Songs by Marián Varga Coming to Pohoda Thanks to Exceptional Musicians

Keyboardist and composer Vladislav Šarišský, the uniquely expressive and talented singer Sisa Fehér, phenomenal jazz trumpeter Oskar Török, and leading Slovak cellist Jozef Lupták will bring the songs of Marián Varga to life at this year’s Pohoda.

30. April 2025

This extraordinary line-up of artists first came together in the autumn of 2020 with the aim of offering a unique take on the music of Marián Varga, a remarkable Slovak musician who passed away in 2017 at the age of 70.

The four musicians—each highly accomplished in their craft—bridge generations and musical styles. The ensemble includes Vladislav Šarišský, a composer and keyboardist seen as one of the most significant contemporary torchbearers of Varga’s legacy; Sisa Fehér, a gifted singer with a uniquely authentic voice, moving between jazz and world music; the phenomenal and acclaimed jazz trumpeter Oskar Török; and last but not least, one of Slovakia’s foremost cellists, Jozef Lupták—a friend and musical partner of Varga’s, who, like Varga, comes from a classical background but constantly ventures across genre boundaries. Together, they form an ensemble that reimagines Marián Varga’s songs in a fresh, deeply engaging way—blending classical and improvisation elements in an intimate, contemporary musical language.

This year, the project will finally see its official release. The recording, made this February at Birdland Studio, is set to come out on all physical and digital formats in July. We can’t wait to enjoy it live at Pohoda 2025. 

“The same melodies and chords, but different arrangements. In other words: the same music, yet not the same. Understanding the original material while having the courage and creativity to reinterpret it in your own way is no easy feat. But keyboardist Vladislav “Slnko” Šarišský, singer Sisa Fehér, cellist Jozef Lupták and trumpeter Oskar Török have done just that. This two-generation line-up has been performing Marián Varga’s songs for four years now—pieces from his time with groups Prúdy and Collegium musicum, as well as from his solo albums. Their work has grown increasingly confident and distinctive. Sonically, they often sound more like new originals than cover versions. Tackling such well-known songs with no guitars or drums without making it sound awkward is a real challenge. And adding something truly personal takes strong musical personalities. In a way, these musicians are symbolically returning Varga to the classical roots he came from, while at the same time, particularly through Török’s solos, pushing his music into the realm of jazz,” wrote music journalist Oliver Rehák. 

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