Uniting Humanity through Musical Diplomacy

Written by C. Naseer Ahmad, Guest Contributor | 24 May 2013

The New York Times called it "A Dark Time in Hungary Remembered", according to Steve Smith's music review on May 3, 2013. Smith's vivid description of the primary thrust of the concert--which was to shed light on lost works by Hungarian composers whose lives and careers were unmoored or ended by the rise of fascism, at home and throughout Europe during World War II. He said: “a structure rooted in Mendelssohn, a penchant for fiery display and a lyricism suited to the stage; Barnabas Kelemen, another Hungarian soloist, met the composer’s demands unflappably, stirring a rousing ovation."

Music lovers in Washington did not have to travel long distances to enjoy stunning performance of world-renowned and exceptionally talented artists, Barnabas Kelemen, Peter Barsony, and Melvin Chen. Instead a short taxi ride to the edge of the Spring of Freedom Street in Northwest Washington brought them in the hospitable Hungarian Embassy.

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