Eight Hungarian musicians and one ensemble performed with seven African Americans at the concert on Saturday. They included the pianist Béla Szakcsi Lakatos, the singer Ági Szalóki, Mihály Farkas on cimbalom, Richárd Farkas on bass and Róbert Farkas on violin and accordion. They were joined by the bassist Melvin Gibbs, Valerie June on guitar, banjo and vocals, and the drummer David Pleasant.
Gibbs, who is also a well known composer and producer, was the musical director of Fire + Fire. Andrea Gáncs was the musical producer.
The concert's organisers called it a "historic meeting of musical sympathies when nine Hungarian Gypsy musicians meet with seven of their Black American counterparts to interrogate a history of mutual oppression and silences."
"Fire + Fire...delves into the synergies of two cultures, melding musical and political expression-this taking the shape through the story of star crossed lovers caught in a weft of cultural clash and political dialogue."
Gypsy music was a highlight of Extremely Hungary, with performances by the violin virtuoso Roby Lakatos and the folk song diva Bea Palya.
Minister of Education and Culture István Hiller said at a reception following the concert that Hungary had been able to show its "best face, the face of education and culture" during the cultural season. He gave a special acknowledgment to László Jakab Orsós, the director of the Hungarian Cultural Center in New York, who contributed the most to Extremely Hungary. Hiller also thanked the Hungarian-American journalist Kati Marton and the Hungarian-born philanthropist George Soros for their cooperation in the making of the cultural season.
A total of 135 events took place at 38 venues as part of the Extremely Hungary programme.
Source: Hungarian News Agency (MTI) / Photo: MTI
