in a way or at least save a lot of time at reaching destination quickly and comfy. Now a new destination will be added with the crafts and pilots for you to reach easily and at a real low-cost fair to Istanbul.

This will be the latest addition of W!ZZ AIR’s eastbound network expansion  from Budapest  following the earlier introduction of Tel- Aviv, Kiev, Baku and Dubai routes. The airline’s low fares will quickly increase bi-directional tourism and business travel between Hungary and Turkey, stimulating over 70,000 passenger traffic in the first year of operation.

Flights on W!ZZ AIR’s new route to Istanbul –  Sabiha Gökçen Airport are already on sale and can be booked immediately on wizzair.com with incredible fares starting from just 5,990HUF on a one way flight, incl., tax.

Not that there are many who are not familiar with the W!ZZ Air, the largest low-fare, low-cost airline in Central and Eastern Europe, but the good news is never to late to hear it once again.

Update  Aggie Reiter

SHAKESPEARE’S “THE WORLD AS STAGE” BY MR. BILL BRYSON AVAILABLE NOW IN HUNGARIAN LANGUAGE

SHAKESPEARE THE MYSTERIOUS

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Mr. Zoltán Papp from the Academy Publishing Ltd. held this morning at the Uránia Film Theater in Budapest a book review connected with a slice of presentation, but it was not just all about any book, it was Shakespeare’s “The World As Stage” originally written by Mr. Bill Bryson and now-a-days just came out from the hot print, translated into Hungarian language. On the occasion of this exclusive book premiere, as a host were invited, actor and poet Mr. Péter Kálloy Molnár, who is not far of being „alittle” Shakespeare by on his own, since over the decades several occasions stepped into Shakespeare’s shoes in theater plays.  Dr. Ádám Nádasdy literary translators, linguists, Ms. Ágnes Szabó lyrics writer. (The Hungarian version was  translated by  Ms. Zsuzsanna Erdeős.)

Mr. Bill Bryson, carries us away, as a narrator in the world long gone 400 years  ago with his minutiae writing arriving to a playful background of a few exciting discoveries about Shakespeare, his times and by describing his physical surroundings. The World As Stage” was originally published  in 2007. In just a wink became the popular book throughout the U.K. No need to pull your eyebrows high, knowing Bryson, who seems incapable of writing non-interesting books. To-day, the Hungarian readers can take off the shelves at the Bookstore the fresh print  out by the Akadémia Publishing House translated into Hungarian language of Shakespeare’s “The World As Stage” and to read, explore an excellent piece of what little do we know of the ever famous playwright’s Shakespeare’s background, what life was like generally in his age and time, how the theater and actors, writers worked side-by-side, how he entertained  the public of London living 400 years ago. This is a relatively thin book and quickly read. Don’t expect heavy analysis within the 200 pages, yet there is so much cheerful and interesting facts to follow. There is much discussion as to whether or not William Shakespeare actually wrote the plays and verse that bear his name. The majority of theories otherwise seem to be based on the idea that a man with Shakespeare’s limited experience of the world beyond his Homeland, simply lacked the knowledge to have had written so well about those places history and prominent citizens. Many wasn’t fond of him taken as snobbish individual, writting about other countries traditions, using foreign language words borrowed from other countries he actually never had visited. Cannot be denied … Shakespeare surely was a person who written one-after-another best-selling books about his adventures. He was not a celeb, nor a star that’s for sure, grannies didn’t stop to tell their grandchid „look there goes Shakespeare” like it is considered so common in our to-day’s daily life.

As it was pointed out at the press gathering, whether or not you like it or not it is so true … the word celeb or star of to-day is in a way a  public wish to be served by the media. These so-called celebs and stars  popping up in different  shows needn’t have to be highly educated to reach being ont he front page … just an example was told at the press gathering… when an actor/actress have a call from any media they are not asked about their future plans, what are they working on … insteed … the main Q is, did their doggy meet another dog while walking the dog, cause mainly the public is not hungry on culture and more interesting culture related subjects. The public are more interested of the celebs and stars whereabouts, what,, where they were  rather than filling the gap of being interested in culture background area … I am sure I am not on my own saying this … therefore it is great to have a book out for many of those still interested in the era and the great writer William Shakespeare’s long forgotten past history.

