In the heart of Hungary’s stunning Káli Basin (Káli-medence), the Csigó Mill (Csigó Malom) venue in Gyulakeszi is gearing up to host the Csigó Art Fest 2025—a vibrant summer festival celebrating classical music, fine arts, and the world of collecting. Running from June 27 to September 13, this all-arts extravaganza features concerts, exhibitions, workshops, music courses, quizzes, discussions, and casual meet-and-greets, all set amidst the rustic elegance of the Balaton Uplands National Park (Balaton-felvidék). Tickets (around $12 each) are available online, by phone, or in person after confirmation.
Bartók’s Flowers and Artistic Synergy
On July 4, violinist and composer Edina “Mókus” Szirtes (Erkel Ferenc Prize winner) joins award-winning cellist Ditta Rohmann for “Bartók’s Flowers” (Bartók virágai). Audiences can expect bold reworkings of Bartók’s “Mikrokosmos” and Kodály’s “Epigrams,” alongside improvisational and vocal pieces from the duo’s original repertoire. After the concert, festivalgoers can mingle with the performers during a relaxed wine tasting and book signing.
The following day, July 5, marks the start of “Synergies,” an event combining a concert and art exhibition. Acclaimed painter György Szemadám, whose works are part of Hungary’s First Scenographic Collection (Első Magyar Díszletgyűjtemény), headlines the event. Paintings by other luminaries of Hungarian contemporary art, including József Szurcsik and Márton Barabás, provide a visual backdrop for music and stories composed by pianist Gábor Benda, who performs alongside guitarist József Pluto Horváth and actress Eszter Vereszki. Add another wine-fueled salon program, and the festival’s summer rhythm is in full swing.
Szemadám’s exhibition, “Migrating Cranes” (Vonuló darvak), runs until the end of the festival, showcasing his legendary versatility with works exclusively from Hungary’s First Scenographic Collection.
Virtuoso Evenings: Theremin, Poetry, and Baroque
July 11 is a treat for music lovers: Katica Illényi, one of Hungary’s most versatile performers, offers her signature blend of vocals, violin, and the magical, contactless theremin—an instrument she is nearly alone in mastering. With pianist Rita Termes and hosted by TV journalist Ilona Bayer, the evening features an in-depth exploration of Illényi’s career and her mysterious musical inventions, capped off with wine and relaxed conversation.
July 12’s event, “A Garden’s Mystery,” merges a book launch and concert. Songwriter and guitarist Eszter Takáts teams up with percussionist Zoltán Molnár, while artist László T. Szabó and graphic designer Zsuzsanna Paál discuss the newly published photo-book on Szabó’s legendary garden. Ilona Bayer moderates the conversation, with poetry woven into the musical background.
On July 18, the Baroque comes to Csigó Mill with Zsombor Tóth-Vajna (harpsichord) and Audrey Gábor (soprano), transporting listeners to the 17th-century world of Henry Purcell and John Blow. Hosted by music historian János Mácsai, the evening promises a taste of England’s Restoration-era musical revival.
Cross-Genre Shows and Legendary Ensembles
On July 25, the Makám Trio takes center stage with “Songs of Robinson Crusoe” (Robinzon Kruzo Dalai). Led by Zoltán Krulik—founder of the Hungarian Heritage Award-winning group—these world music veterans blend four decades of creativity into one unforgettable night.
On August 2, Norbert Gazsi, runner-up at the national Bartender Piano Competition, offers a nostalgic evening filled with hits from the “happy peaceful years,” effortlessly spanning genres like film scores, classical, jazz, and timeless bar songs—a true nod to an era when artists lived in cafés and music filled the bars.
August 8 is family night: The Jávorkai Brothers, violinist Sándor and cellist Ádám—world-class regulars at Csigó Mill—return with their trio. This year’s highlight includes a documentary screening from their 2024 Japan tour, offering a rare glimpse into their teaching philosophy and the enthusiasm they share with their students.
Pianists, Sonatas, and Mediterranean Nights
Young piano sensation Misi Boros headlines on August 16 with “Faces” (Arcok), performing classics by Bach, Beethoven, and Bartók, along with surprise selections. Audiences will get more than music: Boros interweaves historical portraits of the composers with his performance.
August 23’s Sonata Evening features violinist Éva Csermák and pianist András Németh, presenting Brahms’s lyrical G-major sonata and Prokofiev’s radical D-major sonata.
On August 29, the Szeged Classic Trio—flutist Laura Varga, bassoonist Lívia Vizsolyi, and pianist György Klebniczki—make their festival debut. Expect rare gems by Rameau, Telemann, Hummel, and Weber, as well as a Bartók arrangement by Zoltán Kontra.
Finale with Rising Stars and Fine Wines
September 6 welcomes back international guitar star Georg-Friedrich Lawall for a chamber concert of his own compositions, joined by friends for a night of musical surprises and artist encounters.
“Serenata,” the closing show on September 13, reunites prodigies Bence Szigeti (guitar) and Dorottya Dénes (cello), alumni of the Gergely Rákász Foundation (Rákász Gergely Alapítvány) and stars on the global stage. Fresh from a Carnegie Hall debut, Szigeti brings a Mediterranean atmosphere to the Hungarian summer’s end, performing works by Granados, De Falla, Villa-Lobos, and Schubert’s beloved Serenade. As Szigeti says: There’s nothing like listening to great music over a glass of wine on a warm night.
A Rural Escape for Arts and Food Lovers
Outside festival hours, Gyulakeszi and its surroundings are waiting to be explored. The Judit Guesthouse (Judit Vendégház) sits on four acres, surrounded by the beautiful peaks of St. George Hill (Szent György-hegy), Szigliget, Badacsony, and Gulács, offering total tranquility near Lake Balaton.
Hungry or thirsty? The Bak Restaurant (Bak Vendéglő) in Gyulakeszi delights with pizza, pastries, and regional dishes—ideal after a brisk hike or between concerts.
The volcanic Csobánc Hill is renowned for both its iconic skyline and unique wines. The Von Beőthy Cellar (Von Beőthy Pince), at 820 feet above sea level, produces organic reds rich in fruit and minerals—available at upscale restaurants or for panoramic tastings on site.
Organizers recommend checking for last-minute changes—programs and times may be subject to adjustment, but the festival’s creative spirit is unshakable.
