Filharmonia Hungary’s organ series has traditionally focused on the extraordinary: rarely heard works, exceptional artists, unusual combinations, and unexpected facets of the organ. This season takes that approach even further, with each of the four concerts offering something truly unique.

In the autumn, the concert by Szabolcs Szamosi and István Pál “Szalonna” presents the organ as a folk instrument, recalling how village organs were once companions to folk songs, and how village celebrations were closely intertwined with those of the church. The second concert brings the sound of the organ at Christmas—but what makes that special? Music that is associated with Christmas, yet rarely heard on the organ. What might Home Alone or The Nutcracker sound like on the organ? Alongside traditional Christmas carols, we will find out.

The third concert, in spring, is a classic organ recital featuring major works from every period of the organ repertoire. The performer, however, is not a familiar European organist, but Chinese-born Xianmei Fang. Despite her young age, and as a woman and an artist of Chinese origin, she is already teaching at the Mozarteum University Salzburg—so she is likely to offer fresh perspectives on the great classics. To conclude the series, the human voice will join the organ—and the voice of the beyond. In a program of French Romantic works, the National Choir and Dávid László Ács will offer a glimpse of how music can open a window onto the transcendent.