The Arcus Temporum in Pannonhalma is preparing for its 20th anniversary between 23-25 August 2024. The contemporary art festival is a true community celebration, not only because of the two-decade anniversary, but also because this year the Benedictine monastic community is celebrating the 800th anniversary of the medieval restoration and consecration of the Basilica St. Martin.
The five concerts of this year juxtapose the work of Mozart with that of the recently deceased Péter Eötvös, an exciting pairing in itself, not to mention the fact that the eminent Hungarian composer selected the works himself, with artistic director András Keller.
The musical experience is made all the more memorable by the stunning new venues involved. With the 800-year-old Basilica in the background, concerts can be heard from the bastion as well as on the Lombkorona path.
Géza Röhrig, star of the Oscar-winning film Son of Saul, will be the literary guest of honour, this time presenting his literary side. The spiritual and visual arts programmes will reflect on the Basilica 800 commemorations. The anniversary festival will be hosted by Pál Mácsai.
At this year of Arcus, as in the whole commemorative year, the monastic community will seek to make the words of Pope Francis that Pannonhalma Archabbey is the great spiritual monument of the country, a place of prayer and a bridge of brotherhood, present.
