...from Hungary and abroad will share their knowledge and experience with the participants. Continuing a long-standing tradition, the participants of the Summer Academy will once again come together to form the Kodály Zoltán World Youth Orchestra under the baton of conductor Zoltán Bolyky, which will also pay tribute to the memory of Tamás Vásáry, who passed away in February.
This year, the Young Musicians' Summer Academy celebrates its 25th anniversary. The jubilee edition, to be held from 2 to 16 July, will bring together young musicians and music teachers from Hungary and abroad. At Monday's press briefing on the event, the masterclasses and the preparations for the Kodály Zoltán World Youth Orchestra, Dénes Páll, Vice-Rector of the University of Debrecen, emphasised that the Summer Academy is one of the University's most important and prestigious events and that, over the next two weeks, it will make the University of Debrecen a major hub of international culture.
"As one of Hungary's largest universities, the University of Debrecen has every reason to be proud that its thirteen faculties cover almost the entire spectrum of higher education. Among them, the Faculty of Music holds a special place, bringing real added value to the University. This makes it all the more gratifying that the Summer Academy is celebrating its twenty-fifth edition this year. It is a remarkable milestone, and today the Summer Academy holds particular significance, as it provides an opportunity for students from different countries and with diverse interests to learn and create together," the Vice-Rector said.
Péter Lakatos, Dean of the University of Debrecen Faculty of Music, emphasised that although the academic year has come to an end, it remains important for the Faculty to maintain an active presence in the lives of its students during the summer months. He added that the arrival of young musicians from abroad places the University of Debrecen, the Faculty of Music and the Summer Academy at the heart of the international musical community.
"From an institutional point of view, it is essential that students continue to play their instruments and learn during the summer. The presence of these distinguished master teachers offers an exceptional opportunity: young musicians can gain inspiration and invaluable insights that will stay with them for a lifetime, significantly enriching their education. The more than two-week programme also enables participants to experience orchestral work and the creation of a high-quality performance firsthand," the Dean added.
According to Judit Váradi, Artistic Director of the Young Musicians' Summer Academy, the Academy has reached a truly significant milestone. The successes of the past quarter-century and the steadily growing popularity of the Summer Academy clearly demonstrate the strong national and international demand for masterclasses, professional exchange and opportunities for musical development.
"The fact that nearly two hundred young musicians from fourteen countries have applied this year confirms that it is well worth keeping this tradition alive, as there are still many young people who are passionately committed to pursuing a career in music. Over the past decades, more than three thousand participants from sixty-two countries have attended the Summer Academy, meaning that the names of the University of Debrecen, the Faculty of Music and the city of Debrecen have travelled around the world. As a result, many former participants have returned to Debrecen, not only for work. The Faculty of Music has become an important meeting place and point of connection, and the sense of community experienced here often turns into cherished lifelong memories," Judit Váradi emphasised.
The professional activities of the Faculty of Music form an integral part of Debrecen's cultural life. Tamás Szentei, Head of the Cultural Department of the Municipality of Debrecen, emphasised that Debrecen is one of Hungary's centres of classical music, thanks in large part to the close cooperation between the University and the city, as well as to the dedication, sense of mission and commitment to service that lie at the heart of the Young Musicians' Summer Academy.
Sanja Romić, oboist and Assistant Professor at the Academy of Arts in Novi Sad, is taking part in the Summer Academy as a professor for the fourth time. Speaking via an online connection at the press briefing, she emphasised that the Academy's development has been continuous and that its international importance is steadily increasing thanks to the unique encounter of diverse cultural values.
In addition to the vocal masterclass, the jubilee edition of the Summer Academy offers masterclasses in strings, woodwind, brass, piano and percussion, led by a total of thirty-five distinguished professors. Alongside the Hungarian faculty, several internationally renowned artists and professors will also join the programme. In addition to Sanja Romić, masterclasses will be given by Ádám Rőmer (United Kingdom, viola) and Ildikó Szabó (Germany, cello). The Academy will also once again welcome Virág Dezső (The Netherlands), who will introduce participants to the Musicality of Movement. Somatic trainer Nikoletta Földessy will present the Alexander Technique, focusing on body awareness and proper physical alignment, while psychologist and musicologist László Stachó will lead a workshop on musical attention training. Judit Váradi, meanwhile, will focus on the conscious development of sight-reading skills.
On 8 July, the Summer Academy will celebrate its Jubilee Day, during which a 280-page commemorative volume chronicling the memories and experiences of the first twenty-five years of the Summer Academy will be presented. The programme will also feature the ceremonial planting of an apple tree, symbolising the deeply rooted, forward-looking tradition of excellence in music education at the Faculty of Music.
As part of the Young Musicians' Summer Academy, the Music Evenings in the Great Forest concert series will offer thematic concerts from 5 to 12 July, bringing together the Academy's professors, invited artists and its most outstanding students.
Under the baton of conductor Zoltán Bolyky, the participants of the Summer Academy will once again come together to form the Kodály Zoltán World Youth Orchestra. Through its artistic work this year, the orchestra will also pay tribute to the legacy and spirit of its founder, Tamás Vásáry. The memory of the late conductor will be further honoured through the screening of a film recorded in the Great Reformed Church of Debrecen on the occasion of his 85th birthday. In addition to Debrecen and Budapest, the World Youth Orchestra will perform this year in Târgu Mureș and Odorheiu Secuiesc, Romania.
University of Debrecen Press Centre – BZ