A csütörtök esti koncert zenéje a Magyar Nemzeti Filharmonikusok előadásában elsöprő erővel, tökéletes összhangban csendült fel. A tidal wave of sound burst from the precisely tuned Hungarian National Philharmonic Orchestra on Thursday night.
It was a resplendent sound both in its volume and its clarity as the orchestra deluged the enormous Bob Jones University Amphitorium with astonishingly beautiful music.
Conductor Zsolt Hamar held the helm tightly as the 80-year old premier orchestra of Hungary opened the concert with Debussy's "Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun."
Mallarme's elegant poem melded into languorous, exquisite sounds in Hamar's interpretation and the orchestra's delivery.
It was a stylish introduction and a good departure point to what followed.
Next, the audience was plunged head-first into Liszt's Concerto for Piano and Orchestra in E-flat Major as Zoltan Mocsari seized the keyboard of the 9-foot Baldwin Grand.
The well-known Liszt interpreter did a rousing job with this gorgeous piece of music.
Mocsari's robust, virtuosic performance was as incredible to watch as it was to hear. His was a total-body performance. The sustaining power of his fingers through extended trills and fast, furious arpeggios were staggering as was his amazing pedal work.
Hamar kept perfect balance between soloist and orchestra and created a moving, passionate and fully realized Liszt.
The final work, Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 4 also received the full attention and stunning performance by the Philharmonic.
They capped the night with what else, but the rousing Brahms Hungarian Dance No 1.
Watching Hamar conduct throughout the evening, you get the feeling that you are observing a magician pulling perfect, plump rabbits out of a hat – one after another.
They are his orchestra's glorious woodwinds, incredible horns and sweeping strings that make for an unforgettable performance.
Thank you BJU for bringing these terrific Magyars to town.

Ann Hicks
(The Greenville News)