Larufest: A Hungarian Evening

All the composers of this evening - György Kurtág, Béla Bartók and Johannes Brahms - drew inspiration from Hungarian folk music.

The finale of Brahms' piano quartet, Rondo alla Zingarese, unites classical form with the energy of folk music, which Bartók developed in a modernist direction. The concert opens with a tribute to György Kurtág, who turns 100 in 2026 and has continued Bartók's musical legacy.

American pianist Mackenzie Melemed, a Steinway Artist, has earned acclaim as an outstanding performer, sensitive chamber musician and first-rate soloist.

The French Arod Quartet ranks among today's most respected string quartets and has captivated audiences in Europe's leading concert halls.

Petteri Iivonen is one of Finland's finest violinists. The silver medalist of the Jean Sibelius Violin Competition now serves as concertmaster of the Paris Opera.

Program:

György Kurtág: Selections from Játékok
Mackenzie Melemed, piano

Béla Bartók: String Quartet No. 5
Arod Quartet

Johannes Brahms: Piano Quartet No. 1 in G minor, op. 25 "Rondo alla Zingarese"
Mackenzie Melemed, piano, Petteri Iivonen, violin, Alexander Gordon, viola, Marko Ylönen, cello