19 July, 2018



(Photo: Markó Luca Zsófia) (Photo: Markó Luca Zsófia)



The exhibition organized within the framework of the Hungarian Presidency of the Visegrad Group 2017/2018 was opened by Szabolcs Erdélyi, the managing director of Hybridart Space. The welcoming remarks were given by Gábor Tallai, the Program Director of the House of Terror Museum.



As Gábor Tallai observed, street art photography, a renowned genre of photography, has managed to establish a tradition. The photos of István Gyarmati point out the shared characteristics, the common heritage of the V4 countries. The programme director emphasized that the Public Foundation for Research on Central and Eastern European History and Society was the organizing body of the scientific and cultural programme series of the presidency of the V4, therefore they invited István Gyarmati to shoot this photo series.

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Through his personal journey, the artist discovered the shared characteristics of these cultures and presented them from his own point of view. As Gábor Tallai put it „there is more that unites this region then what divides it. This photo series was meant to justify this connection.”



The opening ceremony was concluded with the artist discussing his own experiences related to this photo series. István Gyarmati admitted that this task has meant a significant challenge for him, as it was the first time for him to visit some of these countries.



He added that he did not intend to include the famous sights of these cities, he was devoted to find his own themes and inspirations for the photographs. He selected the final set of twenty-two photos out of twelve thousand photographs, half of which can be seen in Hybridart Space gallery and the other half has been exhibited by the Nick Art & Design in Pécs.



Through his personal journey, the artist discovered the shared characteristics of these cultures and presented them from his own point of view. As Gábor Tallai put it „there is more that unites this region then what divides it. This photo series was meant to justify this connection.”The opening ceremony was concluded with the artist discussing his own experiences related to this photo series. István Gyarmati admitted that this task has meant a significant challenge for him, as it was the first time for him to visit some of these countries.He added that he did not intend to include the famous sights of these cities, he was devoted to find his own themes and inspirations for the photographs. He selected the final set of twenty-two photos out of twelve thousand photographs, half of which can be seen in Hybridart Space gallery and the other half has been exhibited by the Nick Art & Design in Pécs. The exhibition entitled „Our shared secrets” has opened featuring the photographs of István Gyarmati at the Hybridart Space gallery.The exhibition organized within the framework of the Hungarian Presidency of the Visegrad Group 2017/2018 was opened by Szabolcs Erdélyi, the managing director of Hybridart Space. The welcoming remarks were given by Gábor Tallai, the Program Director of the House of Terror Museum.As Gábor Tallai observed, street art photography, a renowned genre of photography, has managed to establish a tradition. The photos of István Gyarmati point out the shared characteristics, the common heritage of the V4 countries. The programme director emphasized that the Public Foundation for Research on Central and Eastern European History and Society was the organizing body of the scientific and cultural programme series of the presidency of the V4, therefore they invited István Gyarmati to shoot this photo series.

30 June, 2018





Andrea Rost Hungarian soprano, Katarzyna Kuncio Polish mezzo-soprano, Richard Samek Czech tenor and Clemens Unterreiner Austrian baritone accompanied by the Hungarian National Philharmonic Orchestra will be presenting the greatest operetta classics to the audience – according to a press release of Müpa sent to MTI.

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Operetta is a multinational genre, yet it would not be wrong to say that the operettas of Central and Eastern Europe represent a particularly rich vein of shared cultural treasures for the peoples of the region. The programme for this gala concert features a selection of these hits, many of which remain popular to this day such as from Ferenc Lehár’s most ambitious work, Giuditta, the Merry Widow, the Land of Smiles, the Riviera Girl or better known as the Csárdás Princess to Strauss’ masterpiece the Gypsy Baron.



The Hungarian soprano Andrea Rost rapidly conquered the opera houses of the world - from the Vienna Staatsoper to La Scala in Milan, and from the New York Metropolitan Opera to Japan. Her repertoire extends from legendary Mozart works to Rigoletto's Gilda, and now even includes the title roles of Madama Butterfly and Tosca. The other heroine of the evening, the Polish mezzo-soprano Katarzyna Kuncio has been a member of the Deutsche Oper am Rhein company since 2004 and is a genuine master of trouser roles, such as Cherubino, Octavian and the opera fairy tale character of Hansel.



The young Czech tenor, Richard Samek made his debut in Brno in 2006 and has soon become celebrated by Czech and Slovak opera audiences, but is also recognised by those of Germany and France. The young Czech tenor frequently features in operetta performances from the Mörbisch Lakeside Festival to Dresden. The Austrian baritone Clemens Unterreiner has been a member of the Vienna State Opera since 2005. His operatic repertoire ranges all the way to contemporary composers and includes lyrical, German, Italian and French helden roles. He also performs in oratorios and song recitals, and often takes the stage in operettas.



