Budapest, home of Bartók and Kodály, on the romantic Blue (murky-green) Danube. It was not exactly sunny like it is on the postcards, but I think everyone enjoyed themselves immensely. When we landed in the airport we were warmly greeted (although it was freezing cold) by our hosts, who whisked us off on our first tour of the city.

All the hosts were extraordinarily hospitable. Not only did they cook us meals, but they also performed responsibilities like taking us to and from the opera, and our hosts even gave up their bedroom for my father and me, and slept in their living room. I was quite taken aback and I sincerely hope that we gave equal hospitality back to them.

The first evening we met in the Music School, and the director, Enikö Szegedi, gave us a rundown of all the things that we were to do in the week, from the "Hangverseny" concert to the production of La Bohème.

Every morning we would meet in the Music School at nine o'clock and from there Agnes would take us on our sight-seeing expeditions in Budapest. We went to Bartók's house and other sights of Budapest which are explained elsewhere in the newsletter. We would have lunch at a restaurant and then we would make our own way to the Music School which was a short walk. Once there we would go to our different activities or watch a "Hospitálás", a lesson which is open to the BBCM to watch. The lessons ranged from drums to the guitar and even lessons in sol-fa! Then we would retire to our hosts' houses for bed.

I think that everyone enjoyed all aspects of the trip, both social and musical. I feel that the trip was very important to teach us about playing together in a group, especially with a foreign group!

William Harris, aged 11

Here are some tributes written to Agnes at the end of the 1996 Budapest trip when 18 BBCM students (ages 5 to adults) and 12 family members visited Budapest for a Hungarian musical exchange with students and teachers of the 13th District Music School in Budapest.

"I loved it in Hungary. It was snowy and we went ice-skating. I played my violin in the concert.
(Sophia Dignam, age 5)

"It was a wonderful trip. I will always remember playing Bartok in Bartok's house.
(William Harris, 11)

"I really enjoyed all the days, especially the organ and the concert we did at the end.
(David Franklyn , 13)

"I liked having the concert because it was a very big space and loads of people came there."
(Matthew Gold, 6)

"The things I will remember forever were my first solo of Ode to Joy and walking through the organ.
(Jennifer Mayo, 6).

I enjoyed it a lot, the music, and the snow! I'd love to go back there sometime for it is such a beautiful place full of magical sights.
(Michelle Ting, 9)

I enjoyed singing in the concert and seeing the museums.
(Deborah Tamir, 6).