Liszt was one of the most prolific composers of church music in the second half of the 19th century, especially from 1860 on, when he spent much of his time in Rome. He composed more than fifty choral works, both with and without accompaniment, typically for use at services or devotions. Valéria Szebellédi selects from this rich repertoire for the Magnificat Girls’ Choir concert at the choir marathon.
Over its standing of almost 25 years, the Magnificat has excelled at a number of competitions, both in Hungary and abroad. Winners of the European Grand Prix for Choral Singing, they were champions of the World Choir Games on two occasions, also receiving the audience prize twice. The choir holds the Csokonai Vitéz Mihály and the KÓTA Prizes. They have released ten CDs of their own, and were featured on the Budapest Festival Orchestra’s Kodály album.