The programme is organised on behalf of the Public Foundation for Research on Central and Eastern European History and Society within the framework of the Hungarian Presidency of the Visegrad Group 2017/2018. On Saturday, the last day of the presidency, various free programmes will be available to the public ranging from puppet-shows for children, handicraft workshops, film screenings, open-air concerts and the guests will be able to sample various culinary delights from the V4 countries at both venues. Free boat rides will be available between MÜPA and Várkert Bazár all day.



(Source: MTI)



The presidency of the Visegrad Cooperation 2017/2018 is being concluded this Saturday by the V4 Operetta Gala to be held in Müpa featuring the emblematic works of the operetta literature of the Central European region.Andrea Rost Hungarian soprano, Katarzyna Kuncio Polish mezzo-soprano, Richard Samek Czech tenor and Clemens Unterreiner Austrian baritone accompanied by the Hungarian National Philharmonic Orchestra will be presenting the greatest operetta classics to the audience – according to a press release of Müpa sent to MTI.

14 June, 2018



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The concert was held at the Polish Cultural Institute in Prague and organized with the cooperation of the Embassy of Hungary in Prague, the Hungarian Cultural Institute and the Polish Embassy in Prague. The trio performed their fado and bossanova repertoire at the invitation-only event.



Panni Kalmár is a talent with a unique voice from the new generation of singers. He mixes elements of Portuguese fado, Brazilian bossa nova and American swing into his live performances, where he sings of love and longing. The trio also features Mátyás Tóth on guitar, who teaches in the Snétberger Music Talent Centre alongside his concert performances. After finishing his studies at the Hungarian Music Academy, the group's saxophonist, Dániel Mester, completed a Masters in Composing for Film at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam, and continues to work in this area today. The Hungarian and the Polish ambassador to Prague both attended the event.



The Panni Kalmár Trio, selected to perform at the Jazz Showcase 2018 in Müpa, the most important talent fair of the Central European region, took the stage at the Hall of the Polish Embassy in Prague, the Czech Republic in the framework of the V4 Jazz Concerts.

2–3 June, 2018



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Line-up: Central European Jazz Connection

Kuba Stankiewicz – piano

Kornél Fekete-Kovács – trumpet

Matúš Jakabčic – guitar

Tomáš Baroš – double bass Programme: Kornél Fekete-Kovács: We Have Matt Kuba Stankiewicz: Winter Song Kuba Stankiewicz: Twitter Song Matus Jakabcič: Room #5 Tomas Baroš: Red in Brown Kornél Fekete-Kovács: Stayin’ Alone Kuba Stankiewicz: Spadek Kornél Fekete-Kovács: Mr. J.G. Venue and time:



2 June -Prague, Palac Akropolis, Great Hall

http://www.palacakropolis.com/work/33298?event_id=27529&no=62&page_id=33824



3 June - Wroclaw, Stary Klasztor



The members of Central European Jazz Connection are leading figures of their countries' musical scene. Kuba Stankiewicz, the previous member of the Zbigniew Namysłowski Quartet and the Traveling Birds, is one of the most refined pianist-composers in the jazz scene of Poland. Matúš Jakabčic is the prominent figure of the Slovak music scene both as a guitarist, composer and the leader of his big band. Kornél Fekete-Kovács, the leader of the Modern Art Orchestra and soloist trumpeter is one of the most influential figures of the Hungarian jazz scene. Tomáš Baroš is one of the most prestigious double bass players in the Czech Republic, playing with Benny Golson and Rick Margitza.

1–30 June, 2018





The material of the Young Visegrad Photography Exhibition will be exhibited in all the four countries of the V4 throughout June 2018. In Prague and Bratislava the exhibition was shown in the framework of a cultural event (V4 Dance Gala Performance). In Szczecin, Poland the International Book fair provided an ideal venue for the exhibition.

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Altogether seven higher education institutions of the V4 countries take part in the programme and the works of 15 fresh graduates have been selected for the exhibition. The unique feature of the exhibition is, that even though the highly prestigious universities follow different methods in educating their artists, they may become the leading and defining figures of the art scene of the V4 in the near future, thus their visual approach may be identified with this region by the wider audiences around the world.



