Pannon Philharmonic

- I have known better the Pannon Philharmonic since Zsolt Hamar I took over the direction of the orchestra. He was my assistant conductor; and came to Pécs from the National Philharmonic around 2000; and then we mutually invited each other to our ensembles. In fact, the orchestra has been getting better and better every time, I can see that. I would add now that a good part of this is thanks to the previous work of Zsolt Hamar. Whatever the circumstances were, when he left, and whoever feels offended, no one can deny that he left his hand-print on the orchestra.
- Many people want he return to a tribute concert.
- I do not understand exactly what led to this, but it is not my job to judge it; as neither in the Zoltán Peskó case since I do not know the details. In this country, there are many people offended and it often happens that for no reason, or for a trumped-up one

- Where does the orchestra of Pécs stand now?
- I think it is unfortunate to say it is the best non-Budapest orchestra, because there is no point to daw a limes between the countryside and the capital city. This is also proved by the fact that my hand was a little bit in it that Pécs got the European Capital of Culture title, because I argued with the committee that certain results could be shown only with regional conditions; and for that,  a smaller city is much more suitable, than the capital. I think our last joint concert could have been right at any concert hall of world.

- How do you see the orchestra's international ambitions?
- It's only natural; many foreign examples show that "non-capitolian" orchestras play really special role in the world music scene. For example, so is the Birmingham Symphony Orchestra or the Bamberg Symphonic. This depends rather on the personality, on the chief conductor. Regarding Pécs, the choosing of Tibor Bogányi was a fortunate step, because through using the Finland-trampoline well, many things would be available. The Finns can not be underestimated! Half as big population as ours, but in recent times, they have given dozens of recognized musicians to the world. And here, it should be noticed by whom it concerns that Finland has been completely incorporated the Kodály method, and they spend lots of state money on the development of music education that also has had the result. The Pannon Philharmonic needed a conductor to the work, like Zsolt Hamar was, and like Tibor Bogányi is, and like I’m myself. So not only a production conductor, but also someone who knows and loves to work is necessary for the orchestra.

- You are sixty years old this year; and in the second half of the year, you will celebrate this with a concert tour with Pécs in it as a station. When was the last time you were her as a pianist?
- It might be one and a half decades ago. Now a have put together a program by Schubert and Rachmaninoff, and I think it will be sufficiently serious. I1m just mention it that the piano hasn’t been banished from my life; recently, I sat in the front of the keyboard in Kaposvár and Tiszadob. And I also tell the truth; I do not really like the Palace of Arts for solo piano recitals. For this kind of play you need a s more intimate sphere; and in my experience, the Kodály Centre will be just right.

- Why, overall, how is the concert hall?
- Here, I have listened to concerts and conducted too; and I must say, that even thought it isn’t perfect in every aspect – which none of them is, not even the Rudolphinum in Prag – but we absolutely not to be ashamed; it satisfies every modern expectation, from the gigantic works to the most delicate chamber music. 

- If you put in words critically: what is it that the Pannon Philharmonic should improve?
- I hate to say such things, but the orchestra is still very feminine. That raises the question that perhaps we should fight for a quota of men? Although there sit many great talents among them; and I must highlight the work of Ágnes Vass, who has done a lot for the orchestral sound. The women are inherently different with the music works. However, it is also true that there are compositions that only they can properly play. I would add also, that here it isn’t worth it to touch the different positions; in my opinion, the chief conductor has now only one job: the musicians he already has, to bring up to a highest level it could be.

- The culture has not been so excluded from the central sources for a long time. How do you rate the position of the art of music within?
- Horrible. In the Carpathian Basin, surprisingly large number of people is born with outstanding talent, but somebody should do something, so the majority of them wouldn’t go abroad. If for some reason this region is watched with sympathy in the world, that’s just because of our culture. Not only football fields should be built, but also cultural facilities; and the music education should be reformed. I have been an FTC fan for ages, but I say that on the world ranking of any art form, we are at a much more prominent place than of football.