In 1956, György Ligeti fled to Vienna after the end of the Hungarian National Uprising, and he remained closely connected to the city throughout his life. In the year of his 100th birthday, Vienna consequently also became a major stage for his works.
At the centre of the musical tribute to his life and work was the Vienna Konzerthaus, of which György Ligeti was an honorary member. In numerous concerts, the Vienna Philharmonic, the Vienna Symphony Orchestra, the ORF Radio Symphony Orchestra Vienna and the Orchestre Philharmonique du Luxembourg, among others, interpreted his most important orchestral works. The two string quartets were performed by Quatuor Ébène and Quatuor Diotima respectively; piano and organ works were performed by Kit Armstrong, Anton Gerzenberg and Iveta Apkalna. The Klangforum Wien, the Ensemble PHACE and the œsterreichische ensemble fuer neue musik also participated in the portrait series.