The curator of the exhibition of Young Visegrad Photography photographer Gábor Kudász Arion attempted to arrange the works of these young artists to create a context that reflects the characteristically Central and Eastern European way of thinking in approaching global phenomena and tendencies beside demonstrating the national characteristics, the different methods in education, and the individual universes of the artists.



The exhibition was organized by the Public Foundation for Research on Central and Eastern European History and Society in partnership with Art Photo Budapest, which has played a decisive role in promoting the photography of this region in the past five years. An outstanding artistic program titled Visegrad Contemporary is dedicated to art from the Visegrad countries (Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, Poland) at the Art Market Budapest 2018 International Contemporary Art Fair, the only photography fair of Central and Eastern Europe. It focuses on the outstanding merits of the Visegrad countires in photography and creates an opportunity for the artistic educational institutions to cooperate.



Concluding the Hungarian Presidency of the V4 in June 2018 the fresh art graduates of the four Visegrad countries had a unique opportunity to present themselves in Budapest. At more than a hundred different locations around Budapest, large city light billboards were presenting their works of art for the whole month to a wide audience.The material of the Young Visegrad Photography Exhibition will be exhibited in all the four countries of the V4 throughout June 2018. In Prague and Bratislava the exhibition was shown in the framework of a cultural event (V4 Dance Gala Performance). In Szczecin, Poland the International Book fair provided an ideal venue for the exhibition.

24 May, 2018

24 May, 2018

24 May, 2018

23-24 May, 2018

23-24 May, 2018

23-24 May, 2018

24 May, 2018

24 May, 2018

23-24 May, 2018

23-24 May, 2018

23 May, 2018

23 May, 2018

V4 Connects

19–26 May, 2018





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The welcoming remarks were delivered by the Secretary for Culture of the Hungarian Cultural Institute, Keresztes Gáspár and Szabolcs Erdélyi, the general manager of Hybridart Management. The opening ceremony was preceded by a round table discussion with the participation of László Lelkes, the adjunct professor of the Hungarian University Of Fine Arts, Katarzyna Haber, the curator of Galeria Apteka Sztuki and Eliza Proszczuk, Polish folk artist. The focal point of the discussion was

How regional values and shared traditions cope these days and their impact on contemporary art projects.



Throughout the evening an image film and a short film introduced the SoundWeaving exhibition to the visitors. Hungarian and English press materials and publications were also available to give a detailed description of the cultural objectives of the V4 and to introduce the concept of the SoundWeaving V4 Edition project. The Entrée V4 international degree exhibition was hosted by the Hungarian Cultural Institute in Warsaw in the framework of the V4 Connects Art & Design touring exhibition series. The Hungarian, Czech, Slovak, and Polish degree works were displayed in the exhibition hall of the institute.

19–26 May, 2018





The Lodz Design Festival is currently one of the most popular and freshest venues for artists wishing to introduce themselves.



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Zsanett Szirmay presented her ’musical textiles’ at the Lodz Design Festival and the audience had the chance to try the punched-card music players. The opening remarks were delivered by Zsanett Szirmay and Szabolcs Erdélyi, the general manager of Hybridart Management.



The short image film of SoundWeaving introduced the exhibition to visitors in Polish throughout the evening and a Polish-English publication was also made for the event to give a detailed description of the cultural objectives of the V4 and to introduce the concept of the SoundWeaving V4 Edition project. The SoundWeaving V4 Edition exhibition designed by textile artist Zsanett Szirmay in the framework of the V4 Connects Art & Design travelling exhibition series was displayed at the outstanding contemporary art venue (Galeria Apteka Sztuki) at the Design Week in Łódź.The Lodz Design Festival is currently one of the most popular and freshest venues for artists wishing to introduce themselves.

13 May, 2018



Photo: Müpa Photo: Müpa

13 May, 2018





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The concept of the performance focused on the common values beside the unique and distinctive features of the show. The most effective elements may have been the part when performers jammed together.



Beside the large number of audiences the performance attracted, the following guests attended the event: Kornel Morawiecki, the Senior Marshal of the Sejm, and the legendary founder and leader of Fighting Solidarity, Marta Morawiecka (the sister of the current Prime Minister of Poland) and her family, Marek Natusiewicz, the supporter of strengthening of Polish-Hungarian bilateral relations, and the president of the Matthias Corvinus Club, dr. Ewelina Kondziela and Pawel Stypa, the president and vice president of the Studium Culturae Ecclesiae Foundatuion, Adrián Kromka, Director of the Slovak Institute in Warsaw, Dr Adrienne Körmendy, appointed Hungarian consul general in Krakow.