Whether or not Mr. Bryson actually gives the A to the Q  which is all about … who was the real Shakespeare? … As Mr. Bryson says, Quote: „I will leave up to you, gentle readers. May you enjoy the pursuit as well as the knowledge.”

Shakespeare moves into your home and tells his secrets. Mr. Bill Bryson’s book certainly pays homage to William Shakespeare that’s for sure!

Update and snaps Aggie Reiter

CHERISH … THE CHERRY FESTIVAL JUNE, 7-9. 2013. AT SZOMOLYA

 Hello Cherry Lovers! Szomolya is awaiting for you, family members, friends of all age!

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When you will be ROLLINGinSZOMOLYA along the Cherry Street you can not only taste the resident’s of the village home-made pies, cakes, cherry products, cherry strudel, jams products, wines and visiting the local vineyards and wine cellars, but also purchase, take home a bunch of those products judged by you as the dipping cherry on top of the cake!

Szomolya is the place to visit at this time of the year when the typical early, calf-length black cherry heads are covering the CHERRYVILLE! During the festival of the mouth-watering cherries, other culinary delights, entertainment, crafts will be at your fingertips when arriving to Szomolya.

In the year 2012, the cherry has been included in the product line (HÍR) as a member of the local traditions, flavors, region.

By-the-way … representatives with their delightful cherry pies were present during this year’s Aspic Festival at Miskolc in February (see previous  update and snaps  at:  https://rollinginbudapest.com/2013/02/26/city-of-miskolc-13th-winter-aspic-meat-festival-week-end-during-february-22-24-2013/ )

As for the forthcoming 3 days festive, here are some dates and timing of events

Friday, June, 7.  

From (7 p.m. to 11 p.m.) music under your feet by the Music Party B band, so everyone can dance until their legs may cope with it. At  (9 p.m.) mysterious light shinning brilliantly in the beehive stones.

Saturday, June, 8.

Bing-dong at  7 a.m. comes the wake-up call. The RECE Preservation Society with the Crier to be announcing the forthcoming events ont he next two days. Get ready to a unforgaettable week-end!  So many attractions and of course eating as much cherries as you can to fulfill your bellies. At (11 a.m.) beings the Kőhodály Ceremony. Oil painting artist’s  Ms. Emese Fehér exhibition opens at (11.50 a.m.) along with Mr. István Fejér’s  „I headed to my beautiful country” mosaics introducing Csíksomlyó. A little get-together dancing time by the „Nessma” belly dance group at noon.  The Bogácsi Majorettes group (12.30 p.m.) attraction show. The ceremonial opening of the XII. Cherry Festival begins at (1 p.m.) with the welcoming festive speech by Mr. András Tallai, Secretary of State, and  Mayor Mr. István Guczi. Performance by the RECE Traditionalists Association at (1.30 p.m.) Theater performance will not be missing at this festival, so the Musical Theater from Miskolc will present a show from (2 p.m.) and the also the Miskolc Dance Elite Dance School will be on stage at (2.40 p.m.)  Performance  by the Town’s Triad … Mr. Béla Jankai, Mr. György Kálmán, Mr. Péter Sipos on stage at (3.10 p.m.) Late afternoon at (5 p.m.) one of Hungary’s pop singer Ms. Csilla Auth and at (6 p.m.) Mr. Fecó Balázs from the Coral group will be giving a concert. Jazz lovers won’t miss a thing by rolling along in the jazzy mood at the evening’s concert by Mr. Ádám Török with the Mini Band at (8.40 p.m.) Mr.Jivi Jhan show will starts at (7.40 p.m.) Juggler will fill the platform at (9 p.m.) From (8 p.m.) the dance floor with the Jump Rock Band will give everyone to take it away … by dancing the night away.

Sunday, June, 9.

The town holds Sunday’s Holy Mass at the Roman Catholic Church at (11 a.m.)

