The album was presented just a few weeks before Szentandrássy's 50th birthday as part of the Roma Integration Year.
Speaking about his Roma heritage at the event, Szentandrássy - affectionately dubbed Raffaello Szenti by his teacher, the late Tamás Péli - said his art is not subordinate to his heritage, rather both are on equal footing.
"The ethnic approach is contrived. It is Hungary's fault and its loss if it cannot outgrow this," he said. "Talent...is not a question of race."
To put the event in perspective, one should note that an album by Péli, who was one of Hungary's greatest Roma artists, was not published until after his death.
Author: Roland Borsos
