Composer of the Month 8/2010: Ferenc Erkel   (selected by Peter van Dessel / Belgium)

Hungary 26.3.2010 The Hungarian composer Ferenc Erkel was born on 7 November 1810 in Gyula. After his music studies he worked as an opera conductor in Budapest from 1838. In 1853 he also founded the Philharmonic Society in Budapest. Erkel is considered the founder of the Hungarian National Opera. He composed nine operas, of which "Hunyadi László" and "Bánk bán" are still regularly performed. In addition to numerous works for wind band Erkel composed the melody of the Hungarian national anthem. Erkel Ferenc died on 15th June 1893 in Budapest. 2010 marks his 200th birth anniversary. The video shows the Hungarian violinist Zoltan Mága and his symphony orchestra with the ballet "Palotás" from the third Act of the opera "László Hunyadi". More composers in the members only section