From September 21 to 30, 2025, Szeged transforms into a classical music haven with the Saint Gellért (Szent Gellért) International Music Festival. Held at several venues, the festival offers ten days of free concerts honoring the legendary first bishop of Szeged-Csanád, the martyred Saint Gellért (Szent Gellért). Audiences are treated to rare classical masterpieces, adding even more color to Szeged’s vibrant musical life.
Opening Concerts and Charity Night
The festival kicks off on Sunday, September 21, at the majestic Votive Church (Dóm, the Votive Church) with a charity concert—details remain a surprise for now. On Monday, the Szeged Symphony Orchestra joins forces with conductor Yoon Kuk Lee and pianist Soma Balázs-Piri. The program includes Haydn’s Introduction to The Seven Last Words of Christ, Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 17, and Brahms’s Symphony No. 4.
Baroque Night, Mozart Galore
On Wednesday, September 24, the Saint Gellért (Szent Gellért) Baroque Orchestra celebrates “Two Venetians: Antonio Vivaldi and Saint Gellért.” The shimmering program features Vivaldi’s La Folia, In furore iustissimae irae, and the iconic Four Seasons. The lineup includes soloists such as violinist Mónika Tóth and soprano Eszter Gyüdi.
Thursday brings chamber music by Mozart, Rachmaninoff, and more, performed by violinist So-Ock Kim, violist Maxim Rysanov, cellist Dóra Kokas, and pianist Sasha Grynyuk.
From Debussy to Rising Stars
After a day of presentations on “Music and Science,” Saturday night spotlights musicians from Hungary and China performing Mozart’s greatest hits—including Eine kleine Nachtmusik and the Piano Concerto in E-flat.
Monday’s chamber concert features flutist Ildikó Szabady, soprano Lilla Horti, and pianist Marianna Kerényi, performing Debussy, Beethoven, and more. The grand finale on September 30 showcases young talents, featuring award-winning musicians on violin, trumpet, harp, clarinet, and piano, along with works by Vivaldi, Handel, Mozart, Bach, and Weber.
Final Notes
All concerts are free. Dates and programs may change, so check before attending. The Saint Gellért (Szent Gellért) Festival promises both timeless favorites and unexpected musical gems throughout Szeged.
