Kálmán Balogh is a living legend. In his hands the cimbalom functions as a universal instrument: if necessary for folk, then again for world music, or perhaps for classical, or even jazz. He launched his career forty years ago; currently he is teaching at the Liszt Academy’s Folk Music Department, and he works with undiminished energy in a variety of ensembles. The ocassion of the jubilee concert was the reason for this interview, arranged in ‘Block F’ (FahÉj CafÉ – Editor) opposite the Folk Music Department.

Classically trained artist Leszek Możdżer, a leading light of the middle generation of Polish jazz, performs solo in the Liszt Academy. He spoke to the Concert Magazine about the situation of Polish and European jazz, his music influences and the future of the genre.

Lesley Rosenthal, general counsel to the New York Lincoln Center speaks about how a leading American cultural corporation reacts to the social demands of the 21st century.

The Catalan viola da gamba artist Jordi Savall is a living legend in the realm of period performance practice. He has moved mountains popularising his ancient instrument and rediscovering its literature. For the non-specialist audience he has uncovered an entire musical repertoire, often penetrating deep into the musical past. But we should not forget his radical reinterpretations of the fundamental works of classical music. He comes now to the Liszt Academy with a late Bach masterpiece 'The Musical Offering'. He sat down to speak about his repertoire, 'The Musical Offering' and the future of early music performance with Balazs Mate, who is a member of his group and also artistic director of the Aura Musicale group, which has performed on several occasions at the Liszt Academy.

It was pure accident that led to Klára Würtz and Kristóf Baráti performing together. They played Beethoven, retained him on their programmes, and have now recorded all the composer's sonatas for violin and piano. The critics were very impressed, and in May they will present in three concerts in the Solti Hall of the Liszt Academy the material for their joint CD, which has been nominated for the German Recording Prize.