The Pannon Philharmonics - or better: the concert-life concerning classic music - of Pécs will celebrate in 2011 its 200-years jubilee. 200 years: an obligation, no difference, which pillar of culture we consider. Let us think about it: 200 years ago, there was no reconciliation, no revolution, no fight for freedom and no reform-age. But in the south of Pannonia, in Pécs, they played symphonies.

In 2011 for the 200-year jubilee, we will hold in our hands the reference, freshly given by Europe about us and our determining institutions, the European Capital of Culture. 
Surely we will look at this reference in our new, just inaugurated concert-hall, and will know, what we did well and what would have to be done better. But even today in 2006, it is our responsibility that the exam of the year 2010, the big challenge in face of an international auditory, will bring recognition to Pécs and joy to the audience. It is not so long ago, that we won the right of participation, but in our hearts we prepared us since a lot of years. The year 2007 will be a year of teaching and learning for Pécs, and this will also be the motto for our musical season.

Each of our concerts will carry the title of a piece of  world literature, so we might reach the catharsis of our soul by the means of the metamorphosis of literature and with the help of music. We start learning with the book of books, the Bible and teach at the same time: we show, how various it can be - but this is the same, if we look at the essentials of art. Who prepares himself for an exam, a jubilee, not only gets oneself in the mood for it in his heart and soul. A celebration requires also an appropriate suit, a festive outward appearance. An important part of this appearance is this small book, which - in my opinion - is not only a program guide. It is a document of contemporary history, the minutes of the performance of a phase in one's life. This book is completed by a CD, which will be edited at the and of the season, containing each of our concerts. As a memory, or to examine it again. In the back-cover we prepared the place for this CD, similar to an exam-book, where you can find a category for the overall results.

We are sure, that this book and later the CD with the title "Teaching and Learning" will find its place at your shelf, and than the one of 2008 and so on, too, founding a tradition, that will last years or even generations. We count on you: be our critic. A severe, but wise and patient judge, who enjoys with us now and today, but has an open heart for the future, too. Who not only reserves a place at the future, decorated concert-hall, but who takes his grandson or granddaughter by the hand, keeps pace with us and finds enthusiasm even in the grey everyday life.

Our 200 years past end the events of the year 2010 oblige. The Pannon Philharmonic knows that and will do its duty. Be our witness and share with us the joy of music!

Zsolt Horváth
Director