Hellfire and heroes on emotional rollercoaster

One of Hungary's leading orchestras is Midlands bound, writes DIANE PARKES

- DIANE PARKES

Concerto Budapest Symphony Orchestra

AUDIENCES in Birmingham and Coventry will have the chance to experience one of Hungary's leading classical ensembles when Concerto Budapest Symphony Orchestra perform in both cities next month.

The concerts, under the baton of chief conductor and artistic director András Keller, also feature English pianist Paul Lewis as a guest performer.

The tour, with programmes including Beethoven's mighty Fifth Symphony and Piano Concerto No 3, Shostakovich's Ninth Symphony, Tchaikovsky’s Francesca da Rimini and Liszt’s Les Preludes, comes to Warwick Arts Centre in Coventry on December 2 and Birmingham's Symphony Hall the next day.

Formed in 1907, originally as the Hungarian Symphony Orchestra, the company took its current name a century later in 2007, when Budapest-born András was appointed artistic director and chief conductor.

The 80-strong orchestra has built up a strong national and international reputation. Making its debut visit to the UK in 2022 followed by another successful tour a year later, András is now looking forward to sharing the repertoire with returning and new audiences.

“It gives me great pleasure to return to the UK with Concerto Budapest for the third time since making our debut in 2022, and to renew our acquaintance with the fantastic British audience,” he says.