Audience in the European Parliament united in musical diversity

Brussels (11 June) - The Slovak ethno-jazz band Pacora Trio and the talented pianist Martin Chudada mesmerised the audience with a performance of their diverse repertoires at the European Parliament on Monday. The concert was part of a series of events marking the Slovak Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

“Ever since the Slovak Presidency began, we have been engaging in intense discussions, but we won’t be using words tonight. Music is a universal language that unites us all, regardless of one’s country or origin”, said Alexander Micovčin, Deputy Permanent Representative of the Slovak Republic to the EU i.

The first part of the concert featured a performance by Pacora Trio, which combines the talents of violinist Stano Palúch, cimbalom player Marcel Comendant and double bassist Robert Ragan. Their lively, melodic tunes fuse jazz with Slovak and Moldovan folklore music, with a touch of classical music also added to the mix. The trio was established in 2004. Their first album was awarded a four-star ranking by the BBC in 2005, and the band went on to earn recognition in a number of European countries. Pacora Trio makes frequent appearances alongside recognised and world-famous orchestras. It has also produced recordings for the Slovak, Czech and Austrian television channels, as well as for a number of films.

Piano virtuoso Martin Chudada then took the stage to conclude the concert, performing difficult pieces from Mendelssohn Bartholdy, Prokofiev and Suchoň. Martin, barely 15 years of age, has been playing the piano since he was 6. Even when he first started, the ease with which he learnt even the most difficult pieces took his teachers by surprise. To play a piece, all he needs to do is leaf through the score. At 10, he performed his first concert along with the State Chamber Orchestra Žilina. Notwithstanding his tender age, the greatly talented pianist was granted the status of ‘exceptional pupil’ at the conservatory in Žilina. In 2011, 2012 and 2014, he received grants from the Central European Foundation (CEF) as part of the New Europe Talents programme.