Organ concerts in Subotica

Father Csaba Paskó, chorister of the Subotica Cathedral has proved to be a great man, an excellent musician, a jovial host and a skilled organizer. The "Priest in Tuxedo", as often called, is strongly connected to the classical music of Subotica. He has been the chorister of the Pro Musica choir of Subotica Cathedral. He is the organizer of the Subotica Philharmony and the musical director of the Subotica Diocese. The wide spectrum of his musical activity has brought quality performances for the residents and visitors of the city to enjoy.

The musical events are held in St. Theresa Cathedral and the beautiful Assembly Hall of the City Hall. Organ concerts are held in the Cathedral from September through May. The series invite the audience to listen to the performance of many Hungarian organists. This fall the concert program featured Katalin Mali and János Pálúr and his students. The introduction by Father Paskó adds to the quality of the occasion. Two cameras record the artist. The recording is projected on a large screen for the audience so that they could follow what is going on in the choir. The concerts are visited by a large number of people each year due to the high level of organization and the tradition fulfilling the audience's expectations.

Preview of the recording of Katalin Mali's concert.

It was a refreshing experience to get to know Father Csaba and his work. I wish him great success in his endevours. I also wish that the musical life of the Hungarian dioceses would enrich as much as that of Subotica.

Katalin Mali and Davidson Hepburn found a common note

Mr. Koichiro Matsuura, director-general of UNESCO and Dr. Davidson L. Hepburn, president of UNESCO's General Conference, the main decision-making body of the organization visited the Benedictine Abbey of Tihany at lake Balaton in Hungary on November 6, 2009. They were accompanied by the Hungarian embassador of UNESCO, Ms. Katalin Bogyai. After they were greeted by Provost Dr. Richárd Korzenszky, Katalin Mali, organ artist performed Toccata in F major by Charles-Marie Widor.

Similar events take place regularly in the Abbey, most visiting delegations are presented with organ music performance. This visit, however, will be remembered by all. Dr. Hepburn accompanied by other members of the delegation went up to the organ. Katalin was applauded for her performance and the president turned the official protocol into a friendly visit by his unusual request. He became a soloist singing Panis Angelicus by Cesar Franck, accompanied by organ music.

The joint performance changed the atmosphere of the visit and the relationship between the participants. The language understood by all and connecting everyone worked wonders. This event affected the rest of the day for all. We experienced what Kata expresses as her ars poetica: „Music takes us to the place we have always desired to belong: to ourselves, to each other, onto God's palm.”