Performers: Hungarian State Folk Ensemble (Hungary), Slovak National Dance Company (SĽUK) (Slovakia), Ondráš (Military Artistic Ensemble (Check Republic), Slask Song & Dance Ensemble of Poland. The music editor of the event is István Pál „Szalonna” and the director is Mihályi Gábor. The Dance Celebration Visegrád Gala Performance (Swieto Tanca Wyszehradzki Koncert Galowy) will be staged in the Musical Theatre Capitol (Teatr Muzyczny Capitol) in Wrocław on 13 May 2018 at 5 pm. taking the stage at its first stop abroad.

11 May, 2018



Photo: Müpa Photo: Müpa

11-21 May, 2018





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The opening ceremony began at 18.00. Szabolcs Erdélyi, the general manager of Hybridart Management and the designer of SoundWeaving V4 Edition textile artist Zsanett Szirmay also greeted the guests and presented her installation. To cater for interactivity at the exhibition, the audience had the chance to try the punched-card music players. The musical transcription adapted for punched-card music player was done by musician and composer Dániel Vikukel, who also performed live at the event.



Throughout the evening an image film and a short film introduced the SoundWeaving exhibition to the visitors. Hungarian and English press materials and publications were also available to give a detailed description of the cultural objectives of the V4 and to introduce the concept of the SoundWeaving V4 Edition project. In the framework of the V4 Connects Art & Design touring exhibitions, the installation of SoundWeaving V4 Edition by textile artist Zsanett Szirmay was hosted by one of Budapest’s outstanding cultural venues, Müpa. Müpa is an exceptional venue that exhibits all the different art forms by providing a venue for classical, contemporary, pop, jazz and world music as well as opera, contemporary circus, dance, literature and film.

10-16 May, 2018





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Balassi Institute in Ljubljana first opened its doors in 2016 and one of their main objectives was to introduce Hungarian fine arts in Slovenia. The institute provides a venue for both classical and contemporary of works art. The installation designed by Zsanett Szirmay shows the traditional cross-stitch patterns known from Hungarian, Slovak, Czech, or Polish folk embroideries, and with its sleek design and subdued colours it created a perfect harmony with the interior of the venue. Beside the ’musical textiles’ the international degree exhibition titled Entrée V4 was also hosted by the Balassi Institute in Ljubljana. The Entrée V4 is a selection of diploma works by 2017 graduates from the V4 countries. The opening speech was given by the Hungarian ambassador Edit Szilágyiné Bátorfi followed by Bíborka Molnár-Gábor, the Director of the Institute and Szabolcs Erdélyi, the general manager of Hybridart Management. The designer of SoundWeaving V4 Edition textile artist Zsanett Szirmay also greeted the guests. The visitors had the chance to try the punched-card music players.



The exhibition was also introduced to the visitors by a short image film available both in English and Hungarian and various press materials. The V4 Connects Art & Design touring exhibitions, the SoundWeaving V4 Edition and the Entrée V4 international degree exhibition were introduced in Slovenia, in the Cultural Centre of the Embassy of Hungary, the Balassi Institute in Ljubljana.

4 May, 2018

26 April – 6 May, 2018





The Apteka Sztuki generally displays works of artists who not only use the classical techniques but also experiment with newer technologies. The installation, exhibiting traditional cross-stitch patterns known from Hungarian, Slovak, Czech, or Polish folk embroideries, with its sleek design and subdued colours created a perfect harmony with the interior of the venue.



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The welcoming remarks were delivered by the manager of the gallery, Krzysztof Pultorak and the curator, Katarzyna Habor as well as Szabolcs Erdélyi, the general manager of Hybridart Management at the beginning of the opening ceremony. Lorant Juhos, the first secretary of the Embassy of the Republic of Hungary was also present at the event. Zsanett Szirmay presented her ’musical textiles’ after the opening remarks. The audience had the chance to try punched-card music players. for which the musical transcription was done by musician and composer Dániel Vikukel. The short image film of SoundWeaving introduced the exhibition to visitors in Polish throughout the evening and a Polish-English publication was also made for the event to give a detailed description of the cultural objectives of the V4 and to introduce the concept of the SoundWeaving V4 Edition project. The Galeria Apteka Sztuki in the centre of Warsaw provided the ideal venue for the textile installation of the SoundWeaving V4 Edition exhibition designed by textile artist Zsanett Szirmay in the framework of the V4 Connects Art & Design exhibition series.The Apteka Sztuki generally displays works of artists who not only use the classical techniques but also experiment with newer technologies. The installation, exhibiting traditional cross-stitch patterns known from Hungarian, Slovak, Czech, or Polish folk embroideries, with its sleek design and subdued colours created a perfect harmony with the interior of the venue.

