Imagine a person who designs information structures, but can also design and manufacture furniture. A person who, after a hard day spent in the digital world, finds relaxation in sports. And to top it all off, the same person enthusiastically sings in a choir, where his voice sounds in harmony with others. Alexander Varga from the Cybersecurity and Compliance department shared how he manages to connect seemingly unconnected worlds.
The area you work in is a great unknown for many of us. Can you tell us a little about it?
“I work as an information architect and am responsible for security architecture and operations. I take care of the gateway, that is, the entrance or communication with the external world. Simply put, it is about the isolation and security of cyberspace. We are looking for ways to protect systems, how to isolate administrators. Work in the field of cybersecurity is extremely dynamic and brings new challenges that require flexibility, analytical thinking and a strategic approach. One is constantly learning and moving forward in it.”
“Collegium Technicum has been a part of my life since the first day at TUKE. The choir director came to enroll me in the first year and resolutely declared that everyone who has anything to do with music must come to the audition. I had already finished practicing playing the piano, but as a freshman I did not dare to refuse. They played me a scale and it was decided – tenor, two-hour auditions twice a week. I do not regret it, these are the best years of my life. Collegium Technicum is a mixed choir and an excellent collective. We found our way to each other not only artistically, but also professionally and personally.”
The choir has won many awards at home and abroad, and collaborates with the Košice State Philharmonic and top orchestras. Which countries have you visited?
“We performed in Spain, Portugal, France, Lithuania, Latvia, Poland, Slovenia and other countries. Outside Europe, for example, in Mexico, Russia, Thailand. On a three-week tour in Mexico, we performed sixteen one-and-a-half-hour concerts. We were accompanied by an Austrian chamber orchestra and we sang the cantata Carmina Burana and opera choruses – Verdi’s Traviata, Nabucco and the like. That was really demanding, even for the vocal cords.”
Are performances stressful?
“Rehearsal is hard work, but the performance itself is relaxing. The connection of the choir with the orchestra is a real experience. We help each other with the orchestra. When I started in the choir, our choirmaster was Karol Petróczi, a top concertmaster, violinist and teacher. He used to say: “If it doesn’t sound, it doesn’t matter.” If a choir member is unsure about something, something else will cover it. On the contrary, in an a cappella performance, you can hear every rustle. For a while, we also did a cappella concerts, mostly in churches or in the Maxim Hall at TUKE. The peak of the season is usually the Christmas concerts; last year we sang Rybovka at the House of Arts.”
“Currently, we have two-hour choir rehearsals once a week. Sometimes it’s difficult to combine it with activities outside of work, with hobbies. But what it gives me outweighs everything else. Unfortunately, the choir is getting older and it’s harder to motivate young people these days. If anyone would like to become a part of it, they are welcome. It doesn’t have to be only students from TUKE, it can be anyone who has a relationship with music. Just check out the Collegium Technicum website and get in touch.”
“In my free time, I do sports, I enjoy running, cycling, tennis, golf. I also do carpentry. They say that everyone remembers their first kiss, a master their first work. Mine is a kitchen unit, which is perfect for me, I value it the most.”
The question arises – how do you manage it all?
“Somehow :). But I really enjoy the work of an information architect. It is also because of it that I try to be versatile. In this job, a person must have a perspective and every experience is good. Not only from IT, but also from other areas, whether it is art or sports, so that it complements everything. I enjoy looking at things from a different perspective. That is also the reason why I physically go to work, I do not work from home. As a team, we work together and grow.”
