SÁNDOR BALLA, baritone sensation from Marosvásárhely
Dances by the KÁRPÁTOK
Showcasing L.A. Performing Artists! Art exhibit! Hungarian food!
As part of the event, our Congregation honored leaders of the L.A. Hungarian Scouts – Éva Balog-Sipos, Pál Kass, and László Latkóczy - for their work on behalf of Hungarian art, language, and culture.
A gyülekezet és a templom vezetősége szeretné kifejezni legmélyebb tiszteletét és elismerését,
Balogh Sipos Éva, Kass Pál, és Latkóczy László
cserkész vezetőknek
a Los Angeles-i Magyar Cserkészetért végzett önzetlen szolgálatáért, kitartó munkájáért és odaadó hűségéért. Áldozatos tevékenységével nemzedékeket nevel a magyar nyelv és kultúra szeretetére, a hagyományaink tiszteletére, a közösség összetartására és a cserkész eszmények gyakorlására. A gyermekeknek és fiataloknak átadott tudás és példa biztosítja, hogy a magyar szó, dal és szellem itt, Los Angelesben is tovább éljen.
Hálás szívvel és mély megbecsüléssel köszöni munkájukat
a Los Angeles-i Első Magyar Református Egyház gyülekezete.
RECOGNITION AWARD FOR THE SCOUT LEADERS
Every year, our church sets aside a special moment to recognize those whose dedication and service shine brightly within our Hungarian community. These are people who give of themselves quietly and tirelessly, making sure that our heritage is not only remembered, but truly lived—passed down from one generation to the next.
This year, our recognition turns to the leaders of the Los Angeles Hungarian Scouts, a group whose work often begins in childhood, shaping lives in the most lasting way possible.
The Hungarian Scout movement is more than just hiking, camping, or wearing a uniform. Since its beginning in 1909 in Hungary, scouting has carried values of service, loyalty, and pride in our identity. Even when the movement was banned in Hungary in 1948, brave leaders in exile carried it across oceans and borders, building scout troops around the world. Here in Los Angeles, that flame continues to burn, giving children and families a living connection to our Hungarian roots.
But what makes Hungarian Scouting truly special is its emphasis on culture and language. It is not only about learning survival skills or teamwork, but about learning to speak, read, and write Hungarian—and being encouraged to use our beautiful language whenever they gather. Through this, young people gain more than words; they gain identity, they gain pride, and they discover the joy of belonging to something much bigger than themselves.
Here in Los Angeles, the Scouts meet regularly—teaching traditions, celebrating holidays, singing songs, and learning the history of our people. They camp under the stars, but they also gather in classrooms and church halls, where leaders patiently guide them in the ways of both scouting and Hungarian culture. It is a place where children grow up with discipline and responsibility, but also with warmth, laughter, and the closeness of a second family.
None of this would be possible without the devotion of their leaders. Éva Balog-Sipos, Pál Kass, and László Latkóczy have each given countless hours—weekends, evenings, and summers—pouring their energy into the lives of these children. They are teachers, mentors, and examples to follow. Through their work, the Scouts of Los Angeles not only become good citizens, but also remain proudly Hungarian in heart and soul.
And so tonight, we pause to recognize these three remarkable leaders for their unselfish service, their unwavering dedication, and their heartfelt commitment to both the Hungarian Scout movement and our community here in Los Angeles. Their work has kept alive our traditions, strengthened our bonds, and lit the way for a new generation.
Please join us in applauding Éva Balog-Sipos, Pali Kass, and László Latkózcy, as we honor them with the Recognition Award for their extraordinary service.
Introduction of Sándor and Zsuzsanna Balla
It is a great honor to welcome two extraordinary musicians who have devoted their lives to sharing the beauty of Hungarian music with audiences around the world: opera baritone Sándor Balla and pianist Zsuzsanna Balla.
Both born in Marosvásárhely, Romania, the Balla siblings began their musical journeys at a young age. Sándor initially studied clarinet before turning to vocal performance, and he honed his skills at the prestigious Gheorghe Dima Music Academy in Cluj under the guidance of Professor Alexandru Fărcaș. Zsuzsanna began playing piano at the age of six, studying with some of the finest teachers in Transylvania, and quickly became recognized for her technical skill and expressive musicality.
Sándor Balla has built an impressive international career as an opera soloist. Since 2011, he has been a member of the Hungarian Opera in Cluj, and prior to that, he performed with the Elena Teodorini Opera in Craiova and as a soloist with the Marosvásárhely State Philharmonic. Over the years, he has taken on leading baritone roles in a wide range of operas, from Donizetti and Rossini to Verdi, Puccini, and Mozart, delighting audiences with his rich voice, compelling stage presence, and deep artistic expression. In addition, his concert repertoire includes major vocal–symphonic works such as Orff’s Carmina Burana, Mozart’s Requiem, Schubert’s Mass in G, Fauré’s Requiem, and Britten’s War Requiem. His performances have taken him to stages across Europe and the United States, where he has collaborated with world-renowned conductors and earned widespread acclaim.
