Kanyó Dávid & Budapest Saxophone Quartet Presented by Liszt Academy

What do we define as contemporary music today? How far back must we look for a composition to truly reflect modern thought? This evening features works that have all played a role in shaping a constantly renewing musical language, one that translates the experiences and technical possibilities of the 21st-century human into sound.

Beyond the repertoire of rarely heard gems, the concert’s true curiosity lies in its unusual instrumentation: a unique symbiosis of the flute and saxophone families. The Budapest Saxophone Quartet, which recently celebrated its 30th anniversary, is no stranger to collaborating with Dávid Kanyó, a soloist who places particular emphasis on the smallest member of the flute family, the piccolo.

In terms of chronology, the “odd one out” in the programme is Vivaldi’s Piccolo Concerto, a perfect showcase for the instrument’s staggering virtuosity and lyrical voice. This is followed by a Hungarian premiere from Jeff Scott, which also keeps the piccolo in the spotlight, and a world premiere by Bence Kutrik. The incredible versatility of the saxophone family is then explored through works by Arvo Pärt, Philip Glass, György Ligeti, and Theodor Burkali, all brought to life by the multi-Artisjus Prize-winning members of the Budapest Saxophone Quartet.