Kálmán Balogh is one of the foremost Hungarian cimbalom players, descending from a famous dynasty of Hungarian Gypsy musicians. His virtuosity is matched only by his understanding and respect of his heritage. A graduate of Ferenc Liszt Academy of Music of Budapest, he has completed many successful tours throughout the world with various ensembles, including well over a dozen tours in North America. The cimbalom, a sort of oversized hammer dulcimer played with mallets like a vibraphone, possesses piano like percussive abilities to drive a band rhythmically or take the melodic lead. In Kálmán Balogh's expert hands, the cimbalom can do both simultaneously. His mastery of this unique and rare Hungarian folk instrument has mesmerized audiences.
Program:
György Ligeti: Concerto Romanesc
Johannes Brahms, Hungarian Dances 1,4,5,6
Bela Bartok: Romanian Folk Tunes
Anton Dvorak: Symphony No 7, op.70, D minor
Kálmán Balogh – cimbalom
Robert Lakatos – violin, viola
Csaba Novák – bass
Festival Symphony Orchestra
Jens Georg Bachmann - Music Director
