Promising Young Talents

The big stage premiere of Sea of Nations by Nagyvárad Ensemble will take place on Saturday, at Szigligeti Theatre. Besides director-choreographers Gerg? Sánta and Anna Sánta-Bíró, the show’s creative staff includes promising young talents such as János Appelshoffer and Tünde Rémi, already known to Oradea audiences, the team features Kristóf Fundák and his wife Lili Fundák-Kaszai.

Kristóf Fundák is a Budapest-born artist who took up dancing in Csepel. During his ten years as a member of Jászság Folk Ensemble in Jászberény, his dedication towards authentic folk dance grew strong. His professional growth was assisted by his masters, whose opinion he still takes into account. Since 2009, he has been the artistic director of Vadrózsa Ensemble. As a dancer, he won the Aranysarkantyú (Golden Spur) award three times, so, since 2013, he permanently holds this title. They have been working together with his wife Lili as professional partners since 2009. In 2014, they won the televised folk music and dance contest Fölszállott a páva as best solo and couple dance.

In 2016, they were awarded the title of Young Masters of Folklore. As a recognition of their work as choreographers of children’s shows, in 2018, they were awarded a prize by Heritage Children’s Art Association. He is the winner of multiple prizes at the Chamber Dance Festival in Zala. Together with his wife, he makes choreographies and leads workshops in Canada and the USA.

About Kristóf Fundák, leader of the Hungarian State Folk Ensemble, has said the following: “He is one of the most promising young talents of today’s generation of choreographers. I have been following his activity as a group leader, a community builder, an educator and an artist for years. I see his work, often as a member of jury, at various contests and forums.§

The young choreographer has said the following about Sea of Nations:

“I am very happy to be at the end of such an excellent rehearsal period. The dancers ave approached us with great attention and profe humility, building a solid base for our collaboration. I can only hope that the audience will enjoy this performance as much as we have enjoyed creating it!”

The first performance of the show will take place on 8 December at 7 pm on the big stage of Szigligeti Theatre. The show is sponsored by the National Cultural Fund of Hungary and Bethlen Gábor Fund. Tickets for the premiere are available at Szigligeti Theatre’s booking office, or online at www.biletmaster.ro.