Noontime the air will be filled with evergreen melodies and songs make the lunchtime more enjoyable by the performance of Mr. Imre Cseh. The „Snowdrop” women’s choir will perform at (1 p.m.). Many will be awaiting for the announcement of the results of the Wine Competition which will be held at (1.30 p.m.) , then after at (2 p.m.) the „Melody TV” will hold a marathon song concert lasting for 4 hours, so everybody can join tapping their feet and little getting around with Mr. Péter Polgár, Ms. Szilvia Dankó, the „Brother in-laws”,  Suzy and Jolly musicshow. At (6 p.m.) Csézy and Mr. Csaba Abaházi along with his friends will be out entertaining the public.

Don’t have to say DAMN IT!!!  …  Missed the legendary cherry pie of Szomolya … so mark the dates and take a tour to the land that holds so much pleasure and also visit  the cellars which are also worthy of recognized quality of wines from the region.

A little background history to the town of Szomolya in English Language:  www.szomolya.net/index.php?melyiket=english&gepaz…

Update and snaps by Aggie Reiter

NEWSLFASH – MARGARET ISLAND OPEN-AIR STAGE THEATER – JUNE, 19. CELEBRATING DAY OF FREEDOM

sajto_mm

In the frame and headlines to this year’s Summer Festival will be the following: Celebration of the Day of Freedom at 7 p.m. on June, 19. 2013. at the Margaret Island Open-air Stage Theater, but before rolling on to the end of the day, in the morning hours Major Mr. István Tarlós will hand over honorary citizen titles at the New Town Hall. thereafter, at 3 p.m. he will inaugurate the newly renovated fountain on Margaret Island. A tremendous Gala Concert will take place by reaching the end of the holiday, starting sharp at 7 p.m. with the Budapest Festival Orchestra giving a free concert in honor of celebrating the honorary citizens of the day. This free concert is organized for the second year. The surroundings of ancient trees and the fresh smooth air will surely be an evening to remember and hopefully the summer weather will be finally here in Budapest at this wonderful concert show. The Budapest Festival Orchestra  will be conducted by Mr.Gábor Takács-Nagy and the music of Mozart’s K 199 in G major Symphony, followed by Bizet-Shchedrin Carmen  will fill the air at the Open-Air enlarged modernized stage. Also the audience will for the first time have to opportunity to relax and enjoy  the show in the newly renovated auditorium seats.

The concert is free of charge, but ticket requests are previously required. They can be purchased through ordering online at the http://www.szabadter.hu site, starting from May, 24 and onwards. The tickets can be picked up at the Open-Air Stage Theater’s Ticket Office at District VI. 68 Nagymező Str. and also at the box office on the spot at the Margaret Island during the opening hours, 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.  through Monday-Friday, and from 11 a.m.- 7 p.m.  on Saturday and Sunday- Whether by any chance they run out of the 2700 seats by the time you wish to purchase yours, then you may still have a chance to book for your tickets (there is 800) at  the water tower encompasses the cloister, through:

http://szabadter.jegy.hu/arrivalorder.php?eid=229332&aid=3156&vid=120

 and for those who couldn’t make it to reserve a seat, they will not stay OOPS, cause the program organizers do not wish them to miss an awesome concert like this, therefore at the surrounding area  at the entrance to the Theater’s on the green grassy plain, projectors and speakers will be placed to follow and enjoy the show.

Special shuttle bus service back-and-forth to the scene of the event will be provided by the Budapest’s Transport Center.

The event is organized on behalf of the Municipality of the Open-Air Stage Theater Ltd.,

Ms. Theodóra Bán executive and artistic director.

Update by Aggie Reiter

10TH SUMMER FESTIVAL … LASTING FOR 3 MONTHS … WITH MORE THAN 100 EVENTS … NOW DOESN’T THAT SOUND HOT !?!

 

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SUMMERTIME AND THE LIVING IS EASY WHEN YOUR WELCOMED TO THE 10TH SUMMER FESTIVAL AT BUDAPEST.

In the recent days a press conference related to the forthcoming marathon days of the 10th Summer Festival was held at the National Opera House Budapest by Teodóra Bán festival director, Deputy Mayor Miklós Csomós, Ókovács Szilveszter Opera Director, Secretary Monika Balatoni, Géza Kovács, Director General of the NFZ and Tamás Solymosi ballet director.

