Hungarian National Philharmonic Orchestra

Did you know that Haydn and his patron, Prince Esterházy, were passionate collectors of works by the most acclaimed composers of their time?
And did you know that this remarkable collection is now largely housed in the National Széchényi Library in Budapest - and that it still holds many undiscovered treasures?

This October, the Hungarian National Philharmonic Orchestra and the Hungarian National Choir offer a fascinating glimpse into this musical legacy. Among the featured composers is Johann Georg Albrechtsberger, who worked in Hungary and taught several prominent Viennese masters. Despite his historical importance, his works are still relatively unknown today.

This concert will feature two newly rediscovered instrumental compositions by Albrechtsberger, which have waited nearly 200 years to be performed again. The program also includes Johann Nepomuk Hummel’s rarely heard Trumpet Concerto and his grand Mass in D minor. Born in Bratislava, Hummel earned the admiration of the Viennese classical elite, yet his music also foreshadows the emotional depth of the Romantic era. And since we are speaking of Haydn and his time, the concert wouldn’t be complete without one of Haydn’s vibrant symphonies -composed at Eszterháza but instrumental in building his international fame in Paris.

The concert is conducted by György Vashegyi, visionary founder of the Haydneum and one of today’s foremost experts in period music.
As the Chief Music Director of the Hungarian National Philharmonic, Vashegyi sees it as his mission to bring these rediscovered gems to life and restore them to their rightful place in Hungary’s musical heritage. A tremendous amount of work by researchers, musicians, and the conductor alike has gone into making this concert possible.

Let them share the fruits of their labor with you!