Zsuzsa Varga and her ensemble will perform in Warsaw, Attila Tölgyesi and Deepsound in Bucharest, Ez a Divat in Bratislava, and Egy Kiss Erzsi Zene as well as Anorganik Group in Paris. Judrom Gipsy Klezmer Band will perform in Vienna and Fókatelep in Brussels, although not until later in the year.
The bands, which mix folk music with contemporary elements, were chosen from more than 80 that applied in a contest.
The contest and performances are the brainchild of András Ecsedi-Derdák, the director of the Hungarian Institute in Paris. The programme aims not only to offer audiences a musical performance free of charge, in line with the spirit of World Music Day, but to provide international exposure for Hungarian bands.
"We would like to help groups who are not only waiting for the world to discover their talent but are also willing to do something about it. We can help them take the first few steps," said Ecsedi-Derdák.
The Hungarian culture institutes will cover the cost of travel and accommodation for the performers for up to six days. They will also produce promotional materials for them and assist with organising future performances.
Source: Hungarian News Agency (MTI)
