In the Passions series, well-known artists make a musical confession about the passion that ties them to their particular branch of the arts. They make no secret of their intention to pass on to the children and adults in the audience their passion for a subject matter to which they have a close personal connection.
I learned my first songs from my mother, who had plenty as the daughter of the well-known Kunhegyes dancer Gábor Tanka, a man full of fun and songs. She was very proud of me as she saw her father's personality awaken inside of me. We never owned a TV: for 61 years I have been been television-free. There are many ways I benefitted from this. Songs, fairy tales and other stories haven't just been for holiday evenings: they have filled everyday life as well. No-one could compete with my mother's lovely voice and expressive narrative style. She remains my yardstick to this day. Otherwise, how would I have become a singer and storyteller? Well, it was an imperceptible process. I was invited here and there, and then I found myself on stage. I started travelling and interrogating people. Finding people who knew beautiful old songs. I was like a dog at a butcher's feet. They say that if a trade could be learned by staring, the dog would have become a butcher long ago. I was not idle: I happily learned a new tune or rhyme every day. Almost without noticing, entranced. It felt good to savour surprising and unfamiliar turns of phrase and discover less well-known musical flourishes and tones. It was thus that friendships with famous crooners and storytellers were born that will take me to the grave. Their love continues to nourish me, I feel compelled to drink from their knowledge time and again, even though most of them are no longer with us.' (András Berecz)

Between 9.45 and 10.30, we will be running a free playful, interactive session for children entitled Tune-Up. We look forward to welcoming groups and individuals who hold tickets to the subsequent performance.Register via e-mail to csip@mupa.hu, stating the number of participants and their ages, by the Wednesday before the performance at the latest. The activity is recommended for children aged 6 and over, and will take place with a minimum of six children.

Age: 10-14 year

Presented by: Müpa Budapest