“There are many superb brass players that have come out of Hungary.  There is something about the strong nature of Hungarian musicians that makes them outstanding. So I was looking forward to my recent trip to Pécs, in the south west of Hungary very much.  I was especially keen to to a good job there as it was the one surviving concert from two that were planned in the city.  Sadly due to the financial crisis, the Pannon Symphony Orchestra had its funding cut for the orchestral concert scheduled for January 2, but fortunately my concert with the Ore-Miners Wind Orchestra of Pécs survived and was re-scheduled for January 6.  It turned out to be a tremendous three days in Hungary, that culminated in a concert for a packed hall in the city, with more than 50 people standing at the back of the hall.  The band is an amateur band that also has one or to of the professional symphonic players helping out, but for me this kind of band represents everything that I love about music making., They are good natured, keen to do their best, full of good humour and strong characters in the band!  The conductor Ferenc Szabo is the timpanist with the symphony orchestra, and a very important member of the musical community in the city.  The leads this ensemble with authority and professionalism.

The repertoire had played in the concert was: Dulcamarata (rhapsody on themes of Donizetti), by the German composer Karl Heinz Koper, Carnival of Venice (Arban arr. Szabo), Harlequin (Philip Sparke) and two Paganini caprices arranged by conductor Ferenc Szabo.

I can’t thank the band enough for their generosity of spirit and for that fine accompaniments in the concert.  That was really a terrific atmosphere there.  Outside the temperature was -6° C, but inside really a lot warmer!  In 2010 this city will become the European city of culture and already there are many projects underway to prepare this historic city for the international spotlight.  I for one hope to return their and I would urge anyone interested in seeing an incredible historic Hungarian city to visit Pécs in the future.

Thanks to all the musicians of the band and to Ferenc, and all good people of the city that made me so welcome.  Photographs and video clips to follow." Steve