Following the success of 2018, Hungary once again participated at the Katara European Jazz Festival. This time Szalóky Classic Jazz Sundays had the honor to fly in straight from Budapest, Hungary. Members of the band are trumpeter/trombone player Béla Szalóky, clarinet/saxophone player Árpád Dennert, guitarist István Gyárfás and double bass player János Lutz.
The band was honored to play not only at the jazz festival itself but also at other venues during their stay in Qatar. Their first appearance was at Lagoon Mall's Music Square store. Next up was the European Jazz Festival the following day, where Hungary performed after Belgium on a Wednesday night. After the introduction by Hungarian Ambassador Barnabás Fodor, the Szalóky band did not disappoint, they amazed the crowd by playing classic jazz tunes in a highly entertaining way. Their performance was greeted with standing ovation by the massive crowd of Katara. It was surely a night to remember.
Click here for more pictures of their concert at Katara.
Their last outing was at the Qatar Music Academy where they held a workshop for children on the basics of jazz. The interactive event took place in a relayed atmosphere and was once again very entertaining for the audience. The night was hosted by Mr. Ozgur Mert Esen, Head of the Western Music Department at QMA.
Szalóky Classic Jazz Sundays returned to Hungary with a great experience. They loved their time in Qatar, managed to explore the city and its surroundings, and were flattered by the hospitality of the Qatari side.
Hungary will be back at the Jazz Festival in 2020, the participating band will be confirmed later.
