The Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra and one of Hungarian’s in-demand pianists, János Balázs will hold a concert today at 7.30pm at Katara Opera House entitled “The Best of Franz Liszt” in a tribute to Liszt and György Cziffra, a virtuoso pianist and composer in celebration of his 100th birth anniversary.
The concert will be conducted by Pablo Mielgo, and will be in three parts, opening with Zoltán Kodály’s Dances of Galánta, followed by two Piano Concerto – Concerto No.1 in E-Flat Major, S. 124, and Concerto No. 2 in A Major, S. 125, where Balázs will play solo that will conclude with Liszt’s Les Préludes, Symphonic Poem No. 3, S. 97.
In an interview with The Peninsula, Hungary Ambassador to Qatar, H E Ferenc Korom said János Balázs, considered one of the best pianists in Hungary will not only be playing masterpieces, but he’ll play from his soul.
“As one of our Hungarian composer said: music is for everybody, it’s not different, like language or mother tongue, music is understandable for everybody, it doesn’t matter what kind of culture, religion or kind of state of life you are,” he explained.
Balázs who will be performing for the first time in Qatar said that today’s concert is a “deep, emotional music. It is not only sound and voice, it’s a dream, and it’s love, it’s depth and everything. You will feel something magical – and only the live concert performance can do it.”
The Hungarian musician, regarded as one of Liszt’s most acclaimed interpreters who started playing the piano at the age of 6 said playing music is not a technical question but an emotional one. “What would you like to share with the public with the piece? What is your own sound? What is your way in the music? Because the composer wrote something for the people, and we have to find a way how to show something new.”
Holding his inaugural concert in the country, he said is ‘significant’ as Liszt is a legendary Hungarian virtuoso.
“We’re here to show to Doha and the public the colourful Hungarian culture, the tradition, rhythm and soul that is unique. It’s easy to sync and listen,” he said. Balázs is also the artistic director of the Cziffra100 series.
Franz Liszt was highly regarded as one of the most prolific composers of all time. The concert is presented by QPO, in partnership with the Cziffra György Memorial Year organisation, as Hungary is celebrating the 100th birth anniversary of the world-famous pianist György Cziffra with an official Memorial Year.
