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Zsigmond Szathmáry is a Hungarian-born classical music artist who has made significant contributions to the world of music as a composer, organist, and conductor. He was born on August 1, 1939, in Budapest, Hungary, and grew up in a family of musicians. His father, László Szathmáry, was a renowned composer and musicologist, and his mother, Margit Szathmáry, was a pianist. Szathmáry began his musical education at an early age, studying piano and composition with his father. He later attended the Franz Liszt Academy of Music in Budapest, where he studied organ with Ferenc Gergely and composition with Ferenc Farkas. After completing his studies, he worked as an organist and conductor in Hungary, and also taught at the Franz Liszt Academy of Music. In 1968, Szathmáry moved to Germany, where he became the organist at the St. Thomas Church in Leipzig, a position previously held by Johann Sebastian Bach. He also taught at the Leipzig Conservatory and the University of Leipzig. During his time in Leipzig, Szathmáry became known for his innovative interpretations of Bach's music, and he recorded several albums of Bach's organ works. In addition to his work as an organist, Szathmáry is also a prolific composer. His compositions include works for organ, chamber music, and orchestral music. He has received numerous awards and honors for his compositions, including the Bach Prize of the City of Leipzig in 1985 and the Hungarian State Prize in 1990. Szathmáry has also been recognized for his contributions to the world of music as a conductor. He has conducted orchestras in Hungary, Germany, and other countries, and has been praised for his interpretations of works by Bach, Mozart, and other composers. One of the highlights of Szathmáry's career was his performance at the inauguration of the new organ at the St. Thomas Church in Leipzig in 2000. The organ, which was built by the German organ builder Gerald Woehl, is one of the largest and most complex organs in the world, and Szathmáry's performance was widely praised for its technical virtuosity and musical sensitivity. Szathmáry has also been involved in the preservation and restoration of historic organs. He has worked on the restoration of several organs in Hungary and Germany, including the historic organ at the St. Mary's Church in Lübeck, which was damaged during World War II. In addition to his work as a musician, Szathmáry is also a respected musicologist and has written extensively on the music of Bach and other composers. He has published several books and articles on music history and theory, and has served as a guest lecturer at universities and music schools around the world. Throughout his career, Szathmáry has been recognized as one of the leading figures in the world of classical music. His innovative interpretations of Bach's music, his prolific compositions, and his contributions to the preservation and restoration of historic organs have earned him numerous awards and honors, and his legacy continues to inspire musicians and music lovers around the world.

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