Anna T. Szabó is one of the most distinctive poets in contemporary Hungarian literature. For 20 years, her volumes of poetry have been published by the prestigious Magvető publishing house. Her most recent volume of poetry, Ár (Price), was published in the autumn of 2018. As the back cover reads: 'This is a book of relationships: it searches for the connections between the visible and invisible world, presenting the rhythms of the fever of passion and suffering, and how we fail to break away from the traps we set for ourselves, how desperately we cling to our beliefs, and how closely we are tied to our language. Anna T. Szabó's life and poetry is defined by her birthplace of Cluj-Napoca, Romania, but she has lived in Hungary since 1987. She attended high school in Szombathely, where she met György Dragomán, who has been her lover and - as they like to say of one another - comrade in arms for nearly three decades. Her volumes of poetry and several published works of prose are characterised by a striking density and strong dramatic tones, the precise expression of varying shades of emotions and feelings, and a constant striving for a balance between disciplined constraint and freedom. On more than one occasion, she also makes reference to the boundary-pushing music of jazz. Given the vital role that musicality and a pulsating rhythm play in Szabó's work, it should be no surprise that she has worked alongside outstanding musicians such as András Dés and Kálmán Oláh on several occasions. She will now be the special guest of Erika Náray to discuss jazz matters and some of her personal favourite songs.

Audience members will be able to take their seats in the Bohém Restaurant on a first-come, first-served basis from 6 pm, and can enjoy dinner before and after the concert.

Presented by: Müpa Budapest