Hungarian State Folk Ensemble, Liszt Mosaics, Sadler's Wells

Franz Liszt (1811-1886) is one of the giants of European Romantic music, a virtuoso pianist and composer, whose name is probably the first to spring to mind when we think of Hungarian culture. Not surprisingly, then, Hungarians are immensely proud of Franz Liszt, and this show, Liszt Mosaics, is a touring music and dance extravaganza that celebrates the difference facets of his life: as a composer, a priest and a virtuoso pianist.

Culture Whisper has had a sneak preview of the show, which comes to Sadler's Wells for a one-off performance in early June, and we can tell you that Liszt Mosaics is a complex, episodic show featuring a number of international guest artists side by side with the folk dancers and Hungarian solo musicians, most prominent among them the extraordinary pianist Marcell Szabó, charged with playing some of Liszt’s most enthralling piano compositions, such as a couple of his better-known Hungarian Rhapsodies. He will also perform pieces by Liszt's contemporary and friend Chopin, and by Paganini, known to have provided inspiration for some of Liszt's most famous compositions.

Also taking part is the Saint Ephraim male choir, the only professional Byzantian music ensemble in Hungary, whose bass voices and complicated harmonies bring a hypnotic dimension to the portrayal of Liszt’s spirituality.

Guesting in the London performance will be the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra and the Canadian virtuoso and multi-award winning violinist Alexandre da Costa.

Apart from the famous csárdás, the one folk dance we tend to associate with Hungary, the show features a variety of the upwards of 400 popular Hungarian dances, performed with grace and verve by the dancers of the Hungarian State Folk Ensemble, and on occasion infused with contemporary movement, something the show's director-choreographer Gábor Mihályi was keen on.

Liszt Mosaics is at once highly entertaining and educational, in that its ultimate aim is to bring modern-day Hungary, in all its complexity and with its rich history to a wider public and provide a greater understanding of the country.