International Organ Festival
– Lux et Sonus –
St Stephen's Basilica – Budapest
Where music becomes an experience
There are places where music doesn't just play, it fills the space and touches the soul. The Stephanus invites its audience to such encounters in the heart of St Stephen's Basilica.
When the first notes ring out, the square in front of the Basilica invites you on a special journey. The music fills the space, and the light gives new meaning to the moment. Before you know it, you are not merely a listener, but a participant in the experience. At the Stephanus International Organ Festival, art and the sacred find one another. Here, every concert becomes an enduring memory, where the unity of music, light and space creates an extraordinary experience.
The first sound will be heard soon
Be part of the story of sound and light
Four special evenings
Six exceptional artists
In his work, respect for tradition and a contemporary creative outlook form a natural unity. As the organist of St Stephen's Basilica, a teacher at the Liszt Ferenc Academy of Music and an internationally recognised composer, he strives to make the centuries-old heritage of organ music speak in the language of the present day. His works are published by Europe's leading publishers and performed by prestigious ensembles.
He has had a personal connection to St Stephen's Basilica since his early childhood: he grew up here alongside his father, and later became the organist of this same church. He also played a defining role in the renovation of the Basilica's grand organ, as a result of which the instrument now represents a new era in both its sound and technical design.
For him, the Stephanus International Organ Festival is not merely a concert series, but the passing on of that musical and spiritual heritage which he has been able to absorb within the walls of the Basilica since his childhood.
Gábor Szotyori Nagy's career as an organist is defined by the unity of high-level performance art, pedagogical dedication and sacred music ministry. As an organist at St Stephen's Basilica, he strives to convey the rich heritage of organ music authentically and engagingly in both his concerts and his liturgical duties. In his domestic and international appearances, alongside classical organ literature, he also represents the values of the Hungarian sacred music tradition.
Her artistic development has been shaped by the results she has achieved in prestigious domestic and international competitions, as well as her extensive concert activities. As a performer, she has already appeared before audiences in numerous European countries, whilst as a teacher, she also plays an active role in training the next generation of organists.
As an artist at the Stephanus International Organ Festival, you will bring to life the special acoustics of the Basilica and the rich sonic world of the newly renovated grand organ with such artistic rigour that it simultaneously pays tribute to centuries-old tradition and offers a lasting concert experience for the audience.
András Virágh's career as an organist is defined by the unity of decades of church music service, choir conducting and concert performance. As an organist at St Stephen's Basilica, he is dedicated to conveying the rich tradition of organ music and liturgy at a high artistic level. As a performing artist and church musician, he strives for music to be simultaneously an artistic experience and a spiritual encounter.
He completed his studies at the Franz Liszt Academy of Music, and throughout his career he has directed the work of numerous prominent church music communities as a conductor, musical director and organist. His artistic activity is also marked by prestigious professional accolades, whilst in both his concerts and his liturgical service he strives for the authentic interpretation of the values of Hungarian church music.
As an artist of the Stephanus International Organ Festival, with decades of experience and mature performance art, you contribute to the special musical experience offered to the audience by the renewed grand organ and unique space of St Stephen's Basilica.
Péter Kővári's artistic credo is defined equally by the musical principles formulated by Zoltán Kodály and the centuries-old Viennese musical tradition, with the authentic and artistically credible performance of sacred music works at the centre of his oeuvre. He completed his studies at the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna, and as a member of the Arnold Schoenberg Choir, he has worked alongside world-renowned conductors such as Nikolaus Harnoncourt, Claudio Abbado and Pierre Boulez.
As a conductor, organist, educator and sacred music director, he has played a role in the work of numerous domestic and international institutions, and is currently the Director of Music of the Tihany Benedictine Abbey and Artistic Director of the Primavera Choir. A prominent role in his work is given to the preservation of the traditions of liturgical music and their living, authentic transmission.
As a performer at the Stephanus International Organ Festival, through their artistry they connect the heritage of historical church music with high-level performing arts, enriching the musical world of the festival.
Erzsébet Áchim's career as a concert organist is defined by artistic excellence, liturgical service and a deep commitment to music. As a performing artist and church musician, she strives to convey the treasures of the organ repertoire to audiences with authenticity, while also bringing a personal musical voice to her interpretations. Alongside the classical organ repertoire, her concerts place a strong emphasis on the rich tradition of sacred music.
During her studies and decades of artistic work as an organist, conductor, and teacher, she has gained significant experience. In her work, high-standard performing arts and sacred music ministry are closely intertwined, which is also reflected in her domestic and international performances.
As an artist of the Stephanus International Organ Festival, with your sensitive performance style and versatile musical vision, you contribute to the special concert experience offered to the audience by the renovated grand organ and unique space of St Stephen's Basilica.
Róbert Kovács's career as a concert organist is defined by international concert performance, sacred music ministry and a commitment to musical diversity. As a performing artist, he strives to interpret the most outstanding works of the organ repertoire authentically and at a high artistic standard, whilst also creating a natural connection between the values of different musical eras in his concerts.
Throughout his studies and decades-long artistic career, he has performed in numerous domestic and international concerts, and is recognised as both a performer and a church musician. His work is characterised by technical proficiency, stylistic versatility and a deep commitment to organ music.
As an artist of the Stephanus International Organ Festival, your performance contributes to the renewed grand organ of St Stephen's Basilica resounding in its full richness, providing a special musical experience for the festival audience.
Concert calendar
When music illuminates the Basilica
10 Oct.
20:00
Fiat Lux
Overture
András Gábor Virágh • Gábor Szotyori Nagy • András Virágh
The world of the Stephanus International Organ Festival
Be part of the story of sound and light
A Stephanus jelmondata: Lux et Sonus
Lux et Sonus. Két latin szó, amely a Stephanus Nemzetközi Orgonafesztivál születése óta kíséri annak nevét. Fény és hang. De miért éppen a fény és a hang? A válaszhoz talán nem elég csak a Szent István Bazilika nagyorgonájára figyelnünk. Fel kell néznünk a kupolára, meg kell figyelnünk a fényt a
What is Stephanus? – The birth of a new festival
How is a new international organ festival born in Budapest in 2026? You need a special instrument, a worthy space, excellent artists – and above all, an idea that something new can be born from it all. Thus, in the autumn of 2026 at St Stephen's Basilica, the Stephanus International Organ Festival sets off: four concerts featuring Hungarian and international organists, performing the great works of organ literature
Why is the grand organ of St Stephen's Basilica special?
In the autumn of 2026, the St Stephen’s Basilica will host the Stephanus International Organ Festival for the first time, featuring invited domestic and international organists alongside the grand organ of the Basilica itself. In preparation for the festival, we have gathered some interesting facts about the instrument that has been a defining part of the church for over a century – and which underwent a major
St Stephen's Basilica – a majestic classic in the heart of Budapest
St Stephen's Basilica will host the Stephanus International Organ Festival for the first time in the autumn of 2026. Many know that Budapest's largest Catholic church is also an outstanding cultural destination. Tuning in to the festival, let us recall 5+1 historical curiosities! 1. Long construction period The Basilica took 54 years to build, with the foundation stone laid on 4 October 1851 and the final stone on 1906.