Musical–Literary Immersion into the World of the Szeklers at the Museum of Ethnography

Anima Sound System performing on 19 July 2024
Tamás Vasvári/MTI
The Museum of Ethnography is set to present a special musical–literary programme series in collaboration with the band Anima Sound System this November and December. Featuring Zsolt Prieger and folk singer Bori Magyar, the performances promise a unique cultural experience that brings Szekler heritage and Hungarian folk stories to life for audiences of all ages.

The Museum of Ethnography will offer a special musical–literary programme series to the public this November and December in collaboration with the Hungarian band Anima Sound System.

The unique experience dubbed tárlatBEvezetés (a combination of the words ‘exhibition tour’ and ‘introduction’ will feature Zsolt Prieger, founder of Anima Sound System, literary scholar, teacher, and author, alongside folk singer Bori Magyar, the museum announced Wednesday.

The Museum of Ethnography explained that the musical–literary performance by Zsolt Prieger and folk singer Bori Magyar will link with the museum’s exhibition titled SZÉKELYS — Patterns of Heritage. The performance gives deeper context to the exhibition through an emotive, insightful, and playfully informative approach, inviting all age groups, from children to the elderly, to connect with personal Szekler stories.

‘Zsolt Prieger’s greatest strength is his artistic courage, consistently renewing himself by moving away from well-worn themes and exploring fresh, innovative ones. To date, he has created fifteen unique musical–literary performances, with themes ranging from the works of [Hungarian Catholic poet János] Pilinszky and [Hungarian conservative philosopher and author Béla] Hamvas to biblical psalms, in a style that has not yet seen precedent in Hungary,’ the statement noted.

Prieger’s presentations break from the monotony of traditional readings by blending literature with diverse musical genres, expanding boundaries, and holding the audience’s attention. Carefully chosen music enhances the text, adds nuance, and enriches the experience, allowing for a dynamic journey through the texts, landscapes, and artifacts.

Prieger was awarded the first-ever Crossover Award by the Music Hungary Association in 2022.


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The Museum of Ethnography is set to present a special musical–literary programme series in collaboration with the band Anima Sound System this November and December. Featuring Zsolt Prieger and folk singer Bori Magyar, the performances promise a unique cultural experience that brings Szekler heritage and Hungarian folk stories to life for audiences of all ages.

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