Monthly Archives: November 2003

When I first chanced upon the announcement of the National Philharmonic Orchestra's April 27th concert in the Concert Calendar, I immediately knew that that was the place for me. The choice of programme is virtually a symbol for Zoltán Kocsis's efforts at developing both the orchestra and the audience. Two Stravinsky works, which are rarer […]

Music to have lifted Mozart’s spirits

Adventurous and complementary are words that spring to mind for the programme of the Hungarian National Philharmonic's Sands Centre concert. Under their conductor Zoltan Kocsis they brought the Carlisle audience Sudden time by George Benjamin, a contemporary English composer: The quartet of alto flutes produced some dreamlike effects.  Some clever handiwork, also, by the player […]

Concert – Hungarian National Philharmonic Orchestra

The Hungarian National Philharmonic Orchestra has a complex but illustrious history. It has worked with luminaries such as Dorati, Mehta, Maazel, Barbirolli, Stokowski, and Abbado – and, since 1997, its director has been Zoltan Kocsis. With such a pedigree comes high expectations, which were triumphantly justified in this fine concert. Ravel composed Le Tombeau de […]

Lyricism, impetus, variety

We are Hungarians who are awaiting the New World when we accede [the EU] in spring – said Katalin Bogyay, the director of the London Hungarian Cultural Centre, talking about the programme of the National Philharmonic Orchestra. The ensemble in the opening concert of Magyar Magic, played Kodály, Liszt, and finally Dvořák's New World symphony. […]

National Philharmonic Orchestra, Kocsis, Jandó, Fekete – London

This series of concerts was opened on Thursday November 6th by the National Philharmonic, conducted by Zoltán Kocsis, and featuring Attila Fekete and Jenő Jandó. The ensemble is in England on a three week tour, and will give 14 concerts in 18 days in a variety of British towns and cities. The venue for this […]