Edited by Anna Popper
Under the auspices of friendship and cooperation between the Embassy of Argentina, the Embassy of Bulgaria and the Bulgarian Cultural Centre in Budapest, a remarkable concert took place at the beautiful hall of Benczur Palace in Budapest. The event was attended by members of the diplomatic corps, nationals and friends of both countries.
Her Excellency, Maria Lorena Capra, Ambassador of Argentina to Hungary, inaugurated the evening with a heartfelt address to the music-loving audience:
“Dear Ambassador Mr. Christo Polendakov, Mr. Plamen Peykov, Director of the Bulgarian Cultural Centre, members of the Diplomatic Corps, distinguished guests, I am truly delighted that we have gathered here today to enjoy this wonderful concert. This evening we experience how culture and music create special connections between Argentina and Bulgaria, as well as our host country Hungary, enriched by a blend of cultures, nationalities and religions, fostering peaceful coexistence through art, especially music.
I would like to highlight the strong Bulgarian community in Argentina, which has greatly contributed to our culture. Perhaps the most illustrious member of this community is the prolific composer and pianist Luis Enriquez Bacalov (1933-2017), renowned for his film scores. In 1996 he won Oscar for the soundtrack to the movie Il Postino (The Postman). (Photo: https://luisbacalov.com/en/luis-en/) He wrote numerous film scores for movies directed by Pier Paolo Pasolini, Federico Fellini, Ettore Scola, Quentin Tarantino and others.
Tonight’s program features mesmerizing interpretations of Bulgarian opera singer Ina Kancheva and Argentine guitarist and composer Quito Gato, presenting a diverse range of masterpieces from music history. These pieces continue to resonate with us today, delivering a message of unity and cooperation between different communities and cultures.
I extend my gratitude to the Bulgarian Embassy and the Bulgarian Cultural Centre for graciously inviting us to co-host this concert, which strengthens the cultural bonds between our countries.
2024 is a special year for the Embassy of Argentina in Budapest as we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Argentina and Hungary. We eagerly anticipate collaborating with other embassies and cultural institutions on future projects to further strengthen the ties between our nations.
Thank you all for your support and collaboration in promoting culture and cultural exchange between Argentina, Bulgaria and Hungary.”
Mr. Christo Polendakov, Ambassador of Bulgaria to Hungary, thanked his fellow Ambassador for her kind words and praised the cultural cooperation initiatives between embassies and countries. He emphasized that music is the best tool for international communication and wished everyone an enjoyable evening with the artists’ performances.
The soprano’s passionate performance and captivating voice, paired with the guitarist’s masterful playing and the diverse selection of musical pieces, won the hearts of the audience. They expressed their appreciation for the artistic concert with a round of applause.
It was followed by a cocktail reception offering excellent Argentine and Bulgarian wines, for which both countries are renowned.
Source: Embassy of Argentina and Embassy of Bulgaria in Budapest
Photos by DPA
