Impressed with the Szent Mór school

Today I was invited to the annual song presentation of the Pécs Szent Mór school. First noticeable detail is that this catholic school offers both elementary and higher education. Another detail is that the school – apart from offering regular subjects – pays a lot of attention to expression and music. The song presentation is both intended to train the students singing skills, and to also teach the children to listen and get used to performing in front of audiences.

The 18th century building was built as a seminary, with high ceilings and thick walls. It has a courtyard with twelve impressive statues of the apostles. The 5 meter high statues are made of sandstone and were considered unsuitable to be placed at the Dome Cathedral. So they have been at the school courtyard, out of sight, for the last 80 years. Don’t these deserve a better place?

Dachs and I are welcomed in the large stateroom. One by one the students come forward from the back of the room to sing two solo a capella pieces. Traditional Hungarian folk songs, mostly with complicated melodies. Every few minutes another beautifully dressed boy or girl performs a song, without any hesitance and with clear voice. I do not understand the lyrics, but Simon Wintermans every now and then softly translates a piece of a song into my ear. “I am not a branch of a fig tree, I am not a hermit, but I am someone without a lover” or “My mother is always ready to sell you a daily can of milk, but I am always ready to kiss you”. Isn’t that something?

Later that afternoon I perform two of my own songs, after which they have a surprise for me. The entire hall sings to me in flawless Dutch: “Kom mee naar buiten allemaal, dan zoeken wij de Wielewaal. En horen wij die muzikant, dan is het zomer in het land.” So, what can I say after that!

Very impressed by the singing talent, the high level of concentration and the vulnerability and openness with which they perform in front of a group audience, Dachs and I leave the Szent Mór school building.