24 April, 2018

13 April, 2018



Photo: Hrotkó Bálint / Müpa Photo: Hrotkó Bálint / Müpa

11 April, 2018



Photo: Hrotkó Bálint / Müpa Photo: Hrotkó Bálint / Müpa

8 April, 2018



Photo: Hrotkó Bálint / Müpa Photo: Hrotkó Bálint / Müpa

7 April, 2018





The exhibition opened preceding Károly Szakonyi’s premiere of Dead Air (Transmission Interference) and it covered the V4 relations the theatre established in the past five years. The exhibition will also be covered in a publication, which will also be available during the exhibition.



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The event will be opened by the patron of the V4 Fest and Theatrical Festival, Parliamentary State Secretary Bence Rétvári. On the fifth anniversary of the opening of The External Relations of the Past Five Years in the V4 Region, an exhibition of the same name will be opened in Vác in the Danube Bend Theatre.The exhibition opened preceding Károly Szakonyi’s premiere of Dead Air (Transmission Interference) and it covered the V4 relations the theatre established in the past five years. The exhibition will also be covered in a publication, which will also be available during the exhibition.

6 April, 2018

20 March, 2018

5 March, 2018





The exhibition is open to visitors until 30 April. On 5 March at 14.00 the most expressive, outstanding posters of the V4 theatres and the ones with the highest artistic value will be exhibited. The exhibition will be hosted by the Rubra Art Lounge Restaurant, which is besides being a vibrant meeting point of locals of Vác, is also a constant venue for fine art exhibitions.The exhibition is open to visitors until 30 April.

24 February, 2018





The exhibition was opened by Parliamentary State Secretary Bence Rétvári, the patron of the event. The exhibition is open to visitors from 24 February and it covers the evolution of the festival year by year at the Vác Danube Bend Theatre (Váci Dunkakanyar Színház)The exhibition was opened by Parliamentary State Secretary Bence Rétvári, the patron of the event.

22 February, 2018





In December 2017 the Hungarian National Assembly voted in favour of making 22 February the Hungarian Parasport Day. As the main event of the programme of the very first Hungarian Parasport Day an international conference was held with the participation of experts from V4 countries.

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The Minister of State for Social Affairs and Inclusion Károly Czibere pointed out that „sport is for everyone” and at the same time its aim is to embrace diversity and social integration of the disadvantaged. President of the Hungarian Paralympic Committee (HPC) László Szabó stressed that the conference communicates the necessity of a paradigm shift, namely that paraathletes provide an added value to both social, economic and cultural life.



According to the former President of the International Paralympic Committee, Sir Philip Craven, the programme is an excellent initiative and he was pleased to have the opportunity to learn so much about the Visegrád Group at this conference.



The speakers of the roundtable discussion titled Opportunities of V4 Cooperation within the Sport for People with a Disabilities agreed that parasport may play an important role in strengthening the diplomatic relations among V4 countries. The subsequent discussions dealt with the international dimensions of parasport, its role in the economy, and possibilities in innovation, digitalization and start-ups related to parasport. A parasport conference was held in the Castle Garden Bazaar with the participation of experts from V4 countries organized by the Hungarian Paralympic Committee.In December 2017 the Hungarian National Assembly voted in favour of making 22 February the Hungarian Parasport Day. As the main event of the programme of the very first Hungarian Parasport Day an international conference was held with the participation of experts from V4 countries.

