István Baróti, designer of the Palace of Arts’ organ has passed away

The world-famous organist was 74. He taught at the Pál Járdányi School of Music for forty years, and the outstanding achievements of his pupils in international competitions attest to his excellence as a teacher. He was the organist and choirmaster of the Esztergom Basilica from 1975, and also took part in the comprehensive survey of Hungary’s organs as an expert. A prime example of Baróti’s expertise is the design of the sound and disposition of the Béla Bartók National Concert Hall’s organ, with 6,804 pipes, 92 stops and 5 manuals. 

“The entire Hungarian organist community owes him a huge debt of gratitude as so many of us were started on this path by him, he made us fall in love with the organ. We could always count on his selfless assistance”, reminisced László Fassang, former student of Baróti and the Palace of Arts’ resident organist and artistic director of organ recitals.