April 15, 2005 -

Ottawa (Canada) -- The National Arts Centre is proud to announce that it will be receiving the donation of a bronze cast bust of composer Béla Bartók created by celebrated Hungarian sculptor Pál Pátzay. The gift will be presented by Mr. & Mrs. Odon I. and Yvonne Panek of Ottawa in the presence of His Excellency Denes Tomaj, Ambassador of the Republic of Hungary during a pre-concert reception prior to the April 19, 2005 National Arts Centre Orchestra Ovation Series performance featuring Bartók. The Paneks have been devoted subscribers to the National Arts Centre since its opening in 1969.

“The National Arts Centre is grateful to Mr. & Mrs. Panek for their generosity and support of the arts in Canada,” said Peter Herrndorf, President and CEO of the National Arts Centre. “This bust of composer Béla Bartók by sculptor Pál Pátzay will be a wonderful inspirational figure to walk past every day and have here in the lobby of the NAC.” 

Often referred to as the greatest Hungarian composer, Béla Bartók (1881-1945) was one of the most significant musicians of the twentieth century. Highly influenced by ethnomusicology, his music was invigorated by the themes, modes, and rhythmic patterns of both Hungarian and other folk music traditions, which he synthesized with influences from his contemporaries into his own distinctive style.

The sculptor of the bronze cast bust is Pál Pátzay (1896-1979). An important figure in Hungarian art over six decades, Pátzay was an artist, teacher and public servant who created a diverse body of sculptural work ranging from monumental compositions for public squares and statues-in-the-round to portraits and plaques.

For more information, please contact:
Mary Gordon
Communications Advisor
National Arts Centre
(613) 947-7000, ext. 524