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This season, Müpa Budapest has prepared a variety of special programmes for children of all ages, from babies to teenagers. Read on to find out what's worth choosing from in the colder months.
As the new school year begins, young people face a lot of excitement and even more tasks. However, alongside the daily routine of learning, it is important to remember the value of meaningful relaxation, as electrifying and inspiring experiences are what make childhood truly unforgettable. This season, Müpa has prepared a variety of special programs for all ages, from babies to teenagers. Read on to find out what's on offer in the colder months.
Perfect children's programs for all age groups
There are as many options as there are age groups. Whether the goal is entertainment or an introduction to classical music and performing arts, Müpa is sure to offer the perfect children's or youth program for anyone interested.
Several popular series are returning in the autumn, including Hangvár – Építsünk zenét, which premiered in February and has since become a favourite with many. This series playfully introduces 8–14-year-olds to the building blocks of music. Led by Mátyás Sőnfeld and featuring the Era Nova Quartet, the focus will be on duos, trios and quartets on 20 September, while the performance titled Chamber and Solo on 4 October will reveal whether every instrument is suitable for solo playing. The event on 15 November also promises to be very exciting, as children will be able to experience the differences between a classical string quartet and a jazz quartet and see what happens when they swap musical pieces.
Just like during the Matinee Concerts thematic concert series, which address 8–16 year olds and offer a complex musical experience moderated by musicians, the symphony orchestra will take centre stage on 20 December, a few days before Christmas. This season, the National Philharmonic Orchestra will explore the music of different nations in a series entitled 'Flavours of Europe'. On 19 October, schoolchildren are invited to an unusual English tea party featuring works by Purcell, Britten and Elgar. Those who prefer a German menu can enjoy music by Mendelssohn, Beethoven and Wagner on 16 November, accompanied by entertaining commentary from Szélpál Szilveszter.
Younger children will also be catered for with captivating programs: those aged 5–10 can explore the world of pipes on the Family Organ Expedition, held twice in the afternoon on 16 November and 7 December. During this presentation, which features spectacular projections, the audience can sit near the play table on the stage and enjoy popular organ works and virtuoso improvisations. László Fassang, Müpa's resident organist, will create a real musical playground with audience participation.
Minimatiné series, dressing-up show with dance and puppet fun
Müpa's Minimatiné series, featuring musical, poetic and dramatic performances, makes autumn even more exciting for preschool and primary school children. On 11 October, folk singer Szilvi Bognár's interactive children's show Lepedőcske, Párnocska will feature musical antics, laughter, funny songs and mocking games.
There will also be no shortage of fun at the Góbi Rita Társulat's dance and dressing-up show, 'Hacukaland'. On 25 October, the clownish protagonist will discover the unusual uses of all the clothes in the wardrobe, and the performance will end with a dance. Those interested in musical instruments can burn off excess energy on 8 November with Ethnosound's captivating drumming experience: the interactive drum show will feature the djembe, cajón and derbuka.
Puppet fans can also look forward to a real treat: Jill Tomlinson's world-famous fairy tale The Piglet Who Wasn't Sure of Anything will be brought to life in a joint performance by the Mesebolt Puppet Theatre in Szombathely and the Griff Puppet Theatre in Zalaegerszeg on 22 November in the Glass Hall. On 6 December, Santa Claus Day, the Fonogram Award-winning Eszter Bíró will help you get into the festive spirit with games and catchy tunes. Her interactive family program, Advent Adventures, will also discuss the passing of time, the meaning of letters, and the curiosities of the world.
Free childrens' programs on Sundays
One of the institution's most popular programs is the Cifra Palota, which takes place on Sundays. In addition to interactive fairy tale and dance performances and concerts, there are countless creative, fine art and skill-building activities for all the family to enjoy. The youngest children can experience live music at the Baby Concerts and discover the world of folk songs and nursery rhymes at the Ringató. Tesz-vesz music classes for 1.5–3 year olds and Tesz-vesz kindergarten classes for 3–7 year olds encourage musical exploration by using everyday objects creatively. Zenebona is designed for 5–9 year olds and allows them to familiarise themselves with musical instruments.
Children aged 6–10 encounter various art forms at the MUS-E music classes. In the Hetedhét dance house series, they can take their first dance steps with the help of the best musicians, traditional instrumentalists, and dance masters (recommended age range: 5–12 years). The Musical Afternoon and Mood Junior are specifically designed for school groups, as are the School Concerts and Literary Junior, which relate to the high school literature curriculum.
You can read more about Müpa's family and youth programs on the Müpa website.
Source and photos: Mupa.hu
