Magyar News, 2002. szeptember-2003. augusztus (13. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
2003-03-01 / 7. szám
GROUP OF DEDICATED ENTERTA NERS by Louis D. Vörös THE HUNGARIAN SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA OF PÉCS (Pécsi Szimfonikus Zenekar) was founded in 1811. This 90-member ensemble performs annually in Pécs, Budapest and other cities, as well as performing at the Opera of the National Theater in Pécs. They also toured extensively throughout Europe and the US. Presently, 45 members of the orchestra are touring .the United States with Maestro Philippe de Chalender as Conductor on Tour. I had the privilege of seeing and hearing them play at the Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts at Brooklyn College on Sunday, January 19th. The program included works by Rossini, Bartók, Weiner, Beethoven and Chopin’s Concerto for Piano, No. 2 FMinor, Op. 21, played by Makiko Hiarata, soloist. (She is touring with the orchestra on their US tour, but not all performances). After a standing ovation the audience was treated to three encores, including Brahms Hungarian-Dances No. 4 and 5 that lifted the audience's spirits on a chilly afternoon. (During intermission I heard many Hungarian voices). The turnout was very good when we consider that the Budapest Festival Orchestra had two performances at Carnegie Hall, the same week. We found out about the orchestra coming to the area from a young musician friend who is touring with them. After talking with her, I was very impressed and promised myself to try to go and see more of the entertainers who go through so much hardship to bring us quality music or laughter from the old country. Here is a short summary of their life on the tour: Getting into the orchestra is a challenge by itself. You have to be good to compete with all the other musicians auditioning for a few positions. There are about equal number of men and women, from mid-twenties to retirees. The US tour started in Hungary during a severe snowstorm - almost didn't make it to the airport. The flight took them from Budapest to Prague to Paris to New York to Norfolk, VA., waiting and changing planes at each location. (We all know how that works). After arriving in Virginia, 14 members were missing their luggage. (The airlines found some after several days but ten days later four people were still without theirs). From the airport they boarded the tour bus and proceeded to their first motel and rest, 150 miles away. Next evening at 8 pm was the first concert. - Can't think about jetlag, the show must go on.- People missing their luggage had to wash clothes and borrow stage clothing from other members. The concerts are held mostly in college auditoriums. After traveling up and down the east coast for ten days from Florida to Massachusetts, 100 to 600 miles daily, they arrived in Brooklyn from Richmond, VA. 45 minutes before the concert. A quick change of clothing and the show was on, and it was one of their best. (I don't know how they do it). After the concert, back stage, the members were treated to pizza, fresh fruit, soft drinks and coffee. This was special- (the agent lives in NY) mostly it's coffee and cookies. Hurry to the bus and they are off to Hartford, CT. Tomorrow is an other concert. I asked them if they will go to Manhattan to do a little sightseeing. Well, maybe they can drive thru but probably not. It's evening and 3 hrs to the hotel. So, we stole (with permission) our young friend away from the group and drove to the Big City. We were lucky and made it to the 86 th floor of the Empire State Building. A beautiful clear evening with a full Moon and all the lights below. Also made it to Rockefeller Center and drove around a little, pointing out famous sights. Next morning we showed her our "ocean" in Fairfield. This was it for the sightseeing part. It's more than nothing. This is after all, a working tour. (Some of them brought their bathing suits in case they can take a little dip in Florida. Had no chance to even see the Gulf, - off to Georgia). We drove her to Hartford for the afternoon rehearsal and said our goodbyes. The orchestra is giving 20 concerts in 26 days, traveling 7000 miles. After Hartford, they are heading west, ending up in Albuquerque, NM. It is a very demanding tour. Spending most of the day on the bus, traveling the interstate, eating at rest stops at their own expense. (They get breakfast only, at the hotels) Their pay is, what I would call a stipend. Many left spouses and children behind in Hungary. It is a hard life, but they are very upbeat and dedicated. I think Hungarians are tough as nails. I wish them lots of luck and success and hope to see them again. They will get my support! Page 4 Visiting the Empire State building
