Vremea Válkània, Herczku Ági And The Band

Vremea Válkània

The captivating sound of VreMea Válkània is defined by the dual female vocal presence, complemented by the unique interplay of the accordion and cimbalom. The project seeks the shared musical essence of the Balkans through smoky, decadent, and melancholic melodies, tempered by a touch of "Western" atmosphere to balance the "Eastern" intensity.

What does a lyrical Bosnian sevdalinka sound like with virtuosic cimbalom accompaniment? How does a Serbian *kolo* performed by a Hungarian accordionist with Romanian lyrics come to life? Can a *lăutar* instrumental interlude fit seamlessly into a Greek “tango”? How do famous Balkan hits traverse borders? How does a 20th-century Greek rebetiko song become the soundtrack to a first date or a sleepless night, thanks to Hollywood? These are the questions VreMea Válkània explores, blending two-part vocal harmonies with two instruments that, on their own, could form complete orchestras—the cimbalom and accordion.

The ensemble’s members—vocalists Veronika Varga and Ilka Kisgyörgy, accordionist Benedek Réti, and cimbalom player Ion Curteanu—bring diverse musical backgrounds ranging from folk and jazz to classical music. This collaboration not only creates a rich tapestry of sounds but also provides boundless inspiration.

Ági Herczku and Banda

When it comes to world music and folklore, Ágnes Herczku and Nikola Parov are pivotal figures in the genre. Nikola Parov, a virtuoso multi-instrumentalist, earned the title *Master of Folk Art* in the early 1980s. As the founder and soloist of the Zsarátok ensemble, he gained widespread recognition both in Hungary and internationally. This success led to his role as a founding member and frontman of the Riverdance Orchestra, with which he toured globally. Upon returning to Hungary, he composed the music for the Hungarian State Folk Ensemble’s *Naplegenda* (Sun Legend), a dance production still played to sold-out audiences today, earning him a Fonogram Award. Ágnes Herczku, a Liszt Award-winning artist, is one of Hungary’s most sought-after and acclaimed folk singers. Her exceptional talent and openness to fusion and contemporary musical genres have earned her numerous accolades, including three eMeRTon Awards, the Kodály Award, and the Bartók Award. She was the soloist of the Hungarian State Folk Ensemble for 14 years and has contributed to countless recordings and productions. Banda’s repertoire makes traditional Hungarian folk music accessible to both folk enthusiasts and broader audiences, thanks to its modern musical approach and Nikola Parov’s rich arrangements.

Tickets: in advance 3900 HUF, at the day of the concert 4200 HUF