Jonathan Livingstone, Desire, Together Alone, and Around the World are all hits for the Elemér Balázs Group. In itself, it is noteworthy that a jazz group produces tunes which become hits played by their contemporaries, and no less noteworthy that the group is marking 15 years together. Even after some line-up changes, the Elemér Balázs Group not only remains active today, but still strives to take its music in new directions: blending jazz with classical music, chanson and folk music, the group creates a new quality. At this concert, they will be joined by American saxophonist Rick Margitza, performing audience favourites in brand-new arrangements.
Margitza has visited Hungary on several occasions, and we have already had the chance to hear him at Müpa in 2008 as part of an all-star band paying tribute to the memory of Michael Brecker. His attraction to the musical culture of the Carpathian Basin is no coincidence as his grandfather was a Gypsy violinist who taught him to play the violin at the age of four. His route to the saxophone led via the piano and oboe, and to international fame through Miles Davis, with whom he played in the late 1980s. He partnered with Eddie Gómez, Bobby Hutcherson, Maria Schneider, McCoy Tyner and Chick Corea, among others. He has lived in Paris since 2003, and has grown into a leading figure on the European jazz scene. For him, the title Around the World carries much meaning.

Presented by: Müpa Budapest