Edited by Anna Popper
For over 2,000 years, Advent has heralded a season of hope, anticipation and spiritual preparation, marking the beginning of the liturgical year in the Christian tradition. Rooted in ancient practices, this sacred time reflects humanity’s enduring desire for light in the darkness and the fulfilment of the divine promise through the Nativity of Jesus.
The timeless message of Advent came alive on 7 December 2024 at St. Stephen’s Basilica in Budapest, where the Embassy of the Republic of Croatia, supported by the Croatian Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs and in partnership with the Croatian National Tourist Board’s representative office in Hungary, hosted a grand Croatian religious-concert event.
One of Budapest’s landmarks dedicated to the first king of Hungary and founder of the nation, St. Stephen’s Basilica is steeped in history and spiritual significance. It houses the revered relic of King St Stephen’s Holy Right Hand. With its majestic dome, neoclassical elegance, and excellent acoustics, the Basilica is not only a sacred place of worship but also a space for cultural expression where music and art uplift the human spirit. The Advent Concert, held amidst the grandeur of this place, resonated with the joy and hope that Advent has inspired throughout the centuries.
The event began with a Croatian and Hungarian solemn Mass, symbolizing the unity of faith and culture, bridging nations through shared history and traditions. It was celebrated by Mons. Ivan Ćurić, Auxiliary Bishop of Đakovo-Osijek and representative of the Croatian Bishops’ Conference. He was joined by Mons. Gábor Mohos, Auxiliary Bishop of St. Stephen’s Basilica, and Fr. Vencel Tóth, a Croatian Franciscan priest based in Hungary. The Mass was beautifully complemented by a choral performance from the Croatian Radio and Television (HRT) Choir, conducted by Maestro Tomislav Fačini.
The Basilica, at full capacity, welcomed an esteemed audience invited by His Excellency Dr. Mladen Andrlić, Ambassador of the Republic of Croatia to Hungary, and his Spouse. Distinguished attendees included numerous ambassadors and members of the diplomatic corps accredited to Hungary, such as the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, Apostolic Nuncio H.E. Mons. Michael Wallace Banach. Other notable guests were Mr. Drago Horvat, Croatian General Consul in Pécs; Dr. Atila Kos, Honorary Consul of Croatia in Nagykanizsa; as well as Croats from Budapest and all over Hungary, in addition to Hungarian participants. Representing Croatia were Zdravko Zima, Cultural Advisor to the President of the Republic of Croatia; Stjepan Adanić, Chairman of the Board of JANAF; Ivan Gugan, President of the Croatian State Self-Government in Hungary; and Ivana Herceg, Director of the Croatian National Tourist Board’s Hungarian office. Hungarian officials, business leaders, and representatives from cultural, academic and religious institutions also participated.
Ambassador Dr. Mladen Andrlić addressed the audience with warm holiday greetings and reflected on the Embassy’s collaboration with St. Stephen’s Basilica, which began in 2023 with a performance by the Croatian Academic Choir “Ivan Goran Kovačić” from Zagreb. He emphasized the importance of this initiative, which has become a tradition, and highlighted the HRT Choir’s exceptional performance of Boris Papandopulo’s Croatian Mass as a cultural contribution to the Advent season. “We will continue hosting concerts in this magnificent Basilica. I believe we have much more to offer from Croatia’s cultural treasures to strengthen our presence in Hungary”, he remarked.
The highlight of the evening was the Croatian Mass in D minor, Op. 86 by Boris Papandopulo (1906-1991), performed by the HRT Choir under the direction of Chief Conductor Maestro Tomislav Fačini. The choir was joined by soloists: soprano Marija Kuhar Šoša, mezzo-soprano Martina Gojčeta Silić, tenor Stjepan Franetović, and baritone Robert Kolar.
This monumental work for a cappella choir and four soloists, structured in six movements, follows the Mass Ordinary in Croatian. It transcends its liturgical origins, serving as a captivating concert piece that combines Croatian polyphonic traditions, Glagolitic and Old Slavic idioms, and influences from Orthodox church music. Boris Papandopulo is a highly prolific author with over 400 compositions to his name. His masterpiece was premiered in 1942 at the Croatian Music Institute. Despite periods of neglect, the HRT Choir, under its conductor, has been instrumental in its revival since 2021, bringing this work closer to audiences across Croatia and beyond.
The program concluded with enchanting performances by two talented young pianists: Croatian Ivan Petrović-Poljak and Hungarian Soma Balázs-Piri, both winners of the Hungarian classical music talent competition “Virtuosos”, which has been broadcast on Hungarian TV for several years, has gained international recognition and will celebrate its 10th season in 2025. Their repertoire included Franz Liszt’s Sonetto 104 del Petrarca, Frédéric Chopin’s Scherzo in B-flat minor, and a delightful four-hand rendition of a famous excerpt from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker.
A special and memorable conclusion to the evening occurred when all performers and attendees joined in singing “Silent Night”, the world’s most beloved Christmas carol. First performed as Stille Nacht, Heilige Nacht on Christmas Eve in 1818 in Oberndorf, Austria, the carol was sung in three languages – German, Hungarian and Croatian – to symbolize festive joy.
As the harmonies filled the air, they reminded all in attendance of Advent’s enduring power – a season that transcends time, inviting each generation to prepare their hearts for Christmas.
Special thanks and recognition go to H.E. Ambassador Dr. Mladen Andrlić and Councillor Mrs. Marina Sikora, as well as the entire Embassy staff for their tireless efforts in organising this unforgettable evening. Their dedication created a truly remarkable experience that honoured the second Sunday of Advent and left a lasting impression on all who attended.
Following the concert and reception, concert guests had the opportunity to visit the Christmas Market at Bazilika Square, which was honoured with the prestigious title of “Best Christmas Market of All the Time” and recognized as the Most Awarded Christmas Market in Europe.
Source: Embassy of the Republic of Croatia in Budapest, Ms. Marina Sikora, Ms. Neda Maretic
Photos by Ms. Neda Maretic and DPA
