In 1905, Claude Debussy completed his set of three symphonic sketches entitled La mer, which is notable not only for its sensually beautiful nature poetry, but also for being one of the most modern orchestral compositions of its time in terms of both form and harmony. The Piano Concerto in G major composed between 1929 and 1931 by Debussy's contemporary Maurice Ravel, his junior by 13 years, was not only inspired by the purity and sophistication of Mozart's ideal of beauty, it also vividly reflects the influence of the fashionable jazz music of the time, creating a special mix of styles. Commissioned by Serge Koussevitzky on behalf of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Béla Bartók's Concerto for Orchestra received its premiere in 1944. The five-movement symphonic orchestral work, featuring numerous representative instrumental solos and chamber music passages, is one of the most significant works in the artist's output, a moving document of homesickness and patriotism. The young pianist Mihály Berecz has successfully participated in many international competitions, while the conductor János Kovács has decades of experience and is known for grounding his work in every style and genre in the utmost degree of professional research and artistic humility.

Presented by: Hungarian National Philharmonic