8 February, 2018

20 December, 2017



Photo: János Posztós / Müpa Photo: János Posztós / Müpa

21 November, 2017

20 October, 2017

10 October, 2017

The European Union has become outdated both in terms of its structure and its mission – observed Mária Schmidt, the Director-General of the House of Terror Museum at the panel discussion titled Geopolitical challenges held in the framework of the international conference series at the Castel Garden Bazaar titled the Future of Europe.The 21st century, the one we are in, is not the continuation of the 20th century. „Those who are trying to picture the tasks of our age in relation to the 20th century are all mistaken” – stressed Mária Schmidt, and added that „we have found ourselves in completely different circumstances in the 21st century”.The Director-General referred to the EU as outdated regarding its structure and its mission and added that „for this reason, it is beyond doubt that the EU needs to be reformed and renewed. According to her, the reason for this is the fact that the EU had been brought to life by the Cold War, and once it was over „it has become necessary to reconsider its role and status”.„There is no national development without successful digitalization” - said the Prime Ministerial Commissioner for the Digital Welfare Programme.As Tamás Deutsch pointed it out in his lecture on the second day of the two day conference series organized by the Public Foundation for Research on Central and Eastern European History and Society and the Századvég Foundation „there are fundamental and historic changes taking place in the world right now and digital transformation is the most tangible of these, which is experienced by hundreds of millions in Europe. He said that „its extent and its significance is still unclear” and added that „there have been very few changes in the world that compare to its extent and intensity”. He emphasized that digital transformation does not equal technological transformation, it is just one if the driving forces, main representations.The Visegrád Group needs to have more courage and determination in geopolitical questions – remarked Václav Klaus, the former president of the Czech Republic on Thursday at the international conference titled the Future of Europe in Budapest.On the second day of the two day international conference series organized by the Public Foundation for Research on Central and Eastern European History and Society and the Századvég Foundation Václav Klaus declared in his lecture held in English that the V4 countries (the Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary and Slovakia) „I do not see the Visegrad Four countries to have enough courage, enough strength and enough determination to pursue a common, independent policy.” in terms of pressing geopolitical issues. „It may have looked like a policy in the autumn of 2015, at the time of the migration crisis, but I hadn’t seen it before and I don’t see it now”. – he observed.Video summaries on the second day of The Future of Europe international conference at the Castle Garden BazaarPicture gallery of the first day of the international conference series titled the Future of Europe held at the Castle Garden Bazaar.A photo exhibition held at the venue of the international conference series titled the Future of Europe.The first day of the international conference series titled the Future of Europe was concluded by the fashion show of the latest haute couture collection of the Katti Zoób Fashion House. The Fairy Tale Haute Couture Show is a unique and imaginative crossover performance, which tells us about past, present and future through the lens of fashion. The designer uses music and clothes to demonstrate the transformation of character, to symbolize the national characteristics and the individual beauty of the culture of each country.Video summaries on the first day of The Future of Europe international conference at the Castle Garden BazaarFollowing the welcoming remarks of Gergely Gulyás the former Chief Strategist of Donald Trump’s campaign held a lecture with the title Trump’s America First and its impact on Central Europe as part of the József Eötvös Lecture series held each year. In his lecture he stressed that “Do we have the desire and the courage to preserve our civilization in the face of those who would subvert it and destroy it?”“Eight months later,” Bannon continued, “the people of Hungary gave us an answer – overwhelming victory for Viktor Orbán. He added: „We really don't have a political opposition today, we have a media opposition.”For some of them „liberal democracy worked fine for the 40 or 50 years when they were winning elections” All the sudden, when they started losing, we were „all authoritarians, mini dictators” - commented Stephen K. Bannon. „The American people… liked President Obama personally, but they do not believe Obama delivered the change that the country needs. 