Despite her youth Mariko Nakayama, born in Sapporo, has chosen a very difficult programme for the Spring Festival. Naturally, the young pianist who was so successful at the Liszt Ferenc Academy’s seminar, is focusing on the art of Liszt and Bartók.

The Micrologus Ensemble of Italy represents the very special sound and special world of mediaeval instrumental and vocal music. To capture the spirit of compositions from that distant period the members of Micrologus carry out thorough research into music history, studying contemporary sources in preparation for each of their productions. Over the past 30 years the ensemble has earned great merit in introducing audiences to the music culture of the Middle Ages and preserving it as an enjoyable experience. Each of their concerts brings alive a mediaeval codex, revives an ancient rite and transports audiences into the enormously rich, colourful and exciting everyday life of the Middle Ages. 21st century audiences with a taste for time travel and mystic adventures are able to experience the excitement of discovery at Micrologus concerts.

An evening of outstanding musical masterpieces performed by famous musicians who have frequently played together at international chamber music festivals.

The world-famous musicians of the Bartók Quartet made their debut together in October 1957, and in the half century since then they have given more than four thousand performances. They have been known as the Bartók Quartet since 1963. They have toured the five continents, made legendary recordings and been honoured with many awards, including two Kossuth Prizes and the UNESCO Prize. Members of the ensemble: Péter Komlós (1st violin), Géza Hargitai (2nd violin), Géza Németh (viola), László Mező (cello). The quartet’s artistic achievement has been recognised with many prizes: Kossuth Prize (1970 and 1997), Liszt Prize, UNESCO Prize (1964), Béla Bartók–Ditta Pásztory Prize (1985). Many contemporary composers (Bozay, Durkó, Láng, Mihály, Szokolay, Petrovics) have written works for the quartet. Their repertoire covers the entire spectrum of string quartet literature.

The young pianist was born in 1983 in Sevastopol. In 2006 he won the Liszt-Bartók International Piano Competition in Budapest, but this was not his first competition victory. Already in 2000, at the age of 17, he won the prestigious Krainev Piano Competition.

After Dmitri Bashkirov’s enchanting concert last year we are curious to see whether it is true, as they say, that talent runs in families. This year his daughter, Elena Bashkirova is coming to Budapest. The pianist – the wife of Daniel Barenboim – is appearing together with excellent chamber music partners, all regular guests at the famous Jerusalem Chamber Music Festival. And the creator and driving force behind the festival is none other than Elena Bashkirova.