Central European World Music

A fascinating world music experience blending Eastern and Central European folk music from exceptional European artists.

Kálmán Balogh Cimbalom Trio

from Budapest, Hungary

Kálmán Balogh – cimbalom

Robert Lakatos – violin, viola

Csaba Novák – bass

“… it was the cimbalom player who took the greatest honours, hammering with demonic speeds …” Boston Globe

2014 North American tour dates

February 27 – March 19

Kálmán Balogh is one of the foremost Hungarian cimbalom players, descending from a famous dynasty of Hungarian Gypsy musicians. His virtuosity is matched only by his understanding and respect of his heritage. A graduate of Ferenc Liszt Academy of Music of Budapest, he has completed many successful tours throughout the world with various ensembles, including well over a dozen tours in North America. The cimbalom, a sort of oversized hammer dulcimer played with mallets like a vibraphone, possesses piano like percussive abilities to drive a band rhythmically or take the melodic lead. In Kálmán Balogh’s expert hands, the cimbalom can do both simultaneously. His mastery of this unique and rare Hungarian folk instrument has mesmerized audiences.
Kálmán Balogh Gypsy Cimbalom Trio is the dynamic merging of music from the old and new worlds. Balogh continues a fabled European musical tradition harking back to the collaboration of masters like gypsy guitarist Django Reinhardt and violinist Stephane Grappelli, connecting ancient folk music traditions of Central and Eastern Europe with the chord progressions and swinging rhythm of jazz. Balogh’s cimbalom becomes a new and compelling voice centering the Trio, which is enhanced by acoustic violin/viola and acoustic bass. Similarities in jazz and traditional folk music, such as improvisation and a kaleidoscope of emotional expressions, are immediately evident.
The Trio includes excellent musicians who have worked with Balogh extensively. Robert Lakatos, a viola and violin player from Slovakia, is steeped in classical music training and played with important classical orchestras, but always gravitated toward folk and world music. He plays in several groups ranging from classical to folk and jazz genres. Robert’s band, the RÉV, has become a popular band in Hungary and Slovakia. Bassist Csaba Novák is one of the most versatile bass players in Hungary, familiar with gypsy style, klezmer, folk music, jazz and world music.
Melodies polished in European villages for centuries are interpreted with great respect and understanding by trio, enabling present day music lovers to experience the emotions and beauty inherent in the music of our ancestors. Kálmán Balogh Cimbalom Trio brings a contemporary and uniquely forward-looking edge to time-honored traditions, leaving audiences enthralled and inspired.
The Hungarian Cultural Center, NY is supporting the tour of the Ensemble. The Center is dedicated to promoting Hungarian culture and increasing the awareness of the wonderful cultural resources of Hungary to the North American public. The Center is funded by the Bálint Balassi Institute, Budapest.