Under the batons of Zsolt Hamar, who is continuing Kocsis's work at the helm of the Hungarian National Philharmonic, and Péter Dobszay, the orchestra will be playing only works that can be considered symbolic, either because their content constitutes a gesture of commemoration - such as Liszt's Three Funeral Odes - or because they recall one chapter or another of Kocsis's career.
Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 4 in G major evokes in all of us the rebellious figure - like the magical wandering student of folklore - of the young, practically still adolescent, Kocsis. It was with this composition that the 18-year-old won Hungarian Radio's Beethoven piano competition in 1970 and suddenly became nationally known, although only within a narrow circle, as a young artist of great promise. Nor is it a coincidence that this piece is being interpreted by none other than the extraordinary Russian phenomenon Denis Kozhukhin, a pianist of both depth and virtuosity, since the Budapest audience got to know him a few years ago when Kocsis himself conducted him as a guest soloist of the National Philharmonic.
László Sáry's composition also requires no explanation: written as a tribute, it also serves as a reminder of the close relationship Kocsis fostered with the most contemporary music throughout his career, in particular with the New Music Studio that was so close to his heart. And finally, the most important chapter of the great artist's repertoire: Bartók. But not just any old way. Each of the Four Piano Pieces was converted, with agreeable scoring, into a new symphonic form worthy of Bartók's spirit by the composer's great apostle.
The concert will be preceded by a screening for ticket holders at 6 pm of the film made of the performances of two Richard Strauss works, Friedenstag and Daphne, in 2015. The recording shows Zoltán Kocsis conducting the Hungarian National Philharmonic. The performances were directed by Csaba Némedi, the documentary was produced at Müpa, the film editor-director was Judit Várbíró.

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