Gertrude C. Ford Center Presents Hungarian Folk Ensemble

Hungarian State Folk Ensemble

First performance of the Artist Series brings folklore, music and dance to the stage

OXFORD, Miss. – In a performance sure to inspire smiles, foot tapping and clapping, the Hungarian State Folk Ensemble is set to open the Artist Series at the Ford Center at 7 p.m. Tuesday (Oct. 15).

Tickets, ranging from $28 to $33.50, are available from the University Box Office by calling 662-915-7411, or online from http://www.FordCenter.org.

Established in 1951, the ensemble is regarded as one of the world’s greatest folkloric dance groups.

“One facet of the mission of the Ford Center is to bring opportunities for the north Mississippi community to experience and learn about other cultures,” said Norm Easterbrook, Ford Center director. “Often, it is surprising the similarities our native culture has with others around the world. When we look more closely, we discover that the forms of cultural expression felt to be distinctive to our own region are actually derived from those of other cultures from distant parts of the world.

“Part of the joy of attending a performance that comes to us from a distant country is discovering how much we have in common with that culture. The Ford Center together with the University Artist Series is proud to sponsor events of this nature for the benefit of our community.”

The ensemble’s choreography is based on authentic folk dances, some of which come from isolated villages and date back hundreds of years. Two world-famous orchestras, the Folk Orchestra, which uses traditional instruments, and the Gipsy Orchestra, who play dance accompaniments and perform alone, will provide the music.

The Hungarian State Folk Ensemble aims to preserve folk dances and traditional costumes of Hungary and Hungarian-inhabited areas by putting them onstage for the public. During the six decades of its existence, the Hungarian State Folk Ensemble has performed in 50 countries of four continents, entertaining more than 8 million people. At home in Budapest, they perform more than 100 times each year.

—Staff Report from Ole Miss News Desk