Szilárd Kovács: Gizella Mass

The classical music competition of the Gizella Mass of the Archdiocese of Veszprém was announced nationally in May 2022, with the support of the Veszprém-Balaton 2023 European Capital of Culture programme and the cooperation of Filharmonia Hungary. The aim of the competition was to enrich the musical heritage of the city of Veszprém and the Archdiocese by commemorating and relating to the city's 18th and 19th century music period of unprecedented richness, and by creating lasting cultural values. The competition has helped to create music that evokes the love of Queen Gizella Veszprém, her commitment to faith, commemorates her work for the consolidation of the Christian Hungarian state and is worthy of the motto of our Archpastor: "The faith of our ancestors is the hope of the future." The Gizella Mass Competition received 7 entries. The entries were judged anonymously by a Jury of music professionals. The members of the Jury were Szabolcs Szamosi, Managing Director of Filharmónia Hungary; László Tardy, Liszt Ferenc Award-winning OMCE church musician and choirmaster; András Gábor Virágh, composer and organist; Pál Vikman, programme manager for classical music at VEB 2023; and Orsolya Horváthné Dr. Csomó, Chairwoman of the Church Music Committee of the Diocese of Veszprém. The President of the Jury was Dr. György Udvardy, Archbishop of Veszprém.  The prize-winning composers of the Gizella Mass Competition were Szilárd Ferenc Kovács, 1st prize, András Déri, 2nd prize and Zsolt Máté Mészáros, 3rd prize.