The recording features the Béla Bartók Male Choir and the Pécs University Women?s Choir under the direction of Tamás Lakner, and the Musica Nostra Women?s Choir and MÁV Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Ákos Somogyváry, who is a descendant of Erkel.
The recording features the choral parts of Erkel?s opera King Stephen as well as his other choral works, including an a cappella version of the Hungarian National Anthem and the First and Second Hungarian Royal Anthem.
The last piece on the recording, Magyar Cantate, composed for the coronation of Franz Josef II, was heard for the first time last year since its premiere in 1867.
The winners in the 14 ICMA categories will be announced on February 20, 2012. A gala awards ceremony and concert will follow in Nantes on May 15.
Source: Hungarian News Agency (MTI)
