Please, tell me about yourself. How did you become a pianist in the Nyugat bar?
Let’s start at the very beginning: I wasn’t even 6, when I got my first musical instrument, an accordion, for Christmas. I played this accordion for several years, we could say that it was because of this instrument that I grew to like music. Later I switched to the Hammond organ and to the piano, which turned out to be a good decision. As a teenager I decided that this was the field I could and should make a career in. At first I studied to become a music teacher, but I only taught for one semester – after that the world of catering drew me in.
How did that switch happen?
I had the opportunity to do a 20-month gig in Finland. I was interested, so I took it. Little did I know that this was what my life would be like in the long term. After that I worked in similar places, alternately in Hungary and abroad. In Hungary I worked at the EMKE Café, the Astoria Bar, and the Moulin Rouge. After that I went to Germany for two years, then to Switzerland and Canada. Later I spent several seasons in Mombasa, Kenya, which were some of the most interesting periods of my life. It goes without saying what a privileged life that was for those behind the Iron Curtain. After that I spent 21 years at the Hyatt Bar, which is now called Sofitel. Then I joined the New York Café, more specifically the Nyugat bar, and I’ve been here for 8 years now.
All this time as a solo pianist?
No, in the beginning not. I had the opportunity to play with several renowned musicians, but I realised that this is what really suits me. There is much more freedom and flexibility in playing music this way.
Tell me about the Nyugat bar: what is it like to play music here?
The environment is fascinating, this workplace is unique, from all aspects. The building itself is mesmerising, and the work that is behind it is also top-level. I have noticed quite a few things during my 8 years here, I’ve had time to observe this place. My position is a bit strange, as I do what I do completely independently, yet, I spend all evening watching how the whole staff works. Professionalism is also reflected on the faces of the guests as they leave: everyone is content when they leave.
What kind of music do you play in the Nyugat bar?
That’s a good question to ask from any bar pianist. Nowadays these genre is called cocktail piano music – referring to the bar, and to the great variety of genres. Of course there are sure-fire hit genres, but it is not only the environment, but also the guests that greatly influence what kind of music I play. I often get requests, which we always try to comply with. Although most of our guests are English or Spanish natives, when, for instance, a Chinese group arrives, the Chinese pieces in my repertoire come in handy. All in all, I would say that I play everything: from Tchaikovsky’s Concerto in B flat minor to Sinatra and Sting. The nationality, age and tastes of the guest vary greatly, and I must be able to attend to all tastes.
How do you think bar music has changed over the past decades?
The world has changed a lot. In the past, when there were no conference calls, I saw a lot more company events. Businesspeople moved around, but in the evening they always went to the bar of their hotel to listen to live music. Now there is less of this. Over the past decades, live music has considerably declined, and not just in Hungary. A place like the Nyugat bar can bring back this quality entertainment to our lives, even if only for an evening. Of course, for this you must find the right sound and the right volume. If I can send a message to the readers, it is this: visit us to have this experience, and you will not be disappointed.
