Once upon a time in the 20th century…

**Once upon a time in the 20th century…** Experience the breathtaking finale of the Once upon a time in the 20th century… festival as the Budapest Symphony Orchestra, led by the acclaimed conductor András Keller, takes the stage for a Sunday evening closing concert that will leave fans of 20th‑century music in awe. The program opens with Keller’s spirited direction of Anton Werbner’s first officially catalogued work, *Passacaglia* (1908). This disciplined orchestral masterpiece, written after Webern’s studies with Schönberg, follows an older Baroque basso‑ostinato technique and unfolds through 23 lyrical variations. Though Webern would later pioneer atonality, this work still betrays the late Romantic warmth of Brahms and Mahler while showcasing an expanded orchestral palette. Following the passage, the two world‑renowned soloists take the spotlight: virtuoso violinist Michael Barenboim and celebrated fiddler Kristóf Baráti. Barenboim dazzles listeners with Erich Wolfgang Korngold’s lush, cinematic *Violin Concerto* in D major (Op. 35, 1945), a brilliant bridge between Viennese classical tradition and the golden age of Hollywood film music. Korngold sculpted this three‑movement concerto from sweeping themes that appeared in films such as *Another Dawn*, *Anthony Adverse*, and *The Prince and the Pauper*, resulting in a richly melodic, lyrical, and virtuoso work that still captivates modern audiences. The final act is a display of avant‑garde mastery: Arnold Schoenberg’s *Violin Concerto* (Op. 36, 1936). This intense, expressive, dodecaphonic masterpiece pushes the violin’s technical limits, offering audiences an electrifying glimpse into the heart of 20th‑century modernism. Don’t miss this unforgettable celebration of 20th‑century violin brilliance, brought to life by Keller, the Budapest Symphony Orchestra, and two of the world’s most extraordinary soloists. Prepare for a night of orchestral depth, cinematic heritage, and modern innovation that will stay with you long after the final bow.