213 E 82nd St, New York, NY 10028
Organized by the Liszt Institute New York, one of the most celebrated actors of his generation, Miklós H. Vecsei joined forces with musicians Huba Ratkóczi and Balázs Szabó to tell the story of the iconic Hungarian guitarist-singer, Tamás Cseh’s life in first person singular alongside fifteen compositions by Tamás Cseh and Géza Bereményi on October 21, 2023 at the Hungarian House in New York. The 100-minute programme is based on a book of conversations between László Bérczes and Tamás Cseh.
"He was a musical phenomenon and institution. And my generation is the generation that never got the chance to experience that specific attitude towards life that Tamás Cseh gave us. He reformed what we call musical art in Hungary today." – said Miklós H. Vecsei about Tamás Cseh
Please, note that the event will be conducted in Hungarian!
About Tamás Cseh
Cseh Tamás' music influenced generations of students growing up in the post-Communist era. In addition to being a musician, Cseh was an author and a movie star. Among his mis many awards was the 1993 Liszt prize, and the 2001 Kossuth prize.
Cseh Tamás was born in Budapest on January 22, 1943; however, he lived in Tordás until he was 13. He studied to be a teacher and started teaching geography in 1967. at an elementary school in Budapest. In addition to teaching, from 1970 on, he started writing and performing with Géza Bereményi. Between 1972 and 1977 he performed with a number of theater companies.
In 1961, during the Soviet era, Cseh and his friends started the Native American camp which still exists in Bakony as their symbol of leaving the system. Native American culture played an extremely important role in his life, his Indian name was „Smoke in His Eyes.” He wrote his first novel, "Hadiösvény," in 1968, dealing with Native American themes, but had to wait 30 years for its publication. In 2006, Cseh published his second book on the same themes, "Csillagokkal Táncoló Kojot" ("The Coyote Who Dances With the Stars").
About the Performers
Miklós H. Vecsei
Miklós H. Vecsei was born on May 22, 1992 in Budapest, Hungary. He is a graduate of the University of Theatre and Film Arts in 2015. He frequently collaborates with director Attila Vidnyánszky Jr. Besides his role as an actor he is also an avid screenwriter and dramaturgist. In 2016 he received the Junior Prima Prize.
Huba Ratkóczi
Guitarist and bassist Huba Ratkóczi is able to create a complete orchestral sound and atmosphere with his unique instrumental playing style and creative, innovative technical ideas. A typical figure of the Hungarian underground music scene, he has easily recognisable, unique sound combined with an intense stage presence.
Balázs Szabó
Balázs Szabó started his performing career as a guitarist, but today he leads one of the most popular bands in the country. In 2009 he founded the Balázs Szabó Band, with which he has developed a unique musical and lyrical world. They combine Hungarian folk music with various forms of popular music and often with classical instrumentation. The band is a regular guest at major festivals, and in recent years they have given numerous sold-out concerts in Hungary and abroad, and have also performed at prestigious festivals. Balázs Szabó has won several awards throughout his career, and in 2016 he was awarded the "Male Performer of the Year" prize at the Petőfi Music Awards in recognition of his exceptional performances.