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GYPSY CULTURE TOUR

THE MUSIC OF GYPSIES

Discover the rich cultural history of Budapest through the lens of the Hungarian music scene

The Gypsy Culture Walking Tour introduces the history of gypsy music, the greatest Romani musicians of Hungary, their fascinating or tragic life, and how gypsy music influenced classical composers.  

Genuine gypsy music of our region has always been a great inspiration for composers, just to mention two famous series, the Hungarian Rhapsodies of Liszt (after which our tours are named), and the highly popular Hungarian Dances of Brahms. The performance of famous gypsy bands and the sound of cimbalom have always enchanted the audience no matter whether they were royal dignities, or great artists such as Debussy, Yehudi Menuhin, Ruggiero Ricci, and many more. 

You can discover the connection between Liszt, Brahms, Kodály, and gypsy music, hear the story of the virtuoso pianist Cziffra and see how a gypsy musician lives today, and how the traditions are kept. You will hear more about the history and mission of a unique Hungarian Romani school, called the Rajkó School (rajkó means gypsy musician boy) which was established with the aim of preserving and teaching gypsy music to gypsy children through the Rajkó Method, and know more about the very special formation, the Budapest Gypsy Symphony Orchestra of Budapest

The tours include a 90-min walk in the neighbourhood of Budapest’s District 8, where the majority of Romani people live, followed by an interactive overview of Hungarian gypsy music and its impact on classical music. The presentation is held in the Károly Bura Art Gallery, home to exhibitions of Romani painters.

The tours are led by the guides of UCCU Foundation, a local civil organization, and a recent European Heritage awardee. UCCU means C’mon and they run social programs, sensitization training, walks, and projects to overturn the discrimination and prejudice toward Romani people.

Both UCCU and Károly Bura Art Gallery are NGOs, and every donation matters to them. 

In recognition and respect for UCCU Foundation’s mission and achievements, we transfer them the net income from this tour.

The size of the group is intentionally left small, i.e. no more than 15 people can join, but there is a minimum number of 3 registered participants to start a tour.

DURATION

3 hours including the visit of the Art Gallery

LANGUAGE

English (you may also also ask the tour in Norwegian language)

MEETING POINT

II. János Pál pápa tér Metro station (Metro line 4), street level exit (WHAT3WORDS: proof.gentle.tinted).

Advance booking is required. Please, note, that owing to third-party obligations booking is closed 24 hours prior to the announced starting time.

TOUR ENDING POINT

Károly Bura Art Gallery 1085 Budapest, Kőfaragó utca 5.

DATE AND TIME

At 10.00 and 14.00 on selected Wednesdays and Saturdays, please consult the Calendar for available dates.

NUMBER OF STOPS

11

COST

40€ (5€/child under 14 years)

Info

INFORMATION SHEET ON THE GYPSY TOUR

Did you know?
Liszt composed altogether 19 Hungarian Rhapsodies. In order to collect gypsy tunes, to absorb the strong flavour of their rhythms thus to create the 'gypsy epic' Liszt spent some time in gypsy encampments.
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Did you know?
Celebrated Hungarian virtuoso Romani pianist György Cziffra started his career as a bar pianist. In the 50's he was even imprisoned in a workcamp, where he had to work in a stone mine.
Did you know?
Igor Stravinsky met the Hungarian cimbalom through Aladár Rácz who was playing the instrument in Maxim's Café in Geneve. He was very impressed by the possibilities of this folk instrument and incorporated it into some of his future compositions.
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Did you know?
"The Liszt Hungarian Rhapsodies and George Cziffra were surely made for each other." - review of Gramophone magazine
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Did you know?
The inspiration for Brahms Hungarian Dances was the Hungarian gypsy and folk music he encountered through brilliant Hungarian violinists Reményi and Joachim, as well as during his visits to Budapest.
Read more
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Interested? Book your tour today!

Book Today

November 2024
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
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Interested?
Book your tour today!

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