The Creation - excerpts | New Year's Concert for Young People

Conductor: Ádám Fischer

Featuring:

soprano - Rita Rácz
tenor - Zoltán Megyesi
bass - Krisztián Cser

Hungarian Radio Choir (choirmaster: Zoltán Pad)
Danish Chamber Orchestra

It is a Müpa Budapest tradition to welcome the start of the new year with a performance of Haydn's oratorio The Creation, conducted by Ádám Fischer. It is also tradition to hold a performance of a shorter version of the piece for young people on the afternoon before the evening programme, for which the performers prepare at least as assiduously as they do for the evening show. Because what could be more important to musicians than the future of the concert scene? And what is a youth concert if not the opportunity to introduce the audiences of the upcoming decades to the pleasures of listening to music?

Though there are many similarities to the two programmes, there are also some differences. The world famous Hadyn specialist Ádám Fischer is present at both, but during the afternoon event the conductor also speaks to the audience, explaining the piece in his direct, natural style. The music is the same - but at the afternoon concert the young audience will enjoy a performance of an abridged version, without an interval. In the afternoon, the oratorio will be performed in Hungarian so the young listeners can understand every word. The soloists will also be Hungarian, whereas the evening production will feature a selection of international stars. The afternoon performance of The Creation will feature three outstanding Hungarian singers: the soprano Rita Rácz, the tenor Zoltán Megyesi and the bass Krisztián Cser. Ádám Fischer has both a deep working relationship and strong friendship with one of Europe's most exceptional groups, the Danish Chamber Orchestra, who we can hear during both the afternoon and evening performances. Naturally, the choir is also the same: on 1 January 2022, we will hear the Hungarian Radio Choir, with Zoltán Pad as choirmaster. One notable aspect of the concept is that there should be no need for visual effects during Youth Creation concerts. Hadyn's picturesque music itself depicts the scene, something that the explanatory commentary of the conductor will draw attention to for the school-aged listeners in attendance.