The final concert of the MÁV Symphony Orchestra's Summer Evening Concert Series will take place on 3 July 2026 at 7:00 p.m. in the Ceremonial Hall of the Italian Cultural Institute. Conducted by Davide Trolton, with Lénárd Kokas as cello soloist, the programme celebrates the lighter, sunlit spirit of summer through music. Italian exuberance, Romantic lyricism, and dazzling virtuosity come together in a concert that leads audiences from Rossini's sparkling overture to Mendelssohn's radiant Italian Symphony.
The evening opens with the irresistible energy of Rossini's immortal masterpiece, the Overture to The Barber of Seville. The prelude to one of the most beloved operas in the repertoire already contains everything that made Rossini world-famous: wit, humour, brilliant orchestration, and the legendary crescendos that never fail to sweep audiences away.
The evening's soloist is the outstanding young Hungarian cellist Lénárd Kokas, who will showcase his remarkable artistry in three works of contrasting character. August Nölck's Concertino in D major, both lyrical and virtuosic, Mykola Lysenko's deeply expressive elegy La Tristesse, and Camille Saint-Saëns's passionate Allegro appassionato all highlight the cello's singing tone, emotional depth, and technical brilliance. Together, these works offer moments of intimacy alongside breathtaking instrumental virtuosity.
The concert culminates in Felix Mendelssohn's Symphony No. 4 in A major, "Italian," one of the composer's most beloved orchestral works. Inspired by his youthful travels through Italy, the symphony evokes sunlit landscapes, bustling cities, festive celebrations, and the vibrant spirit of Mediterranean life. From the exuberant opening movement and the noble lyricism of the slow movement to the elegant minuet and the fiery, tarantella-inspired finale, the work invites listeners on a vivid musical journey through the colours and atmosphere of Italy.
The concert will be conducted by the talented 25-year-old Italian conductor Davide Trolton, who has already attracted international attention at the beginning of his career. He is the winner of the Erich Bergel International Conducting Competition (2024) and Italy's prestigious Premio delle Arti Conducting Competition (2023).
The collaboration between this dynamic young conductor and the MÁV Symphony Orchestra promises an evening celebrating both musical passion and virtuosity. This inspiring programme will appeal not only to devoted lovers of classical music but also to those wishing to discover its timeless beauty for the first time.
