With heavy hearts, we bid farewell to László Somfai, the internationally acclaimed scholar of Bartók and Haydn research, an outstanding figure of Hungarian and international musicology, and an honorary member of the Haydneum – Hungarian Centre for Early Music.

Throughout his career, László Somfai delivered lectures in numerous countries around the world at conferences, congresses, and universities. As a researcher of Joseph Haydn’s oeuvre, he played a pioneering role in uncovering the manuscript sources of the works and in shaping the principles of historically informed performance practice. His achievements were recognized with, among other distinctions, the Széchenyi Prize and the Officer’s Cross of the Hungarian Order of Merit. His knowledge and dedication have left us a lasting legacy.

We preserve his memory with respect and gratitude.