The International Summer Academy for Young Musicians is celebrating its anniversary. The master class, now in its twenty-fifth year, will be held from July 2–16 with the participation of students from Hungarian and international music high schools, college students, university students, and young music teachers. At a press conference held on Monday to discuss the event’s details, the master classes, and the preparations for the Zoltán Kodály World Youth Orchestra, Dénes Páll, Vice Rector for General Affairs at the University of Debrecen, emphasized: the event is one of the university’s most important and prestigious occasions, through which the University of Debrecen will become a bastion of international culture over the next two weeks.
- As one of Hungary’s largest universities, the University of Debrecen can rightly be proud of the fact that its thirteen faculties cover virtually the entire spectrum of higher education. Among these, the Faculty of Music is particularly important, representing genuine added value for the University of Debrecen. From this perspective as well, it is a special pleasure that this the 25th time the summer academy has been held. This milestone is remarkable, and the program holds special significance today, as it allows students from different countries with diverse interests to create and learn together,” said the vice rector..
Péter Lakatos, dean of the Faculty of Music at the University of Debrecen, noted that although the academic year has ended, it remains crucial for the faculty to be present in the students’ lives during the summer; moreover, with the arrival of young people from abroad, the University of Debrecen, the Faculty of Music, and the summer academy all become part of the global musical community.
- From the institution’s perspective, it is essential that students pick up their instruments and continue learning even during the summer. The presence of outstanding master instructors is a tremendous opportunity; from them, young people can gain inspiration and knowledge that will last a lifetime, which greatly helps to enrich our programs with this unique body of knowledge. The program, which lasts more than two weeks, also gives students the opportunity to become familiar with orchestral work and the creation of a high-quality production,” the vice rector added.
According to Judit Váradi, artistic director of the International Summer Academy for Young Musicians, the series has reached a very significant milestone; the successes achieved over the past quarter-century, and the summer academy’s steadily growing popularity are excellent indicators of the domestic and international demand for master classes, professional exchanges, and musical development.
- The fact that nearly two hundred participants from fourteen countries have applied this year reaffirms that it is worth keeping the series alive, as there are many young people who have chosen a career in music with determination and dedication. Over the past few decades, a total of more than 3,000 participants from 62 countries have attended the event, which means that through the summer academy, the names of the university, the faculty, and the city have spread around the world. As a result, many have returned to Debrecen—and not just to work. The Faculty of Music has become an important meeting place and hub, and the shared experiences gained here turn into lifelong memories,” emphasized Judit Váradi.
The professional work carried out at the Faculty of Music is also an integral part of the city’s cultural life, said Tamás Szentei, head of the Cultural Department at DMJV: Debrecen is one of the centers of classical music, thanks in large part to the close cooperation between the university and the city, as well as the dedication, sense of mission, and willingness to serve associated with the International Summer Academy for Young Musicians.
Oboist Sanja Romić, an assistant professor at the Academy of Arts in Novi Sad, is participating as a master instructor in the summer academy for the fourth time. During her online appearance at the press conference, she noted that the event’s development has been uninterrupted and its international significance continues to grow, thanks to the unique convergence of diverse cultural values.
In addition to the vocal course, master classes for strings, woodwinds, brass, piano, and percussion have been announced as part of the anniversary event series; a total of thirty-five outstanding instructors will lead the sessions. In addition to the Hungarian faculty, several instructors are coming from abroad; thus, at the summer academy, alongside Sanja Romić, Ádám Rőmer (England, viola) and Ildikó Szabó (Germany, cello) will also be holding masterclasses. Virág Dezső (Netherlands) will return once again to introduce students to the musicality of movement; somatic educator Nikoletta Földessy will present the Alexander Technique for proper body alignment; psychologist and musicologist László Stachó will conduct musical attention training; and Judit Váradi will focus on the conscious development of sight-reading (prima vista) skills.
On July 8, the course will hold its anniversary celebration, during which a book will be unveiled that summarizes the experiences and memories of the summer academy’s 25 sessions to date across 280 pages. In addition, a ceremonial planting of an apple tree will symbolize the high-quality music education rooted in the department