Somogyi Quartet, the celebrated Hungarian string ensemble regarded as one of the world’s leading representatives of classical chamber music, treated İzmir’s music lovers to an unforgettable evening. Performing as part of “Zeytin Altında” (“Under the Olive Tree”) concert series in the garden of Ahmed Adnan Saygun Arts Centre (AASSM), the ensemble received great acclaim for its rich repertoire.

The world-renowned Hungarian string ensemble Somogyi Quartet, which met with audiences in İzmir as part of the traditional “Zeytin Altında” concert series, attracts great interest from music lovers every year. Organized in cooperation with İzmir Metropolitan Municipality, the Consulate General of Hungary and the Hungarian Cultural Centre (Liszt Institute İstanbul), the concert was free of charge and was open to the public. Filling the spacious area around the olive tree, the audience greatly enjoyed the magnificent Hungarian music and classical works performed by the quartet.

Lendvai: “‘Zeytin Altında’ concerts are a wonderful idea and tradition”
Sharing his thoughts before the concert, Hungarian violinist György Lendvai said: “We have visited and performed in İzmir before. Just as on that occasion, there are many young people in the audience today, which makes us very happy. İzmir is a beautiful city, and I love it very much. ‘Zeytin Altında’ concerts are a wonderful idea and a wonderful tradition. It can be difficult to attract people to concert halls during the summer, so performing outdoors is a lovely experience. The venue had already begun to fill up before the concert started, and that made us very happy.”

Classical masterpieces meet contemporary Hungarian melodies
Alongside its successful interpretations of the classical repertoire, the ensemble has made it one of its principal aims to introduce the works of contemporary Hungarian composers to audiences around the world—a mission it also brought to the stage in İzmir. The quartet received great applause for its fresh and distinctive interpretations of traditional masterpieces from the classical period. Its performance also reflected the experience gained through distinguished collaborations with renowned artists such as the legendary pianist Jenő Jandó. Music lovers had the opportunity to hear live performances of works by contemporary Hungarian composers, characterised by their rich, innovative and modern sound. Bringing a deep-rooted musical tradition together with contemporary tones, the programme also featured Ferenc Farkas’s Old Hungarian Dances, a quartet by Joseph Haydn and Antonín Dvořák’s String Quartet, Op. 95, “American.”

A distinguished history shaped by master musicians
Founded in 1997 by graduates of Franz Liszt Academy of Music in Budapest and active without interruption since 1998, Somogyi Quartet impressed the audience with its outstanding command of chamber music. Comprising Péter Somogyi on first violin, György Lendvai on second violin, Balázs Tóth on viola and László Pólus on cello, the quartet developed its career under the guidance of legendary masters such as Ferenc Rados and Sándor Devich. It further enriched this foundation through international experience gained at prestigious events including the Ravinia Festival in Chicago.

Success extending from Hungary to the world
The acclaimed ensemble has performed in numerous countries, including Poland, Slovakia, Romania, France, Switzerland and Mexico. In 2001 and 2003, the musicians appeared at the summer festival in Joinville, France, where they gave concerts and led individual and chamber music masterclasses. Several of the quartet’s performances have been recorded by MR Bartók Radio, and the ensemble has been a regular guest of the Ars Nova series. In 2011, Somogyi Quartet received the prestigious Performance Award presented by ARTISJUS Music Foundation.

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