Since 2005, the Stephanus Concert Series has been a defining element of our orchestra’s seasons, offering lasting value and memorable experiences as a permanent part of Müpa’s concert program for lovers of classical music. The aim of the series is to present outstanding masterpieces of the musical repertoire as well as rarely performed historical treasures—works that both represent tradition and open new horizons for audiences.

Performances are conducted by nationally and internationally acclaimed conductors, ensuring a high artistic standard and unforgettable concert experiences.

The Gaudeamus Subscription is designed not only for devoted classical music audiences but also is placing special emphasis on engaging secondary school students with classical music. When designing the program of the concerts, a key consideration is their connection to secondary school curricula—especially literature, history, and art history, as well as topics relevant to final examinations.

The selected works are thought-provoking, emotionally engaging, and capable of reaching younger generations—offering immersive, meaningful, and lasting experiences.

“Music, Dance, Image – Experience, Knowledge, Joy!”

A family concert series jointly organized by the Szent István Philharmonic Orchestra and the Hungarian Academy of Arts, held in the Ceremonial Hall of the Pesti Vigadó.

Editor and host of the series: Emőke Solymosi Tari

“Music, Dance, Image – Experience, Knowledge, Joy!”—this is the motto of the Pastorale Series, created for the entire family, from school-age children to grandparents. With its unique structure and inventive concepts, the series achieved remarkable success from its very beginning, bringing a fresh perspective to Budapest’s concert life.

The visual identity, editorial concept, and hosting have been shaped from the outset by Emőke Solymosi Tari, Széchenyi Prize–winning music historian. The initiator and co-curator of the series is Kálmán Záborszky, Kossuth Prize–winning conductor and artistic director of the Szent István Philharmonic Orchestra.

Audiences are introduced to a wide variety of musical genres. Alongside music, dance plays an important role, and—special thanks to visual projections—other related art forms are also integrated. In addition to carefully crafted narration, the programs are often enriched by conversations with the performing artists.

The goal of the series is to enable relaxed encounters with great masterpieces and high artistic values, to provide keys to understanding and experiencing works of art, and—most importantly—to offer audiences uplifting shared experiences that touch their inner world and strengthen family bonds.

Since 1997, nearly 300 performances have taken place within the series, attended by approximately 100,000 audience members of all ages, with several productions also broadcast on television. For many years, the programs were held at the Zugló Music House; since 2016, they have been hosted by one of Hungary’s most prestigious cultural venues, the Ceremonial Hall of the Pesti Vigadó.

Each season features four new productions (performed on weekends), always including an opera (often with a narrator), thematic concerts, spectacular dance productions, and frequently energizing folk music and folk dance performances.

A permanent participant in the series is the Szent István Philharmonic Orchestra, recipient of the Hungarian Heritage Award, conducted primarily by the orchestra’s two outstanding conductors, Gábor Horváth and Gergely Ménesi—both associate professors at the Liszt Academy in addition to their diverse artistic careers. Renowned guest conductors also appear regularly.

Among the recurring guest performers are the young artists of the Hungarian Dance University.