The Veszprém-Balaton 2023 ECoC programme in Ljubljana
In 2023, the Veszprém-Balaton 2023 European Capital of Culture programme invites visitors to Veszprém and the Bakony-Balaton region for a series of cultural events lasting 365 days. Spend an evening with us at the Liszt Institute in Ljubljana, where you can find out all about the cornerstones of the VEB2023 ECoC programme, its objectives and, above all, why it is worth visiting the region where an unusual density of good things awaits. Discover the region of joy, discover the Veszprém-Balaton 2023 European Capital of Culture programme!
If you are interested in community music-making, creativity, traditions and the unique treasures exclusive to this region, or want to learn more about Central Europe's favourite lake and its complex ecosystem, join us in the 2023 European Capital of Culture!
The official programme is expected to last until 20:00, followed by a reception.
Programme
18:00 - 18:15
Hello Veszprém-Balaton Exhibition Opening
Welcome Address by
H.E. Andor Ferenc Dávid Andor Ferenc, Magyarország szlovéniai nagykövete
Hidden treasures, portraits, tour guides, behind-the-scenes secrets and stories of the landscape … Hello Veszprém-Balaton (Hello VEB), the official online magazine of the Veszprém-Balaton 2023 European Capital of Culture (VEB2023 ECoC) Programme, invites you to explore Veszprém and the Bakony-Balaton region. As well as promoting the region's diversity online, Hello VEB has been hosting a travelling exhibition since Summer 2022. What are the traditions behind the VEB2023 ECoC? Why is the Folly Arboretum in Badacsony so special? What are the everyday challenges in the lives of a beekeeper couple from Veszprém County? The exhibition offers us glimpses into some of these stories.
18:15 - 18:20
"Welcome Address": Bíborka Molnár-G., Director of the Liszt Institute in Ljubljana
18:20 - 18:40
‘Introduction of the Pillars, Main Objectives and the Values Integrated into and Represented by the VEB2023 ECoC Programme’ - Friderika Mike, Program Development Director, Veszprém-Balaton 2023.
The Veszprém-Balaton 2023 ECoC complex cultural project aims to reposition the region as a novel cultural-creative centre in Europe, with Veszprém at its core. By exploring, enhancing and exploiting the potential of the city and the area, creative-industrial players will be even more attracted to the region; thus providing a home and development platform for a wide range of creative-industrial sectors.
Since 2018, when the title was awarded, VEB2023 ECoC has been building on partnerships. To date, more than 100 municipalities have joined as programme partners. Moreover, a wide range of municipal and regional institutions, cultural operators and civil organisations have been involved in the implementation of the myriad of associated projects.
18:40 - 19:00
‘Preparation of the Enticing and Multifaceted, Year-Long 2023 Cultural Programme’ - Szabolcs Zugschwert, Head of Project Coordination
The Busy World of Veszprém: No more boring Tuesdays! Veszprém has always been famous for its big festivals, when for days on end the town is filled music and activity. But let's face it, weekdays have been much less full of artistic encounters - until now! New places and spaces are opening that are not just about consumption – but rather about creating real community experiences, opportunities, conditions and patterns. Everyday life in Veszprém is being rewritten and enhanced, because a city where it is good to be on a Tuesday night is good to be any day of the week.
19:00 - 19:20
‘UNESCO City of Music: from Music Education to Music Festivals’ – Judit Lehotay, Cultural Project Manager
Veszprém was awarded the UNESCO City of Music title in 2019. Since then, it has been working every day to maintain its worthiness of this title. Musicians do not only make music for us, but with us. Community music workshops, joyful drum jams, choirs and music festivals fill the smallest corners of the city. Furthermore, music education facilitates more and more people being exposed to and enjoying the benefits of listening to and playing music. Jazz, pop, rock, classic, world or early music? All genres have been given public space.
19:20 - 19:50
Performance of Hungarian folk dances by the Veszprém-Bakony Dance Ensemble
The Veszprém-Bakony Dance Ensemble is the main folk dance group of the city of Veszprém, currently with 50 active members. They are young people from Veszprém and its surroundings who are interested in folklore. The ensemble's repertoire includes dances and music of the Hungarian people living in the Carpathian Basin.
19:50-
Tasting a selection of delicious wines and cuisine from local producers in the Veszprém-Bakony region
The event will be held in the Hungarian language with simultaneous Croatian interpretation.
