Launched in 2015, the festival is dedicated to the memory of Veszprém-born Leopold von Auer (1845-1930), the world-renowned violinist, teacher, conductor and composer, Péter Kováts said.

The six-day festival will open with a joint concert by Israeli mandolinist Avi Avital and Hungary’s Mendelssohn Chamber Orchestra. They will perform pieces by Vivaldi, Bach and Bartók, he said.

The programme on Wednesday includes a concert by the Balkan Jazz Project featuring folk music, jazz and world music pieces and Auer adaptations.

Vengerov will perform works by Mozart and Tchaikovsky with the Mendelssohn Orchestra on Friday. Leipzig’s male classical vocal ensemble Amarcord will recite medieval and renaissance titles and works from the Romantic times on Saturday.

The festival will close with a concert by Norwegian violinist Terje Tonnesen and the Mendelssohn Chamber Orchestra.