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Hungarian Folk Ensemble comes to CSUMB

World Theater season opens Sept. 17

The music and dances are centuries old but the presentation will be 21st century when the Hungarian State Folk Ensemble opens the Performing Arts Series at CSU Monterey Bay’s World Theater on Sept. 17.

Considered one of the world’s greatest folkloric dance ensembles, these gifted Eastern European dancers and musicians bring their rich and colorful artistic traditions to the local area for the first time.

The evening’s program, Hungarian Rhapsody, is a spirited journey through time, tracing the history of this thousand-year-old culture through its dance and music.

Since its founding in 1951, the Hungarian State Folk Ensemble has revitalized the folk culture of the Hungarian people. Its repertoire is based on authentic dances, some collected from isolated villages.

Their choreography is enhanced by vibrant costumes and extraordinary folk music – which inspired Liszt, Brahms, Bartók and Kodály – performed live by the talented Folk Orchestra. Don’t miss this performance infused with dance, acrobatics, grace, lyricism and passion.

Tickets are $40 premium, $29 general. Discounts are available for students, military members and seniors. Tickets can be purchased online or by calling the box office at 582-4580.

Driving directions and a campus map

The Hungarian State Folk Ensemble has a special character. Behind the crackling vitality of its dancers' heel-clicking male bravado and rushing sweep of feminine exuberance lies an unusual fusion of high culture and popular traditions. – The New York Times A forceful, tasteful, unglorified presentation of ethnic expression. – The Washington Post