For classical music lovers, Szeged transforms into a cultural paradise every year with the Saint Gellért (Szent Gellért) International Music Festival. Running from September 21 to 30, 2025, this event offers a week of carefully curated concerts across multiple venues, all honoring Saint Gellért (Szent Gellért), the first bishop and martyr of the Szeged-Csanád Diocese. Entrance to every performance is free, allowing everyone to experience unique symphonic treasures and rare finds that showcase Szeged’s rich musical life.
From Grand Openings to Rare Baroque Gems
The festival launches on Sunday, September 21, at 8:00 p.m. in the Dóm Volunteer Church (Dóm Önkormányzati Templom) with a charity concert (details coming soon). On Monday, September 22, festivalgoers will enjoy the official opening concert with the Szeged Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Yoon Kuk Lee and featuring star 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’ Symphony No. 4.
Venetian Nights, Chamber Delights, and East Meets West
September 24 features a Saint Gellért Day (Szent Gellért-nap) performance, presenting Antonio Vivaldi’s greatest hits like The Four Seasons and sacred baroque rarities, performed by the Saint Gellért Baroque Orchestra (Szent Gellért Barokk Zenekar) and top soloists. On September 25, international chamber musicians interpret Mozart, Rachmaninoff, and more, followed by a science-meets-music lecture day at Ferenc Gál University (Gál Ferenc Egyetem) on September 26.
The weekend highlights global virtuosity: Hungarian pianist Misi Boros and Chinese violinist Ziyu He join the Anima Musicae Chamber Orchestra for a Mozart extravaganza.
Rising Stars and Festival Finale
On September 29, chamber performances blend Debussy, Beethoven, and more with acclaimed soloists. The closing gala on September 30 showcases young local talent, joined by the Anima Musicae Chamber Orchestra, in a whirlwind of concertos by Vivaldi, Handel, Mozart, Bach, and Weber.
Organizers reserve the right to change programs or dates, but one thing is certain—Szeged’s September will resonate with unforgettable music.
