The ministry has set up a special office, called "Haydn-Eszterháza", to prepare events to mark the anniversary, and will spend HUF 120 million in 2007, HUF 180 million in 2008, and HUF 300 million in 2009 toward this aim, Culture Minister András Bozóki announced on Friday. Efforts will also be made to make the town of Eszterháza a big recipient of EU subsidies and state co-funding, in order to allow for the renovation of its famous royal residence. Most of the concerts to celebrate the event will be held in the residence?s stunning concert hall -- famous for its acoustics -- on period instruments.
The ministry has commissioned music historian and critic János Malina to chair the Hungarian Haydn Society and head the programme.
Haydn received a post in Eszterházy's court in 1762. There he was allowed to fully dedicate his time and talent to creative work, and his stay made the court one of the centres of the music world at the time. Even today, the Estzerházy residence is still considered among the most exciting performance venues in the world.
Plans for the celebration, which Austria is also helping to organise, include a musical competition, conference and exhibition as well.