Just to pull your attention before rolling into the deep,  not just the weather will be hot this summer, but be prepaired for the 10th summer festival’s hot days and hot nights!

So … upon the opening at the press conference  Mr. Miklós Csomós Deputy Mayor said, quote: „The capital city is proud of the leadership of the ten summer festival, which will be  filled with  rich and diverse programs. The summer festival will hold from the folkdancing and the folk music up to the opera events. From the variety of programs there will be for everyone to choose from programs that suites their own taste.” The Deputy Mayor also pointed out that this year the Margaret Island Open-air Stage will celebrate its 75-year saying, quote: „One of the jewels of the capital” and the government and the capital support the cost to renew the stage by 700 million Hungarian Forint. This will cover this year’s and the next year’s cost renewer. The modernization is an important element  and there will be a roof pulled above the stage as well.”

The first phase of the renovation will be completed, by June,14, when it opens to the works of Verdi and Wagner concerts. The National Symphony Orchestra director Géza Kovács said there will be the overture from popular melodies and “reconcile” the two giant composers whose attitude toward life was far from cloudless. Both born 200 years ago, two of them one of a kind, very opposite personalities, yet indeed were linked together by the harmony of music.

The  festival strategic partner will be the Hungarian State Opera House, which will present  two operas and one ballet staged at the Margaret Island. Trustee of the Opera ballet director Tamás Solymosi said that a renewed  ballet choreograph will take place  in honor and memory of the one year ago gone ahead  Mr. Laszló Seregi  the first dramatic ballet choreographer. He was also 40 years on stage with grand success playing Spartacus.

Mr. Ókovács Szilveszter stressed, quote: “Those amazing cultural resources, which in Hungary have become apparent will be in the Budapest Summer Festival Programs.” Under his institutional managament will be brought on stage Madame Butterfly and beside Puccini’s evergreen, the summer season holds one of the world premiere of, Stephen the King composed by Ferenc Erkel.  So far the Hungarian National Library of Music Collection held the manuscripts but for the first time at the Summer Festrival’s concert  the sheet music will be available told the good news for sheet music lovers Ms. Theodóra Bán director of the Festival.

Representing the Ministry of Government Administration and Home Secretary, Ms. Mónika Balatoni made an announcement, quote: „One day before August, 20 the public holiday, wish to highlight the event with Cardinal Péter Erdős Primate of Hungary  who will patronage by his presence at the Stephen the King – Erkel’s opera at the gala performance whereas, beside the Members of the Government and the foreign delegations jointly with the public audience will be invited and to be promising a real social experience.”  The Stephen the King opera’s costumes and scenery will be seen by designer Centaur, descendant of Erkel family, so this time he will learn firsthand the values ​​ of arrangement and grandiose he will lay infront to see for the audience. The title role will be sung by Mr. Gábor Bretz.

During the festive season, many artists will take the stage. Ms. Andrea Rost opera singer for the first time will be in the title role of Madam Butterfly, the National Philharmonic Orchestra  will be conducted by Carlo Montanaro  at the festive opening concert. Ms. Andrea Caré Italian tenor will be seen for the first time in Hungary in the Puccini opera.

The 10th Place in Budapest Summer Festival festive season will include among the shows: Mozart’s “The Marriage of Figaro” by well-known opera soloists as: Ms. Beatrix Fodor, Ms. Viktória Mester, Ms. Anna Herczenik, Ms. Bernadett Wiedemann, Mr. Szabolcs Hámori Szabolcs. There will be a co-operation gathering staged into to-day’s history, an orchestrated work directed by Mr. Andrew Hábetler. They present a The grand classic Viennese operetta author Mr. Karl Zeller’s „Birdwatcher” play will be shown, a   piece of play which hasn’t been staged for more than  forty years,  starring Mr. Géza Egyházi. Both shows will be presented at the Városmajori Outdoor Stage where the kids are awaited to see fabulous fairytale performances week-by-week.

