Hungarian House, London, June 8, 2024
A near-record number of 45 contestants entered the 5th József Attila Poetry and Prose Recitation Contest, organized for the fifth time by the Association of Hungarian Reciters in England, with the support of the Embassy of Hungary in London and the National Association of Hungarians in England (MAOSZ).
The theatre hall of the Hungarian House in London was once again filled with enthusiastic reciters and an audience dedicated to literature. This year’s contest placed a primary emphasis on the community-building role of Hungarian organisations and weekend Hungarian schools operating across the United Kingdom.
Beáta Verbászi, President of the Association of Hungarian Reciters in England, praised the selfless work of the weekend Hungarian schools in her ceremonial opening speech, noting their outstanding representation from various parts of the country:
„The weekend Hungarian schools in the United Kingdom work tirelessly to pass on the Hungarian language to children growing up in the diaspora and to deepen their connection to our culture, traditions, and history. Over the past years, a strong cooperation based on trust has developed with school leaders and teachers. Together, we recognized the immense significance of an event that gives the younger generation the opportunity to showcase their talent in their mother tongue. Literature is the noblest tool for this: by evoking our great poets, the power of the Hungarian word becomes a force for community-building.”
A 4-member professional jury evaluated the performances:
- Dr. Fanni Sárosi – Diplomat of the Embassy of Hungary in London
- Beáta Verbászi – Radnóti and Kaleidoscope Award-winning performer, President of the Association of Hungarian Reciters UK
- Mátyás Sárközi – Kossuth, Prima Primissima, and József Attila Award-winning writer, critic, translator, and editor
- Viktória Kumin – Radio host, writer
Following the competition program, the organisers provided participants with a warm meal, followed by a handicraft workshop while the jury deliberated to determine the winners.
The Gala Program traditionally provides an opportunity for Hungarian artists living in England to introduce themselves. This year, Hilda Kádárné Szász, Director of the Szóló Szőlő School in Chester and leader of the Albert Wass Literary Circle, took the stage accompanied by guitarist Albert Bíró. Their poetry and music compilation titled Igazgyöngyök (Pearls) was a great success with the audience.
Following the competition program, the organisers provided participants with a warm meal, followed by a handicraft workshop while the jury deliberated to determine the winners.
The Gala Program traditionally provides an opportunity for Hungarian artists living in England to introduce themselves. This year, Hilda Kádárné Szász, Director of the Szóló Szőlő School in Chester and leader of the Albert Wass Literary Circle, took the stage accompanied by guitarist Albert Bíró. Their poetry and music compilation titled Igazgyöngyök (Pearls) was a great success with the audience.
Contest results
Winner of the József Attila Award of England: Mónika Lajkóné Ambrus
Audience Award: Benedek Antal and Csenge Nagy
2024 Rising Talent: Márk Bálint
Children’s Category:
- Nagy Csenge
- Bálint Márk
- Korpos Rebeka
Youth Category:
- Polgár Doroti
- Mészáros Sámuel
- Donaberger Bence Dávid
Adult Category:
- Lajkóné Ambrus Mónika
- Mező Tamás és Simándi Klára
- Durow Zsuzsanna
Our heartfelt congratulations to all our reciters!
Thank you for evoking our great poets and for elevating this day into a true celebration through the magic of the Hungarian word!
