Kátya Tompos is going to be one of the main figures at the 3rd Paloznak Jazz and Wine Picnic. The actress of the Hungarian National Theatre has showcased her exceptional musical talent in various musicals and several tribute evenings organized in honour of Tamás Cseh. But you’d be wrong to think that you have heard everything she is capable of. Taking the stage on 8 August in Paloznak, she will invite her audience on a journey from Russian folk tunes through poems set to music to With or Without You. Kátya told us that wines from Villány are always better in her book than the Cserszegi fűszeres from the Jásdi Winery, but she admitted that she has some very fond childhood memories from Lake Balaton.

WLB: What kind of songs and line-up do you have in store for the Jazz Picnic?

Kátya Tompos: I released my first solo album called Keresztül Európán (Across Europe) last October. The songs on this record will make up my repertoire, and I will have Róbert Hrutka and his band with me on stage this time as well. My aim was to show everything that excites me about music, so it is going to be a colourful musical journey. There are going to be some Russian folk songs, poems put to music and tunes by U2, such as With or Without You, which Robi and I put our own spin on. Every song in the repertoire is very dear to me for various reasons, which is probably what holds this versatile mix together.

WLB: How much do you know about Paloznak? What do you expect the atmosphere is going to be like?

Kátya Tompos: I adore the Balaton Uplands. The fabulous surroundings and the lovely wines will guarantee a good night, I think. In any case, we will do everything in our power to make sure that everyone visiting Paloznak on 8 August has a good time.

WLB: Is there a concert you are especially looking forward to?

Kátya Tompos: Two days after the Paloznak gig, on 10 August, we will play at the Városmajor Open-air Stage. We are very excited about it.

WLB: Are you inspired to make another record after Keresztül Európán? How much time does your busy acting career leave for music?

Kátya Tompos: Music has always been a part of my life, ever since I was a little girl, but the theatre is my home turf. That is where I get my inspiration for songs as well. This little trip to the realm of concerts gives me freedom, and it gives me so many options, for example in terms of song selection. The material came out very personal, which I’m happy about because that’s what I wanted, and I feel like the audience at the concerts has accepted it and has grown to love it as well. I’m sure there is another record coming, I already have some new song ideas.

WLB: What else are you working on?

Kátya Tompos: I’m going to have two premiers in the National Theatre in the fall, so I’m trying to prepare for these, do some research. There are also a couple of concerts with other bands, who invited me to make a guest appearance.