In Christianity the music is one of the most important “divine arts” and it defines the liturgical life. For the so-called Eastern Churches, the Byzantine music has always played a central role. With the Saint Ephraim Male Choir, Byzantine music is now coming to Budapest.
On May 1 the Saint Ephraim Male Choir will hold a concert called “Orientale Lumen”, which is the fifth concert of a special series. Etymologically “Orientale Lumen” is Latin meaning “Light from the East”. Pope John Paul II used the expression on May 2, 1995 to describe the relations between the Eastern Churches.
The concert will take place in the imposing St. Stephen’s Basilica. This largest and most magnificent Roman Catholic Church of Budapest contains the most precious relic of Hungary, the right hand of Saint Stephen, and offers a breathtaking panoramic view over the city from its balustrade.
Since 1987 the impressive Basilica has been a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Guests can expect a refreshing and thrilling concert from the field of Byzantine church music. A second act will be the Lautitia Choir, which is considered as the highlight of the Greek Catholic Saint Ephraim Elementary School in Debrecen. Under the leadership of artistic director József Nemes, the youth choir has established itself as among the elite of Hungary and has won international competitions.
The choir currently counts 170 members in various ensemble combinations. They have already demonstrated their clean and sweet singing and outstanding musicianship at joint concerts with Saint Ephraim Male Choir throughout the country; and now the time has come for the two choirs to present their program for the audience at St. Stephen’s Basilica.
The Saint Ephraim Male Choir was founded in 2002 by Tamas Bubno, a Hungarian church musician and conductor. His music and religious sounds were influenced during his research for a dissertation in the field of Carpathian Ukraine.
Together with his professional singing friends and former students, who had previously worked in the best choirs in Budapest, he decided to start his own choir. In a short time, the men’s choir gained a high profile and had concerts in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Berlin, Rome and Paris.
The artists are keen on focusing on the lesser known, eastern Christian music and bringing it closer to the audience in an authentic way to appeal their emotions.
Saint Ephraim Male Choir and Lautitia Choir
St. Stephen’s Basilica, District V
May 1, 8pm
HUF 3500, concession HUF 2500
Tickets and further information at
www.jegymester.hu
