Sebestyén János
organ, harpsichord
After graduating from the Budapest Ferenc Liszt Academy of Music in 1955, he has paid equal attention to playing the organ and the harpsichord. He has set himself the task of adapting modern music to the harpsichord; therefore, he has transcribed a number of modern piaon works for this instrument. At the same time, several Hungarian contemporary composers created - at János Sebestyén's request - new harpsichord works. In 1971 he founded the harpsichord department at the Academy of Music. Besides playing regularly in Hungary's concert halls and on the programs of the Hungarian Radio and Television, he has been a regular guest performer in Europe and in the USA. He has made recordings with Vox - New York, Discodis - Paris, CBS Italiana, Angelicum - Milan, Ariston - Milan, and Hungaroton. With Mr.Sebestyén Vox has releasd six records of the first complete edition of Liszt's organ works. In recogniton of his outsatnding artistic mertis János Sebestyén was awarded Erkel Award in 1967, Liszt Award in 1974, and the title Merited Artist in 1982. He also has been recognized in abroad: the Knight Order of the Republic of Italy has been awarded to him, and the Orderof Grande Commendador of Infant Henry in Portugal.