The choir was (re)established in 1942 with singers from Pécs Choir (“Pécs Dalárda”) and Pécs Civic Choir (“Polgári Daloskör”). Between 1942 and 1943, the choir’s activities were interrupted by the war, so it was officially established in 1945.

The choir took the name of Pécs Bartók Béla Men’s Choir in 1957. The seat of the choir where the singers rehearsed twice a week was the community centre at the tram yard of the former Pécs Tram Company.

The first choir master was Elemér Szentkereszti followed by dr. Sólyom Józsefné until the end of the 1950s. The choir had about 30-35 members – mostly the employees of Pécs City Transport Company. In 1957, the choir organised the National Gathering of Workers’ Choirs. Under the leadership of choir master Andor Ligeti, they received the highest rank in the choral evaluation system. Their first guest performance abroad was in Eszék (Croatia) with the local mixed choir called “LIPA” in 1967. In 1969, they met the “Monument to the Battle of Nations” Choir in Leipzig (Germany), then in 1972, the “Lahden Mieskuoro” Choir welcomed them in Lahti (Finnland). The choir led by choir master Valér Jobbágy received the title of “festival choir” in 1974 and 1976. In 1974, it organised, for the second time, the (Advocacy Service of Public Service Workers) National Gathering of Choirs. At this event the organisers offered a travelling cup that choirs sought to win for decades. The first management assistant of the choir was László Inokai until 1980.  Then, István Hegyi, assistant choir master, assisted the work of three choir masters.

1980 marked the beginning of a new period for the choir. Tamás Lakner, the student of Aurél Tillai became the new choir master at the age of 26. In addition to older members, many young workers along with secondary school and university students joined the choir.

In 1981, the choir earned the title of “Festival Choir” for the third time.  This was also the time when the choir gave up the singing traditions characteristic of workers’ choirs. Instead, they started to sing musical pieces by Lassus, Palestrina, Kodály, Bartók, as well as Gregorian and contemporary pieces in addition to religious music. For instance, they sang “Canon” by Liszt Prize winner composer, László Sáry in Szombathely – a premier followed by many more. The choir went through a paradigm shift after 1980: the members were young singers, and they established a new choral repertoire – both of which led to great professional success. They have won 63 prizes at international choral contests including the “Grand Prize” and the award of “Best Chorus Master”. Showcases are filled with vases, cups, bowls, certificates, and other relics documenting their achievements.

The members of the choir established a foundation called “Pécs Men’s Choir Foundation” in 1991 to support choral activities and men’s choirs.

A thorough overview of the choir’s history and its activities would fill a book, so the following list only shows the choir’s participation, by year, in choral contests, festivals and the Choir Olympics:

The costs of the trips were covered by project grants, donations, and significant contributions by choir members.

However, domestic concerts have always been prioritised by the choir. Some of the most notable domestic concerts include:

Initiated by Tamás Lakner, the European Wine Song Festival, very popular with local citizens, has been organised every year since 1993. The Wine Song Festival was sponsored by the city of Pécs, the winemakers of Villány, and the Villány Wine Route. Initially, the gala concert was held in the Theatre of Pécs, and as the event grew larger, it was moved to Kodály Music Hall.

The choir has a particularly good relationship with Pannon Philharmonic Orchestra and Pécs Ore Miners’ Wind Orchestra. Many world-famous soloists have performed with the choir including Erika Miklósa and Kolos Kováts. The choir regularly gives a concert at the Villány Red Wine Festival, the Pentecostal Open Cellars Festival in Palkonya, the European Cantat, and the Szekszárd Harvest Days. They have been in contact with the Transylvanian Seprődi János Choral Association for years.

As an invited guest, the choir represented Hungary at the Eurovision Choir of the Year in 2017 held in Riga. They received the Award of Excellence from the Hungarian Radio in 1988 and 1992. They have won 63 prizes at Hungarian and international contests including two golden medals at the Choir Olympics (in 2006 in China and in 2008 in Graz, Austria). They have finished second at the world championship among 108 choirs. The success of the choir reached another milestone in 2010 when Hungaroton commissioned the choir to record on a CD all choral pieces for male voices by Zoltán Kodály. The CD receiving worldwide acclaim was made. In 2011, they were invited to record on a CD all choral works of Ferenc Erkel. The CD was regarded as a top 10 European choir album by ICMA (International Music Award).

Some of the young singers of the choir have become successful opera singers including István Horváth (Hungarian State Opera House), Máté Gál (Leipzig Opera House), Szabolcs Bognár (opera department of the National Theatre of Pécs). Choir master, Dr. Tamás Lakner, holder of Liszt Prize, was appointed university professor by the President of Hungary. The choir master’s work is assisted by two assistant choir masters, Tibor Hoffner and Krisztián Horváth.

Celebrating the 75^th anniversary of the choir’s foundation in 2020, they organised a festive concert and a gala dinner where all former choir masters and choir members were invited. The choir has received Pro Communitate Award from the city, as well as the Award of Excellence from the county for their achievements.

Cultural Heritage – 38/2020. (VI.22.) 27.8 KB