Fraternity-Testvériség, 1956 (34. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
1956-12-01 / 12. szám
FRATERNITY 15 CARNEGIE HALL CONCERT ON FEBRUARY 17th CELEBRATES 15 YEARS OF HUNGARIAN STUDIES IN AMERICA The American Hungarian Studies Foundation announces that two major symphony orchestrats of the United States will present concerts this season in a nationwide commemoration of fifteen years of Hungarian studies activities in America. On Sunday evening, February 17th, the outstanding Minneapolis Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Antal Dorati will present an all-Bartók concert in Carnegie Hall, New York City. The celebrated American violinist, Yehudi Menuhin, will be the soloist for the program. Mr. Menuhin, in addition to being a life-long friend of the famous Béla Bartók and champion of his music, has long been identified with international cultural exchange programs. As the conductor of the Minneapolis Symphony Orchestra, Mr. Dorati has recorded much of the music of the great Hungraian composer Bartók. On March 23rd, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Fritz Reiner, will present a concert to honor the American Hungarian Studies Foundation of Elmhurst, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. Victor Aitay, assistant concert master of the Chicago Symphony, will be soloist. Two great American conductors, both of Hungarian birth, Antal Dorati and Fritz Reiner, will direct their orchestras in concerts from Hungarian composers. In presenting an all-Bartók concert in Carnegie Hall, the American Hungarian Studies Foundation aims to present the best of Hungarian contemporary music as a tribute to the composer and to the nation which gave him birth. In America today, the music of Bartók is sought after and acclaimed by all music lovers and artists. Béla Bartók may be called the discoverer of the true Hungarian folk music. It is this music that he recovered for future, and with great creative ability and passion accomplished the dynamic, the startling and captivating music which musicians of today know as the best of our day. Yet, at the time of his death in 1945, although fully recognized by many musicians, to most listeners Bartók was more a fascinating curiosity than one of the greatest masters of modern times. He spent his last years in New York City as a research fellow at Columbia University. In its nationwide commemoration of fifteen years of Hungarian studies in America, the American Hungarian Studies Foundation of Elmhurst, 111., is also sponsoring lectures. The Foundation is raising $500,000.00 for an expanded program of Hungarian studies, scholarships, research, and for the erection of a Hungarian library and museum building. Elmhurst College in suburban Chicago maintains the only undergraduate department of Hungarian studies in the United States. August J. Molnár
