On March 15, the Hungarians celebrate the anniversary of the revolution and the struggle for independence of 1848-49.

On this occasion, on March 12, a festive concert was held at Sofia Live Club.

The group "Cimbaliband" delighted the Sofia audience with virtuoso instrumental solos. Members of the band are Unger Balázs (dulcimer, vocals), Solymosi Máté (violin), Varga Kornél (guitar, vocals), Tóth Gergely (double bass), Babos Lőrinc (drums, percussion). Together they form the Hungary’s first world music band, blending Hungarian folk, ethno jazz, Balkan folklore. Their performance received thunderous applause from those present. Their program that evening was entirely dedicated to and inspired by the Hungarian revolution and freedom struggle of 1848-49.

The concert of the group "Cimbaliband" (winner of the "Phonogram" and "For Culture" awards of the Pest region) is centered on the dulcimer, an instrument that is part of the list of Hungarian unique "Hungaricums" and which over the years has become a national symbol of Hungary. With his virtuoso playing and passionate performance, the leader of the group, dulcimer player Balazs Unger /winner of the "Silver Cross of Merit of the Republic of Hungary" award and the title of "Young Master of Folk Art"/ took the audience to one of the most defining and exciting periods in Hungarian history.

The group's concert is part of their tour of the Balkan capitals of Belgrade, Sofia and Bucharest and is taking place in our country with the support of the Embassy of Hungary in the Republic of Bulgaria and the Liszt Institute Sofia.

The photos are provided by the Liszt Institute/Hungarian Cultural Institute Sofia. Photographer: Vesela Ilkova

Above: the band "Cimbaliband" at Sofia Live Club. Below: Ms. Sandra Mishkédi, director of the Liszt Institute/Hungarian Cultural Institute Sofia, opens the concert; moments of it.