Isabelle Faust, Péter Eötvös and the Concerto Budapest No. 2

This concert features Péter Eötvös in twin roles as composer and conductor, plus an appearance by the German violinist who has been a regular collaborator with Concerto Budapest for several years. The opening number is Siren’s Song which references Greek mythology, Homer, James Joyce and Franz Kafka. The brand-new composition is performed at the Liszt Academy barely six weeks after its world premiere. This is followed by the third violin concerto of our great contemporary and compatriot, who in the spirit of the title (Alhambra) points to the connection between Spanish and Arabic culture over several centuries. Completed in 2018, it is an intimately familiar and favourite piece for Isabelle Faust because she also played the principal part of Alhambra at its world premiere (not to mention that she is one of the dedicatees of the violin concerto). The Spanish-style timbre returns in the second half of the concert. After the antique, golden age sound of The Afternoon of a Faun, Ibéria, from 1908, with its three movements recalls Andalusian nights and folk festivals.