# Budapest Lantos Choir

> Hungarian choir (1950-)

**Wikidata**: [Q118202831](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q118202831)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/budapest-lantos-choir

## Summary
The Budapest Lantos Choir is a Hungarian musical ensemble established in Budapest in 1950. Throughout its history, the choir has undergone several name changes, reflecting Hungary's political shifts, before adopting its current name in March 2017. It is currently led by conductor Tamás Szarka.

## Key Facts
- **Official Name**: Budapesti Lantos Kórus (since March 2017)
- **Entity Type**: Choir (instance of a musical group/vocal ensemble)
- **Location**: Budapest, Hungary (specifically Budapest VII. kerület, Rottenbiller u. 16-22., 1074)
- **Inception Date**: May 1, 1950
- **Genre**: Classical music
- **Current Conductor**: Tamás Szarka (since 2023)
- **Website**: https://budapestilantoskorus.hu/ (Hungarian language)
- **Social Media**: Facebook (bikkorus), Instagram (budapestilantoskorus), TikTok (budapestilantoskorus), YouTube (budapestilantoskorus)
- **YouTube Channel ID**: UClG6IOkfbHYyNpJKHNe3xsQ (created March 18, 2020)
- **Past Names**: Budapesti Ifjúsági Kórus (1990–2017), Munkaerőtartalékok Központi Énekkara (1950–1954), DISZ Központi Énekkara (1955–1956), Petőfi Ifjúsági Együttes (1956–1957), KISZ Központi Művészegyüttes Központi Énekkara (1957–1989)
- **Directors/Managers**:
    - Rezső Lantos (1950–1977)
    - Árpád Darazs (1950–1957)
    - Edit Lantos (1977–1980)
    - Kálmán Strausz (1977–1996)
    - Ágnes Gerenday (1996–2023)
    - Tamás Szarka (2023–present)

## FAQs
**Q: What was the Budapest Lantos Choir originally called?**
A: Founded on May 1, 1950, the ensemble was first known as the Munkaerőtartalékok Központi Énekkara (Central Choir of Labor Reserves). It changed names several times in its early years, including to DISZ Központi Énekkara and Petőfi Ifjúsági Együttes, before becoming associated with the KISZ (Communist Youth Alliance) for over three decades.

**Q: Why is it now called the "Lantos" Choir?**
A: The choir adopted the name "Budapesti Lantos Kórus" in March 2017. This name honors Rezső Lantos and Edit Lantos, two of its most influential long-term conductors who led the choir during its formative decades from 1950 to 1980.

**Q: Who leads the choir today and where is it based?**
A: As of 2023, the Budapest Lantos Choir is conducted by Tamás Szarka. The choir is based in Budapest's 7th district, with its address at Rottenbiller u. 16-22, and maintains an active presence on YouTube and other social media platforms.

## Why It Matters
The Budapest Lantos Choir is a significant cultural institution in Hungary, with a history spanning over seven decades. Founded in 1950, its longevity and continued activity provide a living link to Hungary's rich choral tradition. The choir's evolution mirrors the country's own historical changes, from its early association with state youth organizations during the communist era to its current independent status. By consistently performing classical music and maintaining a roster of dedicated conductors—including the long-serving Ágnes Gerenday (1996–2023) and the Lantos family—the choir plays a vital role in preserving and promoting Hungarian choral music both domestically and to a wider online audience.

## Notable For
- **Longevity**: Continuous operation since 1950, making it a long-standing fixture in the Hungarian music scene.
- **Historical Name Changes**: Its various official names (e.g., KISZ Központi Művészegyüttes Központi Énekkara) directly reflect major political and social shifts in Hungary from the 1950s through the 1990s.
- **Leadership Legacy**: The choir has been guided by a series of notable conductors, including its founder Rezső Lantos and Árpád Darazs in its earliest years.
- **Digital Presence**: The choir actively engages with a modern audience through its official website, YouTube channel (launched in 2020), and other social media platforms.

## Body
### Historical Names and Evolution
The Budapest Lantos Choir has held several official names throughout its existence, reflecting the political and cultural context of the time:
- **1950–1954**: Munkaerőtartalékok Központi Énekkara
- **1955–1956**: DISZ Központi Énekkara
- **1956–1957**: Petőfi Ifjúsági Együttes
- **1957–1989**: KISZ Központi Művészegyüttes Központi Énekkara
- **1990–2017**: Budapesti Ifjúsági Kórus
- **2017–Present**: Budapesti Lantos Kórus

### Directors and Leadership
The choir has been led by a succession of conductors, with periods of overlapping leadership:
- **Founding Era (1950–1957)**: Rezső Lantos and Árpád Darazs were the initial directors.
- **Mid-Period (1977–1996)**: Leadership was shared between Edit Lantos and Kálmán Strausz during a nearly two-decade span.
- **Modern Era (1996–2023)**: Ágnes Gerenday served as the director for 27 years.
- **Current Leadership (2023–Present)**: Tamás Szarka is the current conductor.

### Location and Contact Information
The choir is physically located in Budapest, Hungary. Its address is:
- **Street**: Rottenbiller u. 16-22.
- **District**: Budapest VII. kerület (7th district)
- **Postal Code**: 1074

The choir maintains a digital presence through its official website (https://budapestilantoskorus.hu/) and active social media profiles, including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and a YouTube channel created in March 2020.

## References

1. [65 éves lett a Budapesti Ifjúsági Kórus](https://www.parlando.hu/2016/2016-1/Budapesti-Ifjusagi-Korus_65.htm)
2. [Source](https://budapestilantoskorus.hu/karnagyok/gerenday-agnes/)
3. [Source](https://budapestilantoskorus.hu/karnagyok/lantos-rezso/)
4. [Source](https://budapestilantoskorus.hu/karnagyok/darazs-arpad/)
5. [Source](https://budapestilantoskorus.hu/karnagyok/lantos-edit/)
6. [Source](https://budapestilantoskorus.hu/karnagyok/strausz-kalman/)
7. [Source](https://budapestilantoskorus.hu/karnagyok/szarka-tamas/)
8. YouTube API