Children’s Philharmonic Orchestra of Szentegyháza promotes multiculturalism in Canada

Fili is the nickname of the Children’s Philharmonic Orchestra from Szentegyháza (Transylvania, Romania). The orchestra and choir recently toured Canada to honor the country’s 150th anniversary visiting seven cities and giving 11 concerts.

The musical group was founded 35 years ago in the ethnic Hungarian-speaking community and gained fame under the direction of Sándor Haáz. In the last decades the children’s ensemble has grown to 140 members; this was their first overseas tour. Canadian-Hungarian organizations and the Government of Hungary generously sponsored their trip.

Fili’s repertoire primarily consists of Hungarian folksongs but they also perform classical pieces and songs from other parts of the world. One gorgeous day the choir lined up at an open-air concert at Niagara Falls with the breathtaking view of the waterfall behind them, and they sung a Romanian folksong! (Watch here Fili performing a Romanian folk song.)

The Children’s Philharmonic Orchestra of Szentegyháza at Niagara Falls.

While Hungarian government politicians in Budapest are attacking Romanian politicians and accusing them of “anti-Hungarian” sentiments, and while on the other side of the border, Romanian right-wingers are fanning the nationalist fire, it was good to see these ethnic-Hungarian children presenting a piece of Romanian culture.

Andrian Ligor, Romania’s Ambassador to Canada, also attended one of their concerts and spoke highly of the ensemble. These children do not look at Romanians as enemies, they seem to appreciate and respect Romania’s folk culture and are eager to build a friendship between the Romanian and Hungarian peoples.

I was surprised that the children announced their program in English, and to the audience’s delight they also sung the “The Star-Spangled Banner,” the American National Anthem. The high point of their trip was the multicultural Canada Day celebrations in downtown Toronto where they sung “O Canada” (Canada’s National Anthem) with the Bulgarian Children’s Choir. (Watch here Fili singing at Canada Day multicultural festival in Toronto.)

It is heartwarming that these children know more about respecting other peoples and cultures than the politicians in Budapest and Bucharest, who are always ready for mudslinging. Their Canadian tour proved that multiculturalism is just fine, and politicians in Hungary and Romania have a lot to learn from Fili, the Children’s Philharmonic Orchestra of Szentegyháza.

György Lázár

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