Perhaps there was no profession in America in the middle of the 20th century in which as many Hungarians made such a lasting impact as in music. Most of the great American orchestras raised their standards under Hungarian conductors, and many Academy Awards in Hollywood were awarded to Hungarians. Also, several influential Hungarian pieces were commissioned in the US. We can hear some of these at this concert.

In his old age, Dohnányi left Hungary against his will, and after several years of silence, he composed the American Rhapsody for a university celebration. In that, he recounted his homesickness for Hungary with an American piece. Similarly, Bartók's Concerto was conceived in emigration, in fact, in the shadow of war. Miklós Rózsa, on the other hand, had always longed to leave Budapest and found his true life in America. At this concert, come and visit our American relatives!