“In vino veritas”

It is over 25 years the Pécs Male Choir Foundation and the Villány-Siklós Wine Road have united forces for a unique and highly successful event: the European Convivial Winesong Festival. ‘Joy, friendship and songs make the good wine!’ – this old Hungarian proverb is our motto, perfectly characterizing the Convivial Winesong Festivals. Without these three components, human life would be less vivid and poorer – and the mellow essence of these three components was to be perceived in our winesong-,joy- and friendship-centred festival. The first festival was held in 1993 – and throughout the years, about 4000 singers of 38 countries have spread the reputation of Hungarian music, the Villány wines and our hospitality. Grape and wine have been playing a remarkable role in human civilization, from the point of view of economy as well as European ethos. The 23 European and 3 World Festivals were excellent examples of the dialogue between different cultures, proving that through the vigour of music, this magnificent liquor has become the symbol of togetherness and the community of Europe.

Dr. Tamás Lakner

Liszt-awarded conductor,

The artistic director of the Convivial Winesong Festivals