Kossuth Prize and Hungarian Heritage Award winners Pál István “Szalonna” and His Band are among the most authentic and vibrant ambassadors of folk music from the Carpathian Basin. Their music is both virtuosic and deeply personal, ranging from heart-wrenching slow melodies to the driving energy of the csárdás. The ensemble—comprised of musicians from the renowned Hungarian State Folk Ensemble—brings the living tradition of Hungarian folk music to international stages and local communities alike. Their performance is a rich tapestry of sound, where the flute, bagpipes, violin, and the iconic cimbalom and tárogató blend seamlessly with the human voice. But the experience doesn’t end with the concert: the evening continues with a traditional táncház, where the audience is invited to join the band for a shared celebration of dance and music.
Ensemble Members: Pál István “Szalonna” – violin, vocals; Eszter Pál – vocals; Tamás Gombai – violin; Attila Gera – wind instruments; Gyula Karacs – viola; Sándor Ürmös – cimbalom; Róbert Doór – double bass. Rain Policy: The outdoor programmes of VárkertFeszt do not have a rain date or an indoor backup venue.