Zsuzsanna Balla has spent more than twenty years in the United States, where she lives with her husband and two children in Ypsilanti, Michigan. She is a gifted pianist, teacher, and an inspiring musical leader. She serves as the organist and music director at the Hungarian Roman Catholic Church in Detroit and is an active organizer of events for Hungarian communities throughout North America. Together with her brother, she has introduced audiences to the beauty of Hungarian opera, operetta, and folk music in nearly every major city in the United States and Canada — from churches and consulates to cultural congresses and festivals. In recognition of her tireless work for the Hungarian diaspora, she was awarded the Hungarian Silver Cross of Merit.
Together, Sándor and Zsuzsanna Balla represent not only exceptional musical talent but also a deep dedication to preserving and sharing Hungarian culture. Their performances embody the richness, passion, and heart of our musical heritage. Tonight, we are privileged to experience their artistry firsthand. Please join us in giving a warm and heartfelt welcome to Sándor and Zsuzsanna Balla.
Az esemény felvétele
Kiemelt támogatók:
Gyémánt fővédnök:
Ernest E Barlough, Jeffrey Barlough, Irene Zizda
GBU Life
Bill Terramorse, Tunde Garai
Arany védnök:
Bela Bacsa, Etelka M Bacsa
Carmen B Castillo
Christy Dolinay, Tamas Dolinay
Katherine Hickey
Frank Ury
Ezüst pártfogó:
Laszlo J Cser, Maria E Cser
Tamas M Igloi, Judith Igloi
Judit Sidlo
Tóth Mária
We thank everyone and anyone who assisted in any way with our Hungarian Heritage Benefit Concert on Sept 7. We thank our donors, our Diamond Patrons: GBU Life (GBU.org) ; Mrs. Irene Zizda and sons Ernest E Barlough, Jeffrey Barlough; Tünde Garai. Golden Patrons: Béla and Etelka M Bácsa; Carmen B Castillo; Frank Ury. Silver Patrons: László and Mária Cser; Tamás and Judith Iglói; Judit Sidló. We thank those who exhibited their art and their crafts. Thank you to Golden Paprika for the delightful pop-up deli and which made the amazing Raffle Baskets. We thank those who came - including our Guests of Honor, the Scout Troop Leaders – Éva Balog-Sipos, Pál Kass, and László Latkóczy - and made the afternoon special with their attendance. We thank Dr. István Gróf, Hungarian Consul, who gave a very moving speech about sharing our Hungarian culture and art.
We thank our performing artists: SÁNDOR BALLA, ZSUZSÁNNA BALLA, and the Kárpátok. Our organizer Eva Mátte. MC’s Attila Hegedüs and the lovely Michelle Czeglédi DeWitt. Flutist Dr. Tai Chen. Accordionist Péter Geburth and DJX Géza Csenterics. Our pastor, Zoltán Bátori. Thanks to all who cooked and baked: Chefs Hilárion and Renáta Castillo. Those who baked some more, set up and cleaned up, donated or helped in any way (in alphabetical order) … Diána Csenterics, Teresa Flores, Tünde Garai, Dr. Katalin Havasi, Mrs. Lajos Horompoly, Kati Horváth, Ferenc and Ibolya Hudák, Sárika Kakuk and her sweet daughter Cindy Santorelli, Andrea Kotschy, Lynette Markus, Bill Terramorse, Böbe Tóth, Miki Tóth, Lila Uzdy, Annette Vanila...we thank you! There were so many people who helped; we apologize if we left anyone out.
It was a beautiful blue-sky afternoon, and all the food got eaten, every crumb of pastry did too. We enjoyed catching up with old friends and making new ones. We were overjoyed to see our 2nd Pastor (from 1948 – 1969) Rev. Anthony Szabo’s two granddaughters, Dr. Kati Hickey and Ilonka Saltzer.
As our Congregation approaches 100 years of existence, we thank God for his unending grace and blessings in our lives and in the life of our church, and we are deeply grateful to our supporters. So many people helped make this benefit successful in so many ways that we apologize if we left anyone out. The proceeds help keep the doors open, pay the church bills, make building repairs, and most of all, allow us to continue to serve God and the community as we have since 1926. A heartfelt thanks to all who contribute to the life of our Congregation in any way. Our church exists because of God’s grace, your prayers, and gifts of time, talent, and treasure. May God bless you for your kindness and generosity.
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Col. 3:17).
Köszönet mindazoknak, akik segítségükkel, jelenlétükkel hozzájárultak a Magyar Örökség Nap sikeréhez! Tagjainkak, baratainknak áldozatából tartjuk fenn épületeinket, végezzük szolgálatunkat. Hálás köszönet mindazoknak, akik bármilyen módon szolgálnak, segítik egyházunkat!
És örült a nép az önkéntes adakozásnak, mert tiszta szívvel, önként adakoztak az Úrnak. - 2 Kron. 29,9.
Ha Isten Igéjét a szívedben hordozod és megosztod másokkal, életed olyan lehet, mint a hullámot indító vízcsepp…
Dicsőség Istenünknek mindenért. Ámen.
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