Hungarian singers coming to Welland, Niagara Falls
In celebration of Canada’s 150th anniversary, the Hungarian and Canadian communities are coming together in a series of concerts in Ontario.
A Hungarian children’s philharmonic, called Szentegyháza Children’s Philharmonia, is performing 11 concerts in seven Ontario cities, including Welland and Niagara Falls. The tour started June 25 in Ottawa and will wrap up on July 4 in Niagara Falls.
Philharmonic ambassador Balint Odor said the choir is from Hungary and has come to Canada to do a tour at the request of Canadian Hungarians.
He said the concerts demonstrate the linked heritage between Canada and Hungary, mentioning in particular how in 1956 and 1957, 37,000 Hungarian refugees came to Canada. He said they did their best to contribute positively to the country that welcomed them.
“We want to bring something special, a message from Hungarians, a message of recognition … of the very important relationship,” Odor said.
He said this is the spirit that will be brought to the concerts, in which 140 children between 10 and 20 years old will perform
O Canada, Hungarian folk songs, French folk songs and a variety of other songs from various different cultures and countries.
He said the philharmonic’s talent is impressive, especially considering the students don’t come from a music school, but rather the only school in a small village near Transylvania, Romania, where there is a high Hungarian population.
Odor said the trip was sponsored by the Hungarian government and Ontario 150, both of which thought the tour was a great idea. The planning for the trip was mostly in the hands of the Embassy of Hungary in Ottawa, which he said sought out cities with large Hungarian communities; it’s for financial reasons they’re only performing in the seven Ontario cities.
Odor said on Wednesday the Ottawa performances were great successes and they’re looking forward to their other performances.
The group will be performing at the Merritt Park amphitheater in Welland at 5 p.m. on July 3 before heading to the Oakes Garden Centre in Niagara Falls for 2 p.m. on July 4. The concerts are free of charge.
More information about the Szentegyháza Children’s Philharmonia and some videos of past performances are available on the group’s website http://fili. hu/en.