75% of the American people for the first time believed America was in decline.” „The working class and the middle class in the United States of America are not prepared to support the Democrats, only the elite – he concluded.From July 2017 to June 2018, Hungary is holding the rotating Presidency of the Visegrad Group for the fifth time. The importance of the Visegrad Cooperation, based on the principles—mutual trust, flexibility, and a focus on common traditions, values and interests—guiding the V4 since its founding in 1991 has been growing recently.In the previous 26 years the Visegrad Group has been actively representing regional interests, since 2004 within the European Union, while contributing to the prosperity and stability of the continent via their economic performance, cooperation aimed at facilitating connectivity, support towards the neighbouring Western Balkans and Eastern Partnership regions, as well as a responsible approach to the unprecedented migration crisis. The V4 countries constitute stability and growth in the European Union, and have the legitimate intention to contribute substantially and as equal partners to the dialogue on the future of the EU.In addition to the gala events in the concert hall, the programme features festival concerts, communal singing and workshops, interactive children’s programmes and a midnight choral concert from 18 to 21 May at the Third Budapest International Choral Celebration.More than a thousand singers will be taking the stage of Müpa Budapest during this international choral gala. In the breaks of the gala concert, choir competitions ant the evening and midnight choral concert the participating choirs will be giving a free concert in the Atrium and the Festival Theatre.The opening concert will feature various choirs from the U.S. to Sweden and Taiwan. Apart from the choirs participating in the International Choral Gala professional choirs will also be taking the stage such as the Real Group from Sweden, the Jazzation from Hungary and Sjaella from Germany. The gala will end with a grand finale gathering all the participants on stage, conducted by Gábor Hollerung.The Hungarian National Philharmonic Orchestra performed at Flagey Radio and Concert Hall in Brussels. The performance, evoking the golden age of the operetta, featured the classic works of Johann Strauss, Ferenc Lehár (Hungary), Imre Kálmán (Hungary), Antonín Dvořák (Checz Republic), Stanisław Moniuszko (Poland) and Alexander Moyzes (Slovakia).The Hungarian National Philharmonic Orchestra was conducted by Peter Valentovic, who debuted conducting Edita Gruberova in Slovakia. The concert featured the renowned Hungarian soprano, Andrea Rost, the Polish mezzo soprano, Katarzyna Kuncio, the internationally acknowledged tenor, Richard Samek and the Viennese baritone, Paul Armin Edelmann, whose carreer started in the Vienna Boys' Choir and he has become a successful opera singer by now.The welcoming speech was made by Zoltán Nagy, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Hungary in the Kingdom of Belgium before the concert.The international V4 thesis project exhibition is open to visitors from 4th to 20th May in the Museum of Hungarian Culture of the Slovak National Museum.The purpose of the event is to provide an opportunity for the fresh graduates of various institutions of arts education to present their projects to a wider audience. The exhibition, which is to be taken to eight other cities, comprises photographs, paintings, graphics and sculptures among other things.The exhibition series is organized by Hybridart Management on behalf of the Public Foundation for Research on Central and Eastern European History and Society within the framework of the Hungarian Presidency of the Visegrad Group 2017/2018.In the frmaework of programme series of the Hungarian Presidency of the Visegrad Group a round-table discussion was held entitled "V4: The Engine of Europe’s Economy?"Participats included Dávid Szabó, the director for Foreign Affairs of Századvég School of Politics Foundation, Marcin Kedzierski, the director of the Centre of Analysis of the Jagiellonian Club, Martin Slany, the director of Economic Studies of the Václav Klaus Institute, Orsolya Ráczová, research fellow of GLOBSEC Policy Institute, and Balázs Dobos, the Senior Adviser of the Economic Policy Unit of Századvég School of Politics Foundation. The discussion was moderated by Dániel Palotai, the Executive Director and Chief Economist of the Central Bank of Hungary.On the occasion of the Hungarian Presidency of the V4 an opera gala was held in the Smetana Hall of the Municipal House of Prague. The various musical programme and the performing artists guaranteed the tremendous success.Among the contributors were Edita Gruberová coloratura soprano, Szilvia Vörös mezzo, Peter Berger tenor and Krzysztof Bączyk bass. The Hungarian State Opera Orchestra was conducted by Peter Valentovic.The event was framed by the fashion show of the Hungarian designer Kati Zoób, whose collection titled “Fairy Tale Haute Couture” was inspired by the folk costumes of the V4 countries. The show was presented before and after the concert and during the break as well.In the framework of the Hungarian presidency of the V4 an opera gala was held in the Hall of the Warsaw National Philharmonic Orchestra. The success of the event was guaranteed by the singers of Müpa Budapest, the Hungarian State Opera and the world-famous performers of the V4 countries, such as Edita Gruberová coloratura soprano.Orsolya Kovács, the Ambassador of Hungary to Poland and Bartosz Cichocki, the Undersecretary of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland opened the gala for the audience of more than one thousand people. They emphasized the connecting quality of the Visegrad cooperation and drew the attention to the cultural and political importance of it.In the break a fashion show titled „Fairy Tale in Folk Costume” was held, where the creations of designer Kati Zoób were presented.In honour of the V4 cooperation a grand concert was held in Bratislava in the Concert Hall of The Slovak Philharmonic. Appropriate to the occasion, artists from the Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia and Hungary performed masterpieces mainly of composers of the V4 countries.Among the contributors were Edita Gruberová coloratura soprano, Schöck