This year the Theater Review will be renewed at the Városmajor outdoor stage will welcome seven provincial theaters from Nyíregyháza, Veszprém, Kaposvar, Szombathely, Kecskemét, Székesfehérvár and Transcarpathia with drama productions and classical music pieces as well. The performances will be accompanied by a professional jury and audience. At the end of the Theater Review, the best male and best female performance category will receive a gift awards.

The protocol lecture dated 19 prestigious guests call the Secretary of State, but those interested in the Outdoor Theater website can register for free tickets. The next day’s lecture ticket prices they go gifts inventory, the 20th of may 2000 HUF per person entry to change.  Information in-depth will be after June, 10. follow atwww.szabadter.hu

The Budapest Summer Festival will present exhibitions connected to the City and Theater History, whereas the 75-year’s anniversary of the Margaret Island Stage can be seen beside the Deák Square at the City Hall park opening on June, 1. The title of the exhibition will be „Margaret Island Anno.”  The next exhibition to open will be the „Metropolitan Archives postcard”collection can be visited from June, 14 at the exhibition of collected Historical Photographs taken at/ by the water tower on the Margaret Island. These images are from the legacy collection of the 100 years old Mr. György Klösz. Within this collection: photos, posters and theatrical specialties from the first moment to open the Margaret Island Open-air Stage in 1938 and the Water Tower courtyard of the era will be on view for visitors.

Minding the visitors, just like last year, the Margaret Island can be reached by the special Theater Boat Service. The standard scheduled boat service operates 5-times /day . Rolling over to the Island the  visitors  and the audience members can enjoy the unique sights while reaching Island. The boat stops just a couple of steps to the  Open-air Theater  and before the performance the 102-years old Water Tower may counted in to visit.  There is a 100-years old giant Platanus tree, that ain’t a usual thing to see in its glory in a metropolitan city.  Taking a short walk to visit and see the Saint Margaret Ruins, as well as the monument of the Premontre Monastery would be a pitty to miss if your out on the Island.

Well these are just in a nutshell of some events to mark and worthwhile to keep an eye on!

There will be  many more  eye catching events coming up, as the slogan says:

A GIFT FOR BUDAPEST !

Update and snaps by Aggie Reiter

10TH YEARS ANNIVERSARY OF THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA AT THE MADÁCH THEATER – BUDAPEST

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One night in Budapest … One night celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Phantom of the Opera … One night at the Madách Theater!

In the morning hours at the Hungarian State Opera House in Budapest a press conference was held by Mr. Tamás Szirtes, director of Madách Theater to announce  the 10th anniversary of the forthcoming major show:

Phantom of the Opera!

 Well the Phantom comes-and-goes,  in-and-out of the Opera but always arrives back to the Madách Theater in Budapest.

Over the past 10 yrears the Madách Theater have had been having around the Phantom of the Opera. Most probably one of the successful piece of entertainment of all time and now here in Budapest coming out with an extraordinary anniversary show.

 No surprize by saying the Phantom goes on-and-on to entrance audiences all around the world, with jaws dropping, breathtaking special effects scenes brought on stage by the musical of Mr. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Phantom of the Opera.

There has been dozens-and-dozens of productions worldwide since it was brought on stage,  and here in Budapest it  has been rolling along  ten years, 700-times with full house at the Madách Theater. The musical was also on the road in 2007 and reached its audiences in 13 cities throughout the regions in Hungary, these were the first thoughts by  Mr. Tamás Szirtes, director of Madách Theater. Continued … quote: „This 10th year anniversary will hold an evening on stage that will be a blast in so many ways.  The actors and creators will be together under the roof at the 10th anniversary night with a one night  anniversary performance not to be missed.”

It was in the year 2003 when the Madách Theater presented on May, 30 the musical of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Phantom of the Opera. The Phantom „arrived to Hungary” 17 years after its premiere. This piece of musical deeply wrote itself into the chapters of the History of Musicals. It was Mr.Tamás Szirtes who for the  first time had the honor to present the musical in his own processing performance.

On the anniversary night, the cream on top of the cake will be bringing on stage one unforgettable duet from the very first cast by Ms. Linda Király and Mr. Zoltán Miller. At the end of the show, a superb performance will fill the air with the presence of Ms Eszter Horgas flutist and Mr. Adam Szabó accordion musician playing  phantom variations  by their own emotional  way.

