Magyar News, 1998. szeptember-1999. augusztus (9. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)

1999-05-01 / 9. szám

GYPSY VIRTUOSI

in (^Fairfield

A truly memorable event took place on March 7th ,at the Tomlinson Middle School in Fairfield, CT. A six-member ensemble, under the dual leadership of two world-famous lead violinists, Sándor Deki Lakatos and his son Sándor Deki Lakatos,Jr., performed for an audience of cca. 500 cheering, highly enthusiastic people. The Gypsy Virtuosi made a lasting impact on that unforgettable afternoon. Ms. Zsuzsa Csonka, member of the Hungarian State Opera provided the impressive vocal fireworks.

The ancestors of the internationally respected Lakatos Family settled in the town of Gyor, Hungary in 1630.

The doyen of the Family, son of Floris Lakatos of Komarom, Sándor Lakatos was deservedly dubbed "the Primas of Kings and King of Primases." With his unique artistry, he had conquered five continents during his lifetime. He was awarded the prestigious Liszt Prize and was given the coveted title of "Master of Folk Art. "/Népművészét Mestere./ Sándor Lakatos died in 1994, at the age of 70.

His son, Sándor Deki Lakatos, was bom in 1945, the young Lakatos became a member of his father's ensemble at the age of 14. Since age 18, he has been the leading violinist /primas/ of his own orchestra. He has been performing at the famed

Decades ago in Budapest this lady with her husband and freinds were having dinner at a restaurant and Deki Lakatos was playing at their table. She is showing a photograph that was shot at the time.

Mátyás Pince since 1972; the contract for him and his group has been extended to the year 2005.Sandor Deki Lakatos has been granted an audience with Pope John Paul ,the Second; he has played for politicians, stars of film and stage, and has entertained word-famous conductors an classical performing artists.

Sándor Deki Lakatos, Jr., representing the seventh generation of the Lakatos Dynasty, is one of the most popular young primases of Hungary. He attained national prominence in 1984 when he participated in the "Duel of the Bows" Competition /Vonoparbaj./ He has been the leading primas of his own orchestra for the past 15 years and has been playing at the wellknown Király Restaurant in the Royal Castle District of Buda.

During the intermission Joseph Balogh visited Sándor Déki Lakatos and his son, Sándor junior.

Csilla Somogyi helping at one of the tables serving a buffet meal