Today we take you to Hungary, where we meet Gabriella Lovas in Budapest: singer, choir director, theatre director, she has participated in our Festival with her choirs four times in the last four years!
Good morning, Gabriella! First of all, tell us how you got into music.
My encounter with music happened when I was seven years old, when I was admitted to the Hungarian Radio Children’s Choir. With this wonderful choir, not only did I go on numerous tours in Hungary and abroad, but I also began my musical training by studying the vast choral repertoire produced from the Renaissance to the present day.
Then, at thirteen, I joined the choir of the Hungarian State Opera House: it was a turning point!
I discovered the world of musical theatre, where music is combined with movement, costumes, sets and lighting to create a complex and all-encompassing work of art. Today, I still work as both a musical director and theatre director.
Tell us about your work: how many choirs do you conduct?
I currently conduct two choirs, and I have participated in the Alta Pusteria festival with both of them.
The first, founded in 2005, is the FMK Women’s Ensemble, with which I perform a repertoire based mainly on contemporary Hungarian composers.
The second choir is completely different: it is the Jazz and More Choir, which I have been conducting since 2017. As the name suggests, its musical basis is jazz, but we also enjoy singing gospel, pop, rock and arrangements of soundtracks.
Christmas is approaching: how is this holiday celebrated in Budapest?
Budapest is a magical city, and even more so before Christmas: the streets are festively decorated and Advent markets are organised in all the main squares. Of course, music also plays a fundamental role during the Christmas period and we will be performing on several occasions.
A typical feature of this period? Definitely the so-called “Tram Luminosi” (Illuminated Trams)! Decorated with Christmas lights, they travel through the city offering a wonderful experience, especially after sunset.
Let’s conclude with a question about our festival, in which you have participated four times in a row with both of your choirs. What is so special about this event for you?
What’s so special about it? I really don’t know where to start!
First of all, Italy, with its irresistible charm; then the breathtaking landscapes and concert venues, which are one of a kind. I would also never forget the multi-ethnic spirit and sincere joy for each other’s success.
sincere joy for each other’s success.
And finally, the grand choir parade, where thousands of people from all over the world sing together!
It was an incredible experience for us: a huge adrenaline rush from the moment we left until we returned home.
