This cooperation project with FIDA International eV and MASZ (Joint Budapest) was held this time, unlike in previous years, in a café setting. We set up this café in the middle of the Bálint Ház cultural center, where the audience could enjoy the magnificent performance of opera singer Matti Turunen, appreciative speeches, and pastries and cakes at ten round tables. Matti Turunen’s program initially included Jewish melodies and, after the intermission, operetta and opera melodies.
Linnea and Eero Valtiala (FIDA Int. eV) reported that they received a great deal of feedback through MASZ after this concert. This feedback even came from people who were unable to attend the concert but had heard about it from others.
The local organizer MASZ wrote to Linnea and Eero: We are very pleased to forward you the letters of thanks from the Holocaust survivors for the wonderful event and concert. These letters best demonstrate that you not only offered the survivors a wonderful program and delicious food, but also touched their hearts.
Here is some feedback from concert attendees:
→ I would like to express my heartfelt thanks for yesterday’s invitation. The concert was outstanding. I cannot fail to mention the hospitality, which was unlike anything I have experienced before. The love and outstanding hospitality shone through in both the content and the trappings. Please convey my thanks to those responsible.
→ Thank you very much for the concert, it was very pleasant and enjoyable. The audience consisted entirely of women, but the singer sang and played the piano beautifully, so all of us ladies had a wonderful time. With thanks!
→ Thank you very much for the invitation. It was an incredible experience. Words cannot describe it. It was a wonderful afternoon. Thank you again.
→ Thank you for sending me the concert notification. I went and it was a truly wonderful experience (I’m not just saying that to be polite). Best regards.
We were especially pleased with the three energetic friends from the Christian community Új Élet Gyülekezet (New Life), who helped us with serving. During the half-hour break, we were able to quickly serve treats and coffee to the appreciative audience.
The leftover food and flowers were distributed to the guests as they left the hall. Their gratitude was touching.
Although it was a long day, and we returned to Vienna tired in the evening, we realized how much this concert meant to this elderly audience in today’s world full of prejudice and racism. We thank all our partners for making it possible to organize this wonderful concert together!
Anne and Hannu
(September 2025)