Our grand two-day ceremony was crowned with a memorable music event on 17 June 2024, attended by our Guests of Honour, the Grand Master Prince José and Princess Isabel, as well as Ronald S. Watt OBE and Gail Watt, as a nice surprise during their stay in Budapest.

Before the concert, we enjoyed a delicious light dinner at Művész Café & Confectionery (Artists’ Café), a legendary venue from the late 19th century, frequented by writers, poets, artists, musicians and intellectuals, today under heritage protection just steps from the Liszt Music Academy. The walls of this stylish café are adorned with original photographs of its notable patrons and visitors. Known for its high-quality pastries, cakes and services, Művész Café continues its tradition of excellence. This fine oasis on Andrássy Avenue, located opposite the Budapest Opera House, was the perfect prelude to our evening. It is the ideal place to relax and enjoy the vibe and atmosphere of Budapest’s most beautiful part, home of many cultural institutions. 

Upon the kind invitation of the Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Hungary, H. E. Mr. Tahir Taghizade, we had the pleasure of attending an extraordinary concert featuring selected works by the Azerbaijani composer Eldar Mansurov. The concert, entitled “Symphonic Gravures”, took place in the Grand Hall of the Liszt Music Academy – a citadel of Hungary’s rich musical heritage and the alma mater of many famous Hungarian musicians and composers. The presence of the composer himself in this Art Nouveau architectural masterpiece, named after the great Hungarian composer and pianist Ferenc (Franz) Liszt, was a special honour for us. 

Presented by the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Budapest, the concert featured the Szolnok Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Azerbaijani conductor Fuad Ibrahimov and the exceptional Azerbaijani soprano Nargiz Kerimova. Her enchanting voice, combined with the diverse program, the fantastic music pieces, and the orchestra’s outstanding performance, captivated the packed hall. The audience responded with thunderous applause and a standing ovation, reflecting the deep impact of Mansurov’s music and the evening’s extraordinary performances. 

It was a wonderful experience to immerse ourselves in the musical heritage of a country previously unknown to our foreign guests. We are deeply grateful to the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Budapest for this memorable evening, which was also a grand Goodbye to Budapest. 

30th July 2024