Edith Piaf

Although the concept behind the productions has always been a mature one, over the years the Ring has been rejuvenated within the framework of a constant idea and reborn in the details. Another permanent feature is the conducting method - one combining humanism with perfectionism - of music director Ádám Fischer.

The Hungarian State Folk Ensemble's nativity programme counts down to the night of the birth of Jesus, with scenes that are sometimes comic and other times heart-warming.

John Coltrane, who was born a hundred years ago, recorded a landmark album in 1963 with the singer Johnny Hartman.