Etc.
Toni in Hungarian embroidery
Along with the concerts, recording and a variety of studio work, Toni continued to play club dates and in restaurants where she was able to connect one-to-one with people, which was what she enjoyed most. Throughout her career she played with the great gypsy violinists in America, from Benci in the 50's to Elemer Horvath in the 60's and 70's to Lakatos in the 80's.
Later in life she mentored players who became interested in the concert repertoire. A particular favorite was Ron Snider, percussionist with the Dallas Symphony, who became a dear friend.
She had several regular engagements that might have been a legacy from the old café society days, one of which was to play at the New York apartment of the Burdens (Vanderbilt heirs) on New Year’s Day. One year she fixed a rip in her skirt at the last minute and pinned the threaded needle to the folkloric vest she liked to wear for this job, then packed up her gear, forgetting about the needle. Mrs. Burden noticed it and asked her about it. The Hungarian urge to “embroider” the truth was hard to resist, and Toni told her that in Hungary it was good luck to wear a threaded needle in your lapel on New Year’s Day. If this little bit of lore ever comes up in your life, you know from whence it came.
Later in life she mentored players who became interested in the concert repertoire. A particular favorite was Ron Snider, percussionist with the Dallas Symphony, who became a dear friend.
She had several regular engagements that might have been a legacy from the old café society days, one of which was to play at the New York apartment of the Burdens (Vanderbilt heirs) on New Year’s Day. One year she fixed a rip in her skirt at the last minute and pinned the threaded needle to the folkloric vest she liked to wear for this job, then packed up her gear, forgetting about the needle. Mrs. Burden noticed it and asked her about it. The Hungarian urge to “embroider” the truth was hard to resist, and Toni told her that in Hungary it was good luck to wear a threaded needle in your lapel on New Year’s Day. If this little bit of lore ever comes up in your life, you know from whence it came.