András Gábor Virágh
Orgonaművész, zeneszerző és a Szent István Bazilika orgonaművésze, a Stephanus Nemzetközi Orgonafesztivál művészeti vezetője, akinek alkotói és előadóművészi munkásságában a hagyomány tisztelete és az új hangzás lehetőségei találkoznak.
professional achievements
Az Év komolyzenei műve díj
2020, 2026
Bartók-Pásztory-díj
2022
Erkel-díj
2015, 2017
Istvánffy Benedek zeneszerzői díj
2015, 2017
Magyar Művészeti Akadémia zeneszerző ösztöndíja
2013
Junior Prima Díj
2011
beginnings
András Gábor Virágh is a leading organist and composer on the contemporary Hungarian music scene. He is the organist at St Stephen’s Basilica, a lecturer at the Liszt Ferenc Academy of Music, a member of the executive committee of the Hungarian Composers’ Association, and a founding member of Studio5.
As an organist, he has performed in numerous European countries as well as overseas; as a composer, his works feature regularly on the programmes of domestic and international concert halls, festivals and church music events. His compositions are published by prestigious European music publishers, and his creative output is marked by success in domestic and international competitions, as well as numerous professional accolades.
St. Stephen's Basilica
St Stephen’s Basilica is not merely a place of worship, but has been a defining part of his life since childhood. As a small child, he was introduced to the musical world of the Basilica by his father, and his first formative experiences of the organ are also linked to this place. At the age of fourteen, he played his first solo Mass at the Basilica, and during his secondary school years he regularly stood in for his father and mentor, István Koloss.
István Koloss was not only his mentor, but also one of the most influential figures in shaping his musical thinking. The trust and guidance he received from him led to him taking over the post of organist at the Basilica from him in 2009. To this day, he regards that moment as one of the most significant turning points in his career.
He is credited with devising the artistic concept for the Basilica’s grand organ and with the technical preparations for its restoration. The organ restoration, completed in 2025, realised a vision that had been in the making for almost a decade and a half: an instrument was reborn which, through its sound, artistic possibilities and international acclaim, has opened a new chapter in the musical life of the Basilica. Today, the restored organ is also one of the most important sources of inspiration for the Stephanus International Organ Festival.
At the Stephanus International Organ Festival
A Stephanus Nemzetközi Orgonafesztivál művészeti vezetője, Virágh András Gábor számára a Stephanus nem csupán koncertsorozat, hanem egy régi álom kiteljesedése. A megújult bazilikai nagyorgona olyan művészi lehetőségeket kínál, amelyek méltó módon mutatják meg a hangszer gazdagságát és sokszínűségét.
In his concert, works by the masters of the great organ tradition enter into a dialogue with contemporary Hungarian music. The programme pays tribute to the masters who shaped his musical journey, whilst also opening up new horizons through the soundscape of the Basilica’s restored organ – evoking the motto of St Stephen’s: Lux et Sonus.