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Szolnok Bartók Béla Chamber Choir
The Szolnok Bartók Béla Chamber Choir is Hungary’s only professional female chamber choir. The ensemble plays an important role not only in the musical life of Szolnok, but also in that of the county and the entire country.
The Founding and Mission of the Choir
Since its founding in 1969, the Szolnok Bartók Béla Chamber Choir has operated continuously as a professional ensemble. Over the decades, the choir has consistently maintained its outstanding artistic quality and uniqueness, earning recognition as Hungary’s only professional female chamber choir with a distinguished status.
A beloved guest on both national and international concert stages, the choir has traveled the world, performing from Saint Petersburg to Sicily, and from Israel to Japan.
The choir’s director, artistic leader, and conductor is Éva Molnár.
Chamber Evenings with a Unique Atmosphere
The Szolnok Bartók Béla Chamber Choir showcases the richness of a cappella choral music through its self-organized concert series. The 12-member professional female choir has made these chamber evenings—often enriched with world premieres—its signature feature. The primary goal is to offer a multifaceted experience by exploring different eras and genres, collaborating with guest artists and various art forms, all while catering to both existing and future concertgoers.
Contemporary Composer Evenings
A defining characteristic of these performances is the unique feminine energy—sensitive interpretation, refinement, softness, spontaneity, and restraint—that distinguishes the Szolnok Bartók Béla Chamber Choir from other ensembles. These concerts deliver a high-quality musical experience, proudly representing the choir not only on Hungary’s stages but also on concert platforms around the world.
The Bartók Béla Chamber Choir
The 13-member professional female chamber choir was founded in 1969 by the Council of Szolnok. Since 1989, Éva Molnár has been its artistic director and conductor.
The Szolnok Bartók Béla Chamber Choir is Hungary’s only professional female chamber choir. The ensemble plays a significant role not only in the musical life of Szolnok but also in that of the county and the entire country.
The choir is maintained by the Municipality of Szolnok, with additional support from the Ministry of Human Resources. Since July 1, 2017, it has operated as an independent budgetary institution under the leadership of Éva Molnár. Its headquarters are located at the Szolnok Bartók Béla Music School.
Éva Molnár
Director, Artistic Leader, Conductor
Éva Molnár was born in Mezőtúr and began her studies in her hometown. She graduated from the Tiszaparti High School in Szolnok, specializing in Music Education. She earned her degree in Mathematics and Music Education at the Bessenyei György Teacher Training College in Nyíregyháza.
She obtained an „A” category conductor certification at the Folk Education Institute in Budapest, followed by a university degree in Music Education and Choral Conducting at the Faculty of Arts, University of Pécs.
Teachers in Music and Choral Conducting:
Seres Attiláné – Mezőtúr
Dr. Bartáné Dr. Góhér Edit – Szolnok
Fehér Ottó, Gebri József – Nyíregyháza
Jobbágy Valér, Lakner Tamás – Pécs
Párkai István – Budapest
Professional Career
Éva Molnár began her career as a music teacher at Varga Katalin High School in Szolnok. In 1989, she became the artistic director and conductor of the Bartók Béla Chamber Choir, a position she obtained through a municipal competition. Over the past two decades, she has conducted numerous successful concerts both in Hungary and abroad.
In addition to leading the Bartók Béla Chamber Choir, she has also taken on other significant roles:
- 2001–2007 – Chorus Director for operetta productions at the Szigligeti Theatre
- Since 2004 – Artistic Director and Conductor of the Szolnok Kodály Choir
Awards and Recognitions
1990 – Radius Hungaricus – Audience Award at the 1st International Conducting Competition, Szombathely
2007 – Szolnok City Cultural Award in Memory of Gyula Kaposvári
2018 – Regional Prima Special Award
The Repertoire and Major Performances of the Szolnok Bartók Béla Chamber Choir
Oratorio Works and Outstanding Productions
The choir has been increasingly invited to perform oratorio works. In recent years, they have taken the stage as an expanded ensemble, performing as a mixed choir in several major productions:
- J. S. Bach: Magnificat
- L. v. Beethoven: Symphony No. 9
- A. Dvořák: Stabat Mater
- M. Mussorgsky: Boris Godunov (concert version)
- G. Dobrogosz: Mass
- Z. Kodály: Missa Brevis
- Performances of famous opera choruses
Role in the Musical Productions of the Szolnok Szigligeti Theatre
The choir regularly collaborates in the productions of the Szolnok Szigligeti Theatre, particularly in the operetta and musical theatre genres. Some of their most notable performances include:
- Z. Kodály: Székelyfonó
- F. Lehár: The Count of Luxembourg, The Merry Widow
- I. Kálmán: Countess Maritza, The Csárdás Princess, Miss Zsuzsi
- J. Huszka: Baroness Lili, Lieutenant Mary
- V. Jacobi: Fair of Brides
Music Education for Young People
The ensemble places special emphasis on music education for young people. Several times a year, they organize youth concerts aimed at presenting specific music history periods or the works of renowned composers, helping to foster and develop young audiences’ musical knowledge.
Media Appearances and International Performances
The choir regularly appears on television and radio recordings, allowing its artistic work to reach a broader audience.
Outstanding International Performances in Recent Years
The ensemble has performed in several prestigious venues worldwide, including:
Italy, Sicily, Germany, France, Belgium, Israel, Poland, Japan, and Russia.
Professional and Cultural Collaborations
The choir actively contributes to both Hungarian and international musical life not only through its concerts but also by participating in various professional and cultural events, including:
- Choral conducting workshops
- Premieres and stylistic interpretation lectures
- Masterclasses, diploma, and doctoral concerts
- Exhibition openings, conferences, and festive events
- Commemorations for anniversaries and significant occasions
Awards and Recognitions
The Szolnok Bartók Béla Chamber Choir operates in accordance with the Performing Arts Act and has been awarded the „Distinguished” status by the Cultural Heritage Protection Office’s Film and Performing Arts Department.
