Bethlen Almanac 2001 (Ligonier)
The Bethlen Home
The Partium Hungarian Christian University Choir’s Concert at the Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church Ligonier, Pennsylvania We doubt that anyone could have arranged it better since everything came together the most favorable way. The weather was ideal, the temperature perfect, the sunshine warming up the hearts as well as the late evening, and the blooming flowers elicited joy and love in those who came with great expectation to hear the singing of the choir from Transylvania, Romania. The well-done preparation has laid the foundation, Rev. Imre A. Bertalan, Executive Director of the Bethlen Home, with many others involved did a wonderful public relation work to make it known to all who have Hungarian background and like music in Pittsburgh and vicinity that a great occasion and opportunity are coming, the ecumenical choir from Transylvania will perform in Ligonier on Thursday, April 26th, in the sanctuary of the Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church of Ligonier, PA. Father Joseph P. Maddalena and the parishioners of the Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church were outstanding host and hostesses. They offered a warm welcome and did everything to make the concert and reception that followed a great success. The mayor of Ligonier welcomed the guests and presented them an official proclamation; also Father Maddalena spoke a few words expressing our mutual joy over this ecumenical event. The evening was opened with greetings presented by Bishops László Tokes and Joseph Tempfli. Bishop Tokes spoke in the name of the Protestants in English, and Bishop Tempfli in the name of the Catholics interpreted by Rev. Jalso. The concert began with singing the American and the Hungarian national anthems. Under the able leadership of the choir director Mr. Sándor Berkesi, the choir, consisting of young university students, offered a wonderful rendition of great composers’ works, such as J. S. Bach, Zoltán Kodály, Montrose (Clementine), and Lajos Bardos. With the help of the audience the choir sang the “Battle Hymn of the Republic” as the audience joined them singing the refrain. There were also an organ recital and a flute solo. 28
