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Pop-Up Concerts

Kurtág at 100

Tuesday, September 22, 2026, 6PM
Miller Theatre at Columbia University
  • This event has ended

Free admission • Doors open at 5:30PM, music at 6PM
Onstage seating is first-come, first-served.

The eminent Hungarian composer György Kurtág celebrates his 100th birthday this year. Renowned for works built from strikingly brief movements, Kurtág distills profound emotion into the fewest possible notes, creating a listening experience of remarkable intimacy. To mark this milestone, three distinguished interpreters of his music—soprano Tony Arnold, violinist Christopher Otto, and pianist Amy Williams—come together for a rare performance of seldom-heard works.

Sit onstage and enjoy a free drink during these hour-long weeknight Pop-Up Concerts, and mingle with the musicians and fellow concertgoers after the show.

Montage for Kurtag Pop Up FINAL 960x1446
Arnold by Claudia Hanson, Otto by Shervin Lainez, Williams by Rob Davidson
  • This event has ended

Free admission • Doors open at 5:30PM, music at 6PM
Onstage seating is first-come, first-served.

The eminent Hungarian composer György Kurtág celebrates his 100th birthday this year. Renowned for works built from strikingly brief movements, Kurtág distills profound emotion into the fewest possible notes, creating a listening experience of remarkable intimacy. To mark this milestone, three distinguished interpreters of his music—soprano Tony Arnold, violinist Christopher Otto, and pianist Amy Williams—come together for a rare performance of seldom-heard works.

Sit onstage and enjoy a free drink during these hour-long weeknight Pop-Up Concerts, and mingle with the musicians and fellow concertgoers after the show.

Repertoire

  • Amy Williams

    Gertrude’s Wishes: Stanza XLVII

    (2026) New York Premiere
  • György Ligeti Der Sommer (1989)
  • György Kurtág

    Fragments 1, 5, 6, 7, 8 from Kafka-Fragments, Part IV, Op. 24

    (1985-87)
  • György Kurtág Requiem for the Beloved, Op. 26 (1982-87)
  • György Kurtág Fragments 1, 6, 4, 12 from Attila József Fragments, Op. 20 (1981-82)
  • György Kurtág Fragments 18, 19, 20 from Attila József Fragments, Op. 20 (1981-82)
  • György Kurtág Selections from Játékok (Games) (1973-2026)
  • György Kurtág

    Az Hit from The Sayings of Péter Bornemisza, Op. 7

    (1963-68)

Performers

Program Notes

Texts for this evening's program

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