Renowned Hungarian cellist Zoltán Onczay radiated joy as he took to the stage for his debut performance in the Philippines. The vibrant atmosphere of the Aliw Theater in Pasay City came alive during the Manila Symphony Orchestra's enchanting event, "A Night in Hollywood."

With each stroke of his bow, Zoltán captivated the audience, creating a magical evening filled with the mesmerizing sounds of orchestral music.

"It's fantastic! I love Asia, especially Southeast Asia. But this is my first time in Manila. It's very nice and the people are very kind. I like the sunshine and the humidity," said Zoltán when asked about performing in Manila during an interview at the Manila Bulletin's Paper Cup coffee shop in Intramuros recently.

Performing for the Philippine audience, Zoltán added, "That was a fantastic concert, 'A Night in Hollywood.' I want to thank the organizers. I would also like to thank the Manila Symphony Orchestra, organized by Jeffrey Solares. It was a special concert with good music. I could feel the vibrant energy of the audience. The orchestra played various pieces from films, primarily from the works of John Williams. I had the opportunity to play his wonderful solo piece 'Seven Years In Tibet,' and I performed folk music."

Zoltán was accompanied by Hungarian Ambassador to the Philippines Titanilla Tóth during the interview at the Manila Bulletin. She was also impressed by the audience that attended the concert.

"The concert was a huge success, with many young people in the crowd. The crowd was fantastic, and it was a full house," the Ambassador said.

She also said, "Since the theme is Hollywood, some people were dressed in costumes. We were surprised by how the younger generation tried to connect with the music."

Zoltán expressed his delight about the concert, a thrilling experience that resonated with his deep passion for Hollywood movies and the enchanting world of music.

The melodies and captivating performances transported him, making every moment feel like a scene straight out of a cinematic masterpiece.

Unknown to many, Zoltán's bond with the vibrant Filipino community has its roots stretching back to the unforgettable year of 2022.

"We were on holiday with my family when I got a message from a friend who informed me about the concern of Jeffrey Solares, the Executive Director and Associate Conductor of the Manila Symphony Orchestra.

"The message read, 'Hi, we are from the Philippines. We need your help because we've been involved in an accident. Some of the cellos have broken. I didn't know what to do because it was Saturday.

"It happened. And I met him. We went to a cello shop. One hour before the concert, they were able to fix the cellos. It was tough," the Hungarian cellist said.

Zoltán said that one of his best friends knew Jeffrey's team. That time, Jeffrey really wanted to get in touch with his father, but he wasn't home. Zoltán recalled that he toured Jeffrey and his companions while waiting for the cellos to be fixed.

The Hungarian Ambassador praised Zoltán for his gesture. "The friendly attitude of the Hungarians toward others could open doors," she said.

From a young age of seven, Zoltán immersed himself in the enchanting world of music, his fingers dancing over the strings of the cello like a painter's brush on a canvas.

The deep, rich tones of the instrument have been a constant companion throughout his journey, echoing the stories of his life, each note a reflection of his growing passion and artistry.

"I come from a musical family. My father is a cellist, while my mother is a violin player. I was surrounded by music. My father also plays at home. He went on tour for music. I had memories when I was three years old. She played in the orchestra. They exposed me to beautiful orchestral music," he said. "I have been touching the instrument since I was seven. I attended schools in Hungary, Germany, the United States, and other countries, as well as various master classes."

Zoltán said one of the memorable moments playing the cello was when he played the instrument with his father in an orchestra several years ago. "That was a memorable moment."

Aside from his father, Zoltán also admires French-American cellist Yo-Yo Ma. "I had the opportunity to work with him. That was memorable."

Zoltán has announced that he will release his first solo CD, which will feature mostly contemporary Hungarian music. "I am working with another conductor next year, who will feature more chamber music.

He believes the challenge of playing the cello in this fast-paced world is reconnecting with the young generation through his music.

"So, probably this is one of my challenges. How do you reconnect with people and say the music is fantastic? That's why I try to play not only classical music, but I also enjoy improvising. With my electric cello, I also have projects. I believe it will bring music to the young generation. And then I can invite them to a nice classical concert. So this is a challenge," Zoltán said.

The Hungarian Ambassador highlighted her country's musical heritage, stating that while Hungary boasts beautiful singing voices, its true strength lies in its instrumental music.

"One of the essential elements is the Franz Liszt Academy of Music in Hungary, a prestigious music institution. Many people are studying there. However, we have a strong connection to the Zoltán Kodály Institute, one of the famous ethnography collectors.

"He helped us to preserve our folk music. His legacy is now 50 years old, so we are celebrating it this year. And here in the Philippines, we are celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Kodaly Institute. So we had a great concert.

"We had a great professor from the Liszt Ferenc Academy and the Zoltán Kodály Institute. I believe Hungary has a rich legacy in music education and a strong tradition of disseminating knowledge worldwide, said Ambassador Tóth. "We are stronger on instruments. However, we have incredible voices."

Zoltán said that he wants to play as long as he can. "This is a wish," he said. "Musicians are always looking for opportunities, so I hope my career progresses smoothly."

Beyond the serene world of classical compositions, Zoltán immerses himself in the melodies of contemporary pop artists, their infectious rhythms and catchy hooks weaving a tapestry of modern sound that energizes his spirit.

"I love old, funky music, such as James Brown, Prince, and Michael Jackson. From the present generation, I love Seal," he added.

Zoltán generously shared his invaluable wisdom with the aspiring young musician, offering insights that sparkled with experience and passion.

"Be open-minded and try to learn about the significant differences in musical styles that will take you further. So you shouldn't be busy with one musical direction.

"You should be familiar with other genres, such as folk, jazz, or contemporary music. You also have to learn different styles. It will make your personality different. But you have to choose one. I'm a classical cellist," Zoltán said.