Rákóczi Béla

Rákóczi Béla’s musical journey began in Celldömölk, where he chose the clarinet as his first instrument as a child. His talent and passion for music soon led him to ensemble playing: first as a member of the local Youth Wind Orchestra and later as principal clarinettist of the Zalaegerszeg Military Band.

After completing his military service, he turned to the double bass, which would eventually become his principal instrument. He studied double bass at the music school in Szombathely while simultaneously learning the traditions of Hungarian Gypsy music directly from experienced musicians. Among his mentors he names Meskó, János Rácz and Attila Bakonyi. From them he learned not only repertoire and playing techniques, but also the musical tradition of Gypsy ensembles passed down from one generation of musicians to the next.

His professional career began at the Nádas Csárda in Gyenesdiás and continued at the Halász Csárda in Keszthely. He later performed at the Badacsonyi Borozó in Hévíz before moving to Szombathely, where he played at several well-known venues, including the Kispityer and the Pásztor Csárda.

Rákóczi Béla is a founding member of the Pannon Cigányzenekar and has been performing with Lajos Baranyai’s orchestra for two decades. During these years, he has taken part in numerous performances with the ensemble both in Hungary and abroad.

Alongside his family, music holds the most important place in his life. His career also brings together two very different instrumental worlds: he began as a clarinettist before finding his true musical role with the double bass, an instrument through which he has devoted decades to preserving and passing on the tradition of Hungarian Gypsy music.