Experience Friday organ concerts at St. Stephen’s Basilica, Budapest—intimate seating, virtuoso organist András Virágh, opera soloists, trumpet, and masterpieces by Bach, Handel, Widor, and Liszt. 20:00, weekly.
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when: 2025.12.26., Friday
where: 1051 Budapest, Szent István tér 1., Bazilika
web:
www.organconcert.hu András Virágh,Budapest,St. Stephen’s Basilica,organ concert,classical music,opera,trumpet,Bach,Handel,Widor
Friday organ concerts in Budapest bring organist András Virágh to St. Stephen’s Basilica, where an eclectic program promises a rich, resonant evening. Prizewinning organists with Liszt Prize, Artist of Merit, and Junior Prima accolades join acclaimed opera soloists and a trumpeter, raising the bar for a one-hour performance staged beneath the sanctuary’s stunning frescoes and artworks. Listeners sit close to the performers for an intimate, immersive experience.
Where and When
Szent István tér (St. Stephen’s Square) 1., Basilica, 1051 Budapest. Fridays at 20:00. Featured date: 2025.12.26. The organizers reserve the right to change the time and program.
Program Highlights
M.-A. Charpentier: Te Deum – trumpet. T. Albinoni: Adagio. G. Caccini: Ave Maria. J. S. Bach: Toccata in D minor, Air, and Fugue – on the Basilica’s grand organ. G. F. Handel: Water Music – trumpet. Ch. Gounod: Ave Maria. Franz Liszt (Liszt Ferenc): Hosanna. César Franck: Panis angelicus. Henry Purcell: Trumpet Voluntary – trumpet. Pietro Mascagni: Ave Maria. Charles-Marie Widor: Toccata from Symphony No. 5 – on the Basilica’s grand organ.
Tickets
Category I: $27.30. Category II: $24.60. Category III: $20.50. Discounts for students and retirees: $26.00 / $23.20 / $19.20. Tickets on sale Thursday and Friday at the Basilica’s main entrance from 10:00.
2025, adrienne
Pros
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Family-friendly vibe: one-hour concert, early evening start, and seating close to performers keep older kids and teens engaged
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Internationally recognizable music (Bach, Handel, Widor, Albinoni, Ave Maria settings) makes it easy to enjoy without knowing the local scene
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St. Stephen’s Basilica is one of Budapest’s most famous landmarks—easy to find and a wow interior for photos before/after
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No Hungarian needed—the program features universally known pieces; announcements are minimal and you can follow along by title
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Easy access: central Pest location near Deák Ferenc tér hub; walkable from many hotels, simple by metro/tram, and ride-hail works well
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Great value for Europe: $20–$27 for top-tier organists and soloists in a world-class acoustic beats similar cathedral concerts in Paris/Rome/London
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Unique intimacy: sitting close to the organ/trumpet and opera soloists offers a more immersive feel than many big-cathedral recitals
Cons
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Not ideal for very young children—pews, quiet atmosphere, and late-ish 20:00 start can test patience
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Programs can change, and there’s no big-screen translation or narration if you like context during pieces
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Buying tickets on-site Thu/Fri only may be inconvenient in peak season or holidays; lines possible and categories can sell out
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Driving/parking near the Basilica can be tricky and pricey; public transit is easier than bringing a car
