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The Good Life in Aggtelek National Park Part XI: St. Martin Concert in the Baradla Cave Concert Hall

st. martin baradlaThe world-class acoustics and unique and spectacular setting of the subterranean concert hall in Aggtelek National Park's Baradla Cave is taken advantage of annually by saxophonist/ pan-pipe musician St. Martin, and he always plays to a packed house. He is a bit like a Hungarian Richard Clayderman. The Baradla Chamber Choir Festival and other musical events utilise the space on a regular basis. Wedding services are also often performed here. We dressed with all the warm clothes we could gather in summer, and also packed a couple blankets. The constant 10C is very nice in the summer, but sitting without movement for 2-3 hours can change the situation from pleasantly cool to frigid. I think next time we will also pack a bottle of palinka. St. Martin is a good showman, and he obviously has a large and loyal following that is willing to travel st. martin baradladistances to hear him. I was much more interested in the experience of hearing live music in such a magical setting. We left slightly before the end of the concert because my bladder was about to burst. Walking unescorted through the silent cave passages back to the surface was a romantic and awe inspiring journey.