Edina Mókus Szirtes, violin, singer, song wriiter
"Edina Mokus: A Unique and Versatile Force in Hungarian World Music"
Edina Mokus stands out as an extraordinary presence in the Hungarian world music scene. She embodies a rare blend of virtuosic professionalism and genuine authenticity. With her remarkable violin skills and raw, distinctive voice, Mokus effortlessly transcends various musical genres, from folk to chanson, oriental to contemporary. Love, Chinese philosophy,
ethereal beauty, and whimsical charm... she embodies them all, making her a natural phenomenon.
Having earned a diploma in violin performance from the Ferenc Liszt University of Music, Edina Mokus ventured into the realm of music composition. Her talents have graced ballet productions, theaters, and even Hungary´s 2010 fireworks with her original compositions.
As a sought-after studio musician and songwriter, Mokus has collaborated with numerous serious and light music ensembles, lending her creative touch to their productions and recordings. She continues to captivate audiences with her live performances, both at home and abroad, gracing world music festivals with her own bands. Notably, her band Fabula Rasa received a professional special prize for their production at the prestigious Budapest Festival.
In recognition of her contributions, Mokus was honored with the Artisjus Award in 2004. Additionally, her composition triumphed among fifteen thousand entries at an international songwriting competition in 2007. That same year, she secured second place in the Contemporary Songwriter competition, following in the footsteps of the renowned Nikola Parov.
Mokus's versatility is evident in her two latest albums. The first, titled "Squirrel and the Tao," draws inspiration from the ancient Chinese philosophy book, Lao-tzu: Tao Te King - The Way and Virtue. This album, comprising twelve poems set to music, was created at the request of Kriszta Kováts and premiered at the Palace of Arts on September 24, 2011. Mokus showcased her musical prowess by performing the songs on various instruments such as piano, viola, violin, and melodica, infusing them with her own captivating vocals.
Simultaneously, Mokus embarked on recording a second album, "Szerelmesezős," featuring acoustic pop music that she affectionately refers to as "emotional women's music." The songs on this album, released later, were composed to the poems of her close friends, reflecting the heartfelt emotions and thoughts of today's youth.
Edina Mokus's artistry knows no bounds, and her contributions to Hungarian world music continue to astound and inspire audiences worldwide.
