Hungarian State Folk Ensemble
The Hungarian State Folk Ensemble - regarded as one of the best in Hungary, was established in 1951. Its aims were to collect and play authentic folk music and to preserve the Hungarian folk dances and traditional costumes of Hungarian-inhabited areas by putting them on stage for the public.
During the more than five decades of its existence, the Ensemble has achieved its aim by revitalizing the culture of the Hungarian people. Their rich and colourful repertoire entitled the Ensemble to be regarded as one of the top touring groups in the world. It has performed in 44 countries across four continents and won the admiration of an audience of more than seven and a half million people. In the last few years the Ensemble encountered special interest in the United States and Canada - which was illustrated by their fourth invitation to undertake a three-month coast to coast American tour in 1994. They have also toured the Far East and Western Europe. The Ensemble consists of 30 dancers, 14 members of the Gipsy Orchestra and 5 members of the Hungarian Folk Orchestra. The choreographies are all based on authentic dances, some of them were collected in isolated villages with dance elements dating back hundreds of years.
The extraordinary folk music that inspired Liszt, Bartók and Kodály is put on stage by both the Folk Orchestra and the world-famous Gipsy Orchestra. The 5 members of the Folk Orchestra play authentic, traditional instruments and perform Hungarian folk music at its highest artistic level. The famous Gipsy Orchestra plays both dance accompaniments and performs alone. Their rich repertoire includes folk music which inspired Hungarian and international classical composers such as Liszt, Brahms, Kodály and Bartók. Aside from its performances around the country and abroad, the Ensemble gives approximately 90-100 annually performances at its Corvin tér theatre, the Budai Vigadó.
http://www.ticket.info.hu/hu/garantalt-programok/programhelyszinek/budai-vigado
http://www.ticket.info.hu/hu/garantalt-programok/programhelyszinek/duna-palota/31-budai-vigado-sitting-map
Folklore Package (Folklore performance + Dinner & Cruise at 22:00)
It is possible to book this program with the Dinner & Cruise at 22:00. In this case, you will get a full evening program, an unforgettable theatre performance, and a romantic and delicious candlelight dinner on one of our heated or air-conditioned ships. On this occasion, a host or hostess will show you to the pier.
The cruise starts at 22:00, but always waits for the guests from the theatre.
The discounted package price with Dinner & Cruise is depending on the category of the seats for the performance.
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Reviews
“really fun!”
This is a terrific activity for everyone in the family. The dancers are enthusiastic, the choreography interesting enough, and the theater is in a quiet neighborhood in Buda that is easy to get to. The musicians are terrific and there were times i couldn't keep my eyes off them, despite the fine folk dancing.
Visited June 2011
http://www.igougo.com/review-r1158863-Hungarian_Folk_Dancing.html
Two bona fide ways to experience a culture are to taste their dishes and dance their dances. If you can’t dance, at least watch one. We visited the Budai Vigado for a performance of the Hungarian State Folk Ensemble. The ensemble is the oldest in the country and includes 40 dancers, a 20-member Gypsy orchestra, and a folk orchestra. The rich and colorful repertoire includes singing, live music and folk dances from throughout Hungarian history.
The performance opens with Regoles, a poem by Janos Arany which is sung to the tunes of a Mongolian heroic song. The dancing starts soon after with Heroic Times, the performance of a court feast. Dancers march and spin in a cotillion followed by a hedge dance. One dance is more impressive than another. Other acts include a Prince’s Dance which is a ceremonial couples’ dance in which the dancers imitate bird-like gestures, Haiduk Dance which is typical Hungarian dance performed in solo, group and duel-like routines, orchestral pieces, balls from the 19th century and more. There are about 13 acts in all. One of the most intriguing dances is the medieval sword dance performed by a group of men. They yield around machete-like blades as they jump through the air. One thing the dances have in common is the high speed. The gypsy music quickens with hypnotic rhythm and the dancers feet follow in time. With all the whirling of their colorful outfits we had a hard time taking pictures.
Award-winning choreographer Sandor Timar directs the ensemble which was established in 1951. Its aims to "collect and play authentic folk music and to preserve the folk dances and traditional costumes of Hungary and Hungarian-inhabited areas by putting them on stage before the public."
The five members of the Folk Orchestra play authentic, traditional instruments and perform Hungarian folk music at its highest artistic level. During a break in the performance you can walk up to the orchestra and see the unique instruments. The famous Gypsy Orchestra plays both dance accompaniments and performs alone. Their rich repertoire includes folk music which inspired Hungarian and international classical composers such as Liszt, Brahms, Kodály, and Bartók.
Tickets were easy to obtain. We purchased our at the Tourist Office. Tickets can also be reserved by telephone or your hotel’s concierge. Performances usually start at 8pm on Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday.
July 14, 2003
