(POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y.) – The Hungarian State Folk Ensemble, one of the great folkloric dance ensembles in the world, performs at the Bardavon on Friday, November 8, 2013, at 8pm. Over almost five decades, the ensemble has revitalized the culture of the Hungarian people.

When it was established in 1951, the aims of the Hungarian State Folk Ensemble were to collect and play authentic folk music, and preserve the folk dances and traditional costumes of Hungary and Hungarian-inhabited areas. With its rich and colorful repertoire, it is regarded as one of the top touring groups in the world. It has performed in 44 countries across four continents, and won the admiration of audiences numbering over 7.5 million people.

The Ensemble’s choreography is based on authentic dances, some of which were collected in isolated villages where dance elements dating back hundreds of years have been preserved.  Its world-famous Gipsy Orchestra and Folk Orchestra bring the extraordinary folk music that inspired Liszt, Bartók and Kodály to the stage. The Folk Orchestra performs outstanding Hungarian folk music with authentic, traditional instruments. The famous Gipsy Orchestra plays both dance accompaniments and performs alone.

Tickets for The Hungarian State Folk Ensemble are $60 Golden Circle, $42 Adults, $37 Members and $20 Students and are available at Bardavon Box Office, 35 Market Street, Poughkeepsie, 845.473.2072; or the UPAC Box Office, 601 Broadway, Kingston, 845.339.6088 or through Ticketmaster at 800.745.3000.