Musical Saturdays – Keeping the Zither Tradition Alive!

In January 2025, the Museum of Ethnography opened an exhibition dedicated to one of the most beloved folk instruments, the zither. Since it is an instrument that can be relatively easily crafted and played, the exhibition’s curators aimed to convey this experience alongside the nearly 90 instruments, 20 audio recordings, and 3 films on display. The exhibition not only features interactive applications and playable instruments but also showcases contemporary zither players, proving that the tradition of zither music is still alive today. 

As part of the instrument exhibition May the Zithers Sing Merrily!, the Museum of Ethnography issued an open call to amateur and professional musicians, ensembles, students, and teachers who appreciate the zither. The goal is to make today’s zither players and ensembles from the Hungarian-speaking regions visible and audible within the exhibition—both through a digital map and live performances. 

From February 15 to Jun 29, 2025, every Saturday at 3:00 PM, the exhibition’s dedicated stage will host concerts featuring ensembles participating in the collection campaign.