Homage to Kurtag

    On 19 february 2026, György Kurtág, one of the most eminent and revered European composers still alive, celebrates his 100th birthday.  In Budapest, Vienna and other cities, the red carpet will be rolled out to mark this event, particularly as the composer will be present. 

    Canberra’s homage to this very prominent figure in Hungarian culture may be more modest. Yet the importance of this late exponent of the lineage Kodály-Bartók-Veress-Eötvös should not be underestimated. The calibre of artists Amy Moore with ‘our’ Edward Neeman will guarantee a memorable rendition of Schumann’s most beloved song cycle alongside Kurtág’s lauded crystallisations of concentrated expression and energy.

    Program to include: Robert Schumann, Frauenliebe und Leben and György Kurtág, music for voice and piano