Hommage to Bartók

Join us for a special afternoon in Brussels celebrating the life, legacy, and music of Béla Bartók through lectures, rare archival materials, live performances, and a commemorative ceremony.

25 September 2026

15:00 – KBR – Royal Library of Belgium

· Welcome at the KBR

· Introduction to the Brussels Bartók Archives - Denijs Dille Collection (Carl Van Eyndhoven)

· Lecture by Dr. László Vikárius

Dr. László Vikárius, Director of the Budapest Bartók Archives, presents his publication Cantata Profana: Bartók's Sacred Bridge, offering new perspectives on one of Bartók's most significant works.

· Piano Concert

Works by Franz Liszt and Béla Bartók by students of the “Koninklijk Conservatorium Brussel"

· Exhibition of Rare Archival Documents

Participants are invited to view a special display of rare documents from the Béla Bartók Archives and the Fonds Denijs Dille, including materials related to Cantata Profana and Bartók's legacy.

16:30 – Commemoration of Béla Bartók - Place d'Espagne / Spanjeplein

A commemorative ceremony marks the anniversary of Bartók's death on 26 September 1945, honouring one of Hungary's greatest composers.

17:15 – Concert on the Carillon of the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula (Claire Janezic)

Arrangement of Bartók’s “Rumanian Christmas Carols” and “Sonatina”

Listening spot: Parvis Saint-Gudule / Sinter-Goedeleplein.

17:45 – Reception at the Liszt Institute Brussels

The programme concludes with a reception at the Liszt Institute, with the possibility to visit the Institute's current exhibitions.