The holiday season got off to an early start at Semmelweis University with the annual Christmas Concert held on December 8. The bright and spacious main lobby of the Basic Medical Science Centre, complete with a giant Christmas tree, provided a fittingly festive venue for the occasion.
The evening’s programme was opened by the Semmelweis Kamarazenekar (Semmelweis Chamber Orchestra), an ensemble of the University’s musically inclined doctors. Accompanied on some pieces by the Hatvani Polifónia Kórus (Polyphony Choir of Hatvan), the group performed compositions by composers including J.S. Bach, H.L. Hassler, and Mendelssohn.
The Semmelweis Vegyeskar (Semmelweis Mixed Choir) took to the stage next with Hungarian renditions of traditional Christmas carols. With over six decades of history, the group was formed in 1947 as the László Hospital’s Mixed Choir.
The second half of the concert gave the young medical students a chance to showcase their talents.
The Medikus Zenekar (Medic Orchestra) put on an energetic performance of J. S. Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 1 and A. Corelli’s Concerto Grosso, Op. 6, No. 8.
Last, but certainly not least, the Medikórus (Medichoir) brought a fun-filled end to the show, as they invited the audience to sing along to popular Christmas songs in Hungarian, English and German.
A standing reception brought the evening to a festive close, as guests mingled and chatted over mugs of mulled wine and traditional Hungarian Christmas pastries.
(Translated by Gina Gönczi)
