Pannon Philharmonic

The orchestra is going to be a frequent visitor in the concert halls of territories inhabited by Hungarians beyond our borders this season. In spring, the ensemble is going on a multi-stop tour to play for the Hungarian audience, including Transylvania and Vojvodina. The significant mission of all these concerts is to support the preservation of Hungarian identity by the performance of Hungarian compositions.
In addition, the Pannon Philharmonic is working on establishing a close relationship with the town of Osijek in Croatia. For the second time, the orchestra was invited by the Hungarian Embassy in Osijek to play for the Hungarian audience this Christmas. The festive concert is followed by three additional concerts in 2016.
Moreover, Osijek is not the only stop in Croatia. The orchestra has opened negotiations promoting cooperation with the opera division of the Croatian National Theatre in Rijeka and the two companies are just about to set its framework.   
Due to their deep-seated historical situation both Pécs in Hungary and Rijeka in Croatia are strategic and unavoidable places in their countries not only geographically but culturally as well based on their role in the cultural sphere. Both towns are highly positioned scenes regarding their representation of European values and art ensembles in Pécs and Rijeka occupy a crucial role in mediating these values between the towns and beyond the southern territories. The Pannon Philharmonic and the Opera Division of the Croation National Theatre in Rijeka have decided to undertake the building of a cultural bridge between Hungary and the Southern Territories forming the basis of a mission to create a traversable Southern European culture. The main purpose of cooperation between the companies is to provide a mutually inspirational context through artistic expressiveness independent of language which allows both countries to present their musical treasure. In addition, it adds a new dimension to being European interpreted in a cultural context which is based on the mutual recognition of artistic values and the exchange of knowledge essential for high standard artistic work.
‘The Pannon Philharmonic Orchestra is the most significant exporter of culture in Pécs. By now, implicit expectations have become specific requirements towards the orchestra including the accurate representation of culture in Pécs and the country even beyond the borders specifically in the south. The cooperation ensured by the orchestra between Osijek, Zagreb and Rijeka provides excellent means to achieve this goal.’  –said Zsolt Páva, mayor of Pécs, at the opening ceremony of the new season.
The first event marking the cooperation with Rijeka will take place on October 3, 2015 at the gala concert commemorating the 130th anniversary of the Croatian National Theatre building in Rijeka.