We seem to have several passionate Budapest fans (James?) who might shed some light on the "off-season" August music scene. I will be traveling solo to this highly anticipated city from August 28 and departing August 31.
I am interested in non-touristy classical concerts or jazz venues. Realizing that it is summer I will settle for one of Rick's recommended Hungarian Koncerts. He lists several impressive venues from Frank Liszt Academy to Pesti Vigaldo to jazz bars.
How can a guy from Phoenix get a little music culture in late August in beautiful Budapest? Do I need to book now?
Posted by
Magyarország / Rep of Texas
20161 posts
Yup, its off season. You are pretty much S out of luck for the classical venues. I suspect there will be some tourist church concerts. BUT, there are some stage events at the Opus Jazz Club and the Budapest Jazz Club.
The Opus is a dinner club be sure to buy tickets and make reservations. Two separate steps. http://opusjazzclub.hu/concerts
The Budapest Jazz Club has a restaurant but the performances are in a hall. https://www.bjc.hu/home/
Come a couple of days early... http://eng.szabadter.hu/margaret-island-open-air-stage.html it would be worth it.
And yes, the church concerts: https://www.classictic.com/en/special/budapest_church_concerts/2748/
Okay, i called my buddy Madaras and he has agreed to do an August concert just for you: https://www.mupa.hu/en/program/only-from-the-purest-source-gala-programme-2017-08-30_19-30-bela-bartok-national-concert-hall Its a modern venue but a beautiful one. This is not the sort of place where you will find tourists so its really a local cultural event. Dress for a guy at a minimum is dark sports coat, dark slacks, tie.
Posted by
Magyarország / Rep of Texas
20161 posts
Opus Jazz: Buy your tickets now, then call and make reservations... NOW. Music is a big deal in Budapest and most venues sell out fast. This is one of my favorite places. Make the dinner reservation about 1 to 1.5 hours prior to the show. Food is outstanding. I discovered my favorite singer there a few years ago: https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Ddigital-music&field-keywords=tompos
Posted by
Magyarország / Rep of Texas
20161 posts
Music to my ears is the roaring sound of 600hp of pure cold war soviet diesel http://tank.hu/t_55_en.php