Rhapsody for Christchurch - 5 Liszt Charity Concerts

Media Release

21 March 2011 For immediate release

Sponsored by the Embassy of Hungary in Canberra, internationally acclaimed Hungarian pianist, Endre Hegedűs, will perform the first of five Liszt Bicentennial 2011 charity concerts in quake stricken Christchurch on 26 March.

Having experienced her own fair share of natural disasters, Hungary is pleased to be able to contribute to fundraising efforts for Christchurch earthquake victims through these events organised to commemorate the 200th anniversary of virtuoso pianist and composer Franz Liszt’s birth and to mark Hungary’s EU (European Union) presidency, and together with the generous support of Endre Hegedűs, hopes to raise $30,000 in the process.

Hegedűs is a respected interpreter of Liszt, having won numerous prizes over his 30-year career including the coveted Franz Liszt Prize in 2000, and performs extensively throughout the world. On this, his first visit to New Zealand, he brings an all Liszt programme in a rare treat of favourites to inspire generously giving audiences.

The Christchurch concert was originally to be held at the Great Hall in the Arts Centre, however, Burnside High School came to the rescue offering the Aurora Centre. Dunedin’s First Church of Otago, the Nelson School of Music, Wellington’s St Andrew’s on the Terrace and St Michael’s Church, Remuera in Auckland have also been quick to heed the call to host the recitals free of charge during Endre Hegedűs’s eight-day visit.

www.hungarianconsulate.co.nz

ENDS

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