The Children's Philharmonia was founded over 30 years ago comprising talented pupils of the Szentegyhaza (Vlahita) primary school. They received their name in 1983, while the Philharmonia?s actual birthday is dated one year before it got its name, when Sandor Haaz taught the school choir and pupils on instruments fours songs, which they performed together. This performance was such a great success with  numerous positive responses that a continuation was self-evident. The band counts 140 pupils, composed of the choir (100 children) dressed in traditional szekler clothing and the wind and string instrument orchestra.

Szentegyhaza does not inherit a music school and instrument lessons are held by the Musik Teatcher Sandor  Haaz and most recently by his former students at the local House of Students. Since the 90s They perform regularly in Transylvanian towns and cities and tour abroad every summer.  Three busses makes their travels possible and housing is assured by local exchange contacts. While on tour, the children, wearing the Philharmonia insignia and uniform, conduct a travel diary. Instruments are largely financed by parents but the Philharmonia owns a large collection of instruments as well, which are also loaned to the children.

The repertoire consists of short classic pieces, unique interpretations of folk songs, historical songs as well as pieces from foreign cultures. In December 2003 Sandor Haaz and the Philharmonia were awarded the "Hungarian Heritage Award". Two foundations and its local touristic business support the "Fili" financially. On invitation of the president of the Belgian parliament the Philharmonia traveled to Brussels 2011. On this occasion they performed in the 'St. Michel et Gudule' cathedral and three other enthronment churches in Vienna and Bratislava.

On the referral of the Hungarian Foreign Minister the Philharmonia represented the Carpathian Basin Hungarians on June 4th 2013 on the day of National Solidarity. On this occasion they performed in the Parlament Building Budapest in the cupola hall in front of invited government officials, diplomatic representatives and other public dignitaries.

On invitation of the Hungarian Embassy in Bern the Philharmonia embarks once again on a European tour with three performances in Switzerland:

- 20th of August, 7pm: French church, 3011 Bern, Predigergasse 3   
- 21st of August, 7:30pm: Notre Dame du Valentin cathedral, 1004 Lausanne, rue du Valentin 3
- 22nd of August, 7pm: Gro?munster cathedral, 8001 Zurich, Grossmunsterplatz

We warmly invite you to our concerts and to Szentegyhaza!

Our concerts are free of charge, we do accept donations to support our performances.