World Music Day was first held in 1975 on the initiative of Yehudi Menuhin. The then president of the International Music Council wanted music to reach as many people as possible on this day, not just within traditional concert halls. The original call was intended to last a week and specifically mentioned churches, schools, public spaces, parks and other community venues. More than half a century later, the idea has lost none of its power, but the World Day has been reduced to a single day: 1 October.
The organ at St Michael’s Cathedral in Veszprém is a real rarity. The concert organ, which underwent a complete structural refurbishment and extension in 2023, has 2,333 pipes, four manuals and 55 playable stops. Among its special features are the mobile console, the remote control unit located in the oratory, and the so-called Spanish trumpet.
On 1 October, another of its capabilities will come to the fore. The playback electronics are capable of recording the organist’s keystrokes, timing and tone settings. In other words, we are not listening to a recording of the organ played back through a loudspeaker: based on the recorded performance, the instrument itself plays its own pipes.
The three works were performed for the system by organist Tamás Kosóczki, who has been the organist at St Michael’s Cathedral since September 2025 and is also the head of the Choirmaster Training Course at the Archdiocese of Veszprém. An artist of international renown whose concerts have earned him several major scholarships, he launched the Várhegy Organ Evenings series in 2026 as its artistic director. The next concert in the series will feature organist László Deák and flautist Márk Fülep on 26 September at the Cathedral.
Tickets can be purchased via this link.
On Thursday, 1 October 2026, the organ at the Cathedral will be played eight times for approximately 10 minutes each, every hour from 10.30 am to 5.30 pm. Throughout the day, visitors to the Cathedral will be able to enjoy popular organ pieces. Admission is subject to the purchase of a visitor’s ticket (500 HUF).
Times: 10.30 am · 11.30 am · 12.30 pm · 1.30 pm · 2.30 pm · 3.30 pm · 4.30 pm · 5.30 pm
Venue: St Michael’s Cathedral
