ABOUT THE CONFERENCE

The great Hungarian composer, pianist, and ethnomusicologist Béla Bartók was born 125 years ago, beginning a cultural odyssey during which he made immeasurable contributions to music. On June 3 and June 4, Bard College will host a conference marking and exploring Bartók's life and career, particularly his contributions to the study of folk music.

This conference will bring together a panel of distinguished American and European scholars to discuss this aspect of Bartók's work, highlighting its importance to the countries whose traditions he studied (Hungary, Romania, Slovakia, Serbia, Ukraine), as well as its wider impact on the fledgling discipline of musical folklore. These guests will present lectures and also engage in round-table discussions. Participants include Philip Bohlman, Donna Buchanan, Damjana Bratuz, Nice Facile, Christopher H. Gibbs, Lynn Hooker, Jill Johnson, Peter Laki, Vera Lampert, Prof. Barbara Rose Lange, Speranta Radulescu, Kristy Riggs, Marta Rudas, and Dr. Laszlo Vikarius. All conference sessions are free and open to the public, with no registration required. Click here to view the conference schedule.

The program will also feature a concert, "The Influence of Folk Music: Bartók and Beyond," in which Bartók's music will be juxtaposed with the folk music that inspired it. The concert will present the Hungarian folksinger Béata Palya who will perform some of the vocal melodies that Bartók arranged either for piano solo or violin duo; the vocal originals and the arrangements will be performed back to back. Palya enjoys an international career as a folksinger and has produced several highly successful CDs.

Bartók's idea of modern music inspired by folk music has found echoes in the work of younger composers all over the world. The evening concert will also present the music of two contemporary composers, Bright Sheng and Roberto Sierra, who have used their respective ethnic heritages (Chinese and Puerto Rican, respectively), in ways that parallel Bartók's use of his native tradition. The two composers will also discuss this particular aspect of their creative work, adding another new dimension to this celebration of Bartók's anniversary.

Bard College deeply appreciates the support of Laszlo Bito ’60 and Olivia Carino for their vision and support in making this event possible. Additional funding has been provided by the trustees and friends of Bard College.