The Eighth Tribe, 1977 (4. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
1977-10-01 / 10. szám
Page 6 THE EIGHTH TRIBE October, 1977 Joseph Krasznay’s work of the Capitol in Washington, D.C. Hungarian Folk Songs” by Jenő Ádám; these pieces varied from two-, three-, and four-part harmony by the singers. (In speaking later with one of the choral members, it was mentioned that practice sessions had begun as early as the fall of last year!) These groups also performed in ensemble with solos excerpted from the Hungarian folk opera “János Vitéz” (“John Courageous”/“John the Hero”) by Pongrác Kacsoh— the role of Iluska sung by Charlotte Ordassy, soprano; Tibor Ostroviczky, tenor, as János, and Lajos Nagy as Bagó (and their superb performances called for spontaneous encores by the audience’s overwhelming request). (Background notes mentioned that Miss Ordassy obtained her diploma at the Liszt Music Academy of Hungary and has been a member of the Metropolitan Opera of New York since 1955. Mr. Ostroviczky was described as “one of the youngest of our Hungarian performers” and studied in Vienna; his voice and manner carried a magnificent aura which captivated the audiences in the universal appeal transmitted by his personable qualities.) The Hungária Folk Dance Ensemble, under the directorship of Dr. Balázs Somogyi, choreographed by Kálmán and Judith Magyar, accompanied by the St. Stephen Choir and Festival Orchestra, next performed a number entitled “In Memoriam”—Soldier’s Farewell. The dancers’ colorful costumes were most eye-catching—specifically the shimmering pleated skirts of the women, which altogether were matched by their brilliant portrayal of coordinated motions in harmony to the music in rhythm and theme. The Hungarian Scouts Folk Dance Ensemble capped the finishing portion of the stage program with a number entitled “Adorned with Ribbons” — Margaret Harsányi (Mrs. Andrew) and Andrew Litkey chatting, with background showing part of the throng of picnickers. “Pántlikázó,” under direction of Tamás Teszár, choreographed by László Nafrády and music by László Gulyás. Their dramatic enactment in dance and gesture told an endearing story-type portrayal of young ladies bedecking young men’s hats with brightly-hued ribbons that trailed and twirled about the heads and torsos of the dancing partners—the streamers seeming to emphasize and punctuate their lilting movements! In the evening and into the night under the stars, beloved Hungarian American music for dancing and listening pleasure on the plaza was provided by the Chubák-Kára-Németh Orchestra. Proof of the fun was heard by way of foot-stomping, singing, humming, and even whistling! All in all, the aesthetic and culinary results of this year’s Hungarian Festival were commendably enjoyable. Noteworthy among the persons attending were those who apparently have not missed even one of these annual events—such a one was Éva Balog, Rutherford, N.J.; Márta Muha, Flushing, N.Y. was here the 3rd year in a row! Hopefully, many more individuals will be inclined to come out in upcoming future years. The different presentations all seem to have something to offer in entertainment as well as educational and cultural advancement—encouraging additional people perhaps to partake of these occasions to meet good friends, eat good food as well as to see and hear worthwhile things! —M. Takacs Barboe
