Márta Ábrahám & László Borbély Chamber Recital

Márta Ábrahám and László Borbély bring the world of turn-of-the-century Hungarian music to life on stage. The László Lajtha Prize-winning violinist and the Junior Prima- and Artisjus Prize-winning pianist are well-established and acclaimed chamber music partners, their joint Bartók album not only won NativeDSD Music’s “Album of the Year” in 2025 but also took home the audience choice award. Their program features compositions by Ernő Dohnányi and Jenő Hubay. Dohnányi’s Violin Sonata in C-sharp minor evokes the happy, peaceful times of the monarchy. This late-Romantic work blends the traditions of Brahms and Liszt. In contrast, Ruralia Hungarica draws on Hungarian folk song material, set against the backdrop of the historical upheavals of the early 20th century, the work can also be interpreted as a personal declaration of attachment to one’s homeland. The Hubay-compositions that follow showcase all the stylistic directions of the world-famous Hungarian violinist. Preghiera creates a prayer-like, solemn atmosphere, while Hullámzó Balaton evokes the world of the so-called “csárda” with its folk melodies and spectacular technical solutions. The program concludes with the virtuoso Carmen Fantasy, which process the most famous melodies from Bizet’s opera: the intertwining of Spanish passion and Hungarian temperament promises a brilliant finale.