MAESTRO SAPSZON FERENC

Birth of Color

Ferenc Sapszon is a distinguished Hungarian choral conductor whose illustrious career spans over several decades and has made significant contributions to the field of choral music. He began his musical education at the prestigious Ferenc Liszt Conservatory in Budapest, studying from 1950 to 1957 under the mentorship of Zoltán Vásárhelyi. Following his formal training, Sapszon gained valuable experience working with the National Philharmonic Orchestra during the 1957-1958 season under conductor Férfikarnál Állami.

His career in choral music flourished as he joined the Rádióénekkar (Hungarian Radio Chorus) from 1958 to 1964, initially as a correpetitor and later as a conductor from 1964 to 1966. He served as the main director of the chorus from 1966 until 1990, during which time he helped elevate the ensemble's status and repertoire. In 1990, Sapszon transitioned to academia, taking on the role of Professor of Choral Conducting at the Debrecen Faculty of the Ferenc Liszt Conservatory. His passion for choral music extended beyond professional ensembles to various amateur choirs, which he directed throughout his career. Notable groups include the Semmelweis Kórus (1952-1985), Bartók Kórus (1964-1978), Budaörsi Pro Musica Kórus (since 1984), and Vass Lajos Kórusa of the Slovak-Hungarian teachers (since 1997). Sapszon's contributions to music have been recognized with numerous prestigious awards, including the Ferenc Liszt Award (1972), the Award of the Hungarian Trades Union Council (1974), and the title of Honoured Artist of the Hungarian People's Republic (1982). He received the Bartók-Pásztory Prize (1985) and was named an Outstanding Artist of the Hungarian People's Republic (1989). In recognition of his impact on the cultural landscape, he was honored as an Honorary Citizen of Budapest (1989) and received the Order of Merit of the Hungarian Republic (1994).

A member of several professional organizations, including the Union of Hungarian Musicians and the Hungarian Ferenc Liszt, Lajos Bardos & Zoltán Kodály Societies, Sapszon is also affiliated with the Society of Hungarian Choirs. His extensive discography, featuring a wide array of works by Hungarian composers, is available on the Hungaroton label, showcasing his dedication to promoting Hungarian choral music and culture. Ferenc Sapszon's enduring legacy continues to inspire future generations of musicians and choral conductors.