20. November 2008.

The Archabbey of Pannonhalma, the Bábolna National Stud Farm Ltd. and Herend Porcelain Manufactory Ltd. endowed the St. Martin's Prize for the purpose of contributing to the preservation of Hungary's national heritage and cultural values, and to assist in publicizing as widely as possible the unique natural, social and cultural features of the Pannonian region.

The most spectacular part of this co-operation is the St. Martin Award ceremony when the founder hand over the prize to a person who has contributed a great deal to the above goals.

This years the ceremony was opened by Archabbot Asztrik Várszegi, followed by a performance of Johann Sebastian Bach's orchestral suite interpreted by the Ferenc Liszt Chamber Orchestra conducted by János Rolla.

After a laudation by Bishop János Székely, the prize was presented to Miklós Melocco sculptor by the founders Archabbot Asztrik Várszegi, László Mezei CEO of Bábolna National Stud Farm Ltd and Dr. Attila Simon CEO of the Herend Porcelain Manufactory Ltd. The prize is the creation of the Munkácsy Prize-holder artist László Horváth. Exceptionally the founder presented this year two prizes: posthumous to Tibor Gál, wine-grower in recognition of his distinguished virtue in the revivification of Pannonhalma's wine culture.

The ceremony was followed by a reception, where Archabbot Asztrik Várszegi blessed the new wine and crop. Afterwards the distinguished guests were treated to a series of gourmet goose dishes.

Recipients of St. Martin's Prize (in chronological order) include: Dr. István Nemeskürty in 2001 (Government Commissioner for Hungary's millennial celebrations at the time), Professor Ernő Pungor in 2002 (member of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences), Gáspár Nagy (poet) in 2003, and Dr. István Kukorelli (constitutional lawyer) in 2004, then in the year 2005 Dr. Ferenc Mádl (President of the Republic of Hungary), Sándor Szokolay (composer) in 2006, and in the previous year Márta Sebestyén (folk singer).

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• Miklós Melocco