Atala alto, Pavel Černoch tenor, Krzysztof Bączyk bass. The Hungarian State Opera Orchestra was conducted by János Kovács.In the break a fashion show titled „Fairy Tale in Folk Costume” was held, where the creations of designer Kati Zoób were presented.On the occasion of the Hungarian Presidency of the Visegrad Group in 2017-2018, a dance celebration titled „Táncünnep” was held with the participation of renowned Polish, Czech, Slovak and Hungarian dance ensembles at 19.00 on Thursday, 5th April 2018 in the National Theatre.The performers of the event included the Sl’uk Slovak Folk Art Ensemble, the Ondras Military Artistic Ensemble, the Śląsk Song and Dance Ensemble form Poland and the Hungarian State Folk Ensemble.The music editor of the event was István Pál „Szalonna” and the director was Gábor Mihályi.Venue: National Theatre (1095 Budapest, Bajor Gizi park 1.)Another round table was held in the House of Terror Museum, entitled „The Role of the V4 in Shaping Europe’s Future” as part of the V4 cultural programme series on the occasion of the Hungarian Presidency of the Visegrad Group.The participants included Zsolt Barthel-Rúzsa, President of the Századvég School of Politics Foundation (Hungary), Marek Degro, Director of the Anton Tunega Foundation (Slovak Republic), Jiří Kozák, Director of the CEVRO Institute (Czech Republic), Paweł Musiałek, Managing Director of Centre for Analysis, The Jagellonian Club (Republic of Poland). The discussion was moderated by Gábor Tallai, the Programme Director of the House of Terror Museum.​As part of the V4 programme series on the occasion of the Hungarian Presidency of the Visegrad Group a round table titled Culture War 2018 was held in the House of Terror Museum.The participants included Mária Schmidt, the Director-General of the House of Terror Museum, András Gerő, the Director of the Institute of Habsburg History, Márton Békés, the Research Director of the House of Terror Museum and Gábor G. Fodor, political scientist and the Vice Chairman of the Századvég Foundation. The discussion was moderated by Gábor Tallai, the Programme Director of the House of Terror Museum.On the occasion of Hungary's presidency of the Visegrad Group an Opera Gala was held in Müpa Budapest titled V4 Christmas.The concert featured Edita Gruberova coloratura soprano, Atala Schöck alto, Tomaš Juhás tenor, Krzysztof Bączyk bass and the Hungarian State Opera Orchestra was conducted by Peter Valentovič.The compilers of the programme have also taken care to ensure that the "spirit of Visegrad” would be buttressed not just by the countries of origin of the participants, but by the works being played as well. Alongside the great classics by Mozart, Rossini, Bellini, Rachmaninoff, Mascagni and Puccini, the concert will feature works by composers from the four nations, with Erkel and Kodály representing Hungary and Smetana and Dvořák the Czechs, joined by the Polish Stanisław Moniuszko and Slovakia's Alexander Moyzes.The audience was addressed by Zoltán Balog, the Minister of Human Capacities.As part of the cultural programme series of the presidency of the V4 a round-table talk entitled Who are we? – Identity and culture in Central Europe was held at the House of Terror Museum.Participants included the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade's Deputy State Secretary for Hungarian Institutes Abroad and International Education Relations and the director general of the Balassi Institute Judit Hammerstein, the director general of the Hungarian Institute of Bratislava Molnár Imre, the director general of Hungarian Cultural Center of Prague Gertrúd Kelemen, the Secretary for Culture of the Hungarian Institute for Culture in Warsaw Keresztes Gáspár, Slovakian literary historian, critic and translator Karol Wlachovský, Director of the Czech Centre in Budapest Lucie Orbók, Director of the Polish Institute in Budapest Jarosław Bajaczyk. The discussion was moderated by Program Director of the House of Terror Museum Gábor Tallai.An international conference entitled Together for the future of Europe – Anti-communist fights for freedom, 1956 was held in the Castle Garden Bazaar (Várkert Bazár) organized by the Public Foundation for Research on Central and Eastern European History and Society.The speakers included Government Spokesperson Zoltán Kovács, Director-General of the House of Terror Museum Mária Schmidt, Researcher of the Institute for the Study of Totalitarian Regimes Jakub Šlouf, Head of the Historical Research Branch Office of the Institute of National Remembrance Konrad Białecki. The chairman of the conference was Program Director of the House of Terror Museum Gábor Tallai.On the occasion that Hungary is holding the rotating Presidency of the Visegrad Group a round-table discussion was held at the House of Terror Museum, entitled „What do we reap from V4?”Participants included Maria Schmidt, Director-General of the Public Foundation for Research on Central and Eastern European History and Society, Gergely Gulyás, faction leader of the Fidesz parliamentary group, Norbert Csizmadia, Chairman of the Pallas Athene Geopolitical Foundation, Balázs Orbán, Director of Research of Századvég School of Politics Foundation, as well as Miklós Szánthó, Director of the Centre for Fundamental Rights.The round-table talk entitled „What do we reap from V4?” is the first one of a series of intellectual dialogues organized in the framework of the Hungarian presidency. These professional discussions provide an excellent opportunity to consider what the V4 presidency and the cooperation means to us and to define our goals as well as to prepare for the tasks ahead of us.​