Mr. Tamás Szirtes was also pleased to say, quote: „This summer, on July,13. the Phantom of the Opera will be brought under the evening sky at the Open-Air Theater in the City of Szeged. Even though not yet brought down the overall of performance, but  probably it will be a concert version only. I§m  having deep hopes that in the future the application will arrive to Szeged and a complete Phantom performances will take place. The main roles will be presented  by Mr. Sándor Sasvári, Ms. Barbara Fonyó and Mr. Gábor Bot.”

Previous and present actors, design creator were also present at this morning’s press conference. As the word was given to the first previous performer, he started recalling with the number of years within the presence of his life of the Phantom of the Opera then after, each-and-everyone involved in a way or another in the musical started with the numbers of years. The eldest  recall went back to 25years ago, the „youngest” to be playing in the musical” hasn’t yet years to recall, saying he will be born only next week performing at the 10th anniversary show.

The director’s closing words were quote: “On the jubilee evening all those being in the previous casts will take the step ont he stage, and the performers in the roles will hand over and continue each other’s acts and songs.”

So, overall this particularly 10th year anniversary will be a  one night in the Opera with the Phantom.  Looks like to be not an average showtime in Budapest,  and most probably not far by saying, it’s going to be a unique  world sensation performance with the previous and present performers being  in the same time on stage.

Tickets are available to purchase on the spot at the Madách Theater

District VII. 31. Erzsébet  Blvd. – Budapest.

By calling on daily basis: 10 a.m.-12.30 p.m. and 1 p.m.-6.30 p.m.

+36 1-478 2041

Update and snaps by Aggie Reiter

TRISTAN AND ISOLDA FROM LJUBLIJANA TO BUDAPEST

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May, 21., at 8 p.m.  Tristan and Isolde arrived with guest appearance actors of the Mini Theater Ljubljana to present a joint performance with the Budapest Maladype  Theater.  The  play took place at the University of Theater and Film Art’s Odry Stage  in Budapest … (The Odry Stage is the university’s own theater for actor and theater director training workshop for students. Also, the general public  may visit  to see the  first professional acting that takes place).

It was somewhere around an hour in time of the play and surely switched the minds of the audience into another world, by the young talented Slovenian actors bringing on stage their awesome presentation of Tristan and Isolde. The story went on with minimal tools, focusing on man and woman, examining the delicate balance of relationships, hovering between onwards and upwards, dream and reality, life and death and a bunch of surprise and impression printed in their acting by director Zoltán Balázs.

The performance was in English language as previously said in the herald news, and for the non-English speaking audience it play was subtitled in Hungarian language. This was the first occasion to bring a foreigner play to Budapest between the co-operation of the Mini Theater Ljubljana and the Budapest Maladype Theater.

The Tristan and Isolda was a superb play even though the actors did not have had to blast into the others words. Mainly relayed on the non-verbal motions and it seemed as the play was mainly based on their improvisations.

Worthwhile to mention the names of young Slovenian actors superb performances who last year graduated at the theater Academy in Ljubljana and seemed to be a very well-knit company casting: Vesna Kuzmic, Ana Urbanc, Jernej Čampelj, Robert Korošec, Rok Kunaver, Tadej Piše, Marko Ujc.

The Tristan and Isolda production in 2012 was selected to be in the competition at the 47th Maribor Borštnik Festival.

Knowing the original story of Tristan and Isolda, it was really something to see this piece a performance from another ankle, a completely different presentation and more to it, it communicated well and in a way provoked the viewer’s attention which was the concept and the director’s Mr. Zoltán Balázs goal within this performance. The dramaturgy was Judit Góczán, set design and costumes: Ana Savić Gecan, assistant director: David Cerar, production manager: Sylvia Knight.

Unfortunately, this was a one-act  presentation, and seeing the  theater was absolutely full, showed interest  to the young Slovenian actors play  and  indeed be worthwhile to have the possibility to have a presentation more than once upon  the stage.  In the meantime having high hopes the Odry Stage will bring some more English-speaking actors with their play to Budapest in a short time again.

Update and snaps by Aggie Reiter