Songwriter and performer Dániel Gryllus is a two-times Kossuth Prize winner, holder of the Prima Primissima award and a Hungarian Heritage Award, and a founding member of the band Kaláka. Kaláka's sound blends various forms of folk music from the Carpathian Basin and beyond with elements of classical music, featuring both older and contemporary poetry set to music. On this occasion, Erika Náray will speak to her guest about the connection between one of the most important and most unique products in American culture and the life of Dániel Gryllus.
Legend has it that Kaláka's first amateur recording was made at foot of the Lorántffy Steps in Budapest's second district, something which has Dániel has also confirmed. In 2022, 53 years on, the group is still much in demand, both in Hungary and internationally. Many believe that the secret to their continued success is the harmony of the four clear voices, the combined use of classical and folk instruments, and without doubt the sincere passion with which they approach both music and poetry. The fruit of their labour encompasses 30 albums, 1,300 songs and a series of appearances in Europe, Asia, North and South America and Australia. For their film score work, which includes writing the music for Tales about King Matthias, Hungarian Legends and Hungarian Folk Tales, the last of which numbers 100 episodes and has been seen all over the world, the band received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 14th Kecskemét Animation Film Festival. In the case of Dániel Gryllus, the topic of family cannot be avoided. His brother Vilmos Gryllus is another key member of Kaláka, while his wife Katalin Kőváry is a director and dramaturg who also played her own important role in Kaláka's success. Dániel's daughter, Dorka Gryllus, is an actress, and his son, Samu Gryllus, is a composer who began his professional career as a jazz bass guitarist.
Audience members, who can take their seats at the Bohemian Event Venue from 6 pm, receive a welcome drink and can enjoy dinner before or after the concert.
Presented by: Müpa Budapest
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