Veronika Harcsa and Bálint Gyémánt are masters of storytelling. One of the secrets to their popularity is how strongly the stories they tell resonate with their listeners. Both of them have been major artists on the Hungarian jazz scene for more than a decade and have enjoyed international recognition. They have also demonstrated their eclectic natures outside of music: Veronika Harcsa has, for example, held court at the Művészetek Völgye Festival since 2014. In addition to featuring in several bands and projects together, Veronika and Bálint have been performing as an acoustic duo for some time, recording two albums. The title of their latest album, Shapeshifter, is a reference to the fact that their original ability to mix Eastern European rhythms with contemporary jazz dynamics, stunning melodies and striking grooves has now been enhanced with the addition of a Belgium rhythm section to complement the original duo. Their two virtuoso band members, double bassist Nicolas Thys and drummer Antoine Pierre got to know Veronika during her studies in Brussels With this extra creative support, the songs from the duo's albums are likely to be even powerful when performed live - as we will surely discover here in concert.
Most of the music and lyrics performed on this occasion are the work of Veronika Harcsa. The songs tell stories through the language of jazz, painting a picture of what it is like to be a young person and genuine pan-European in the present day, as well as how to find peace and happiness in the frenetic world of noisy cities, cheap airline tickets and social media.

Presented by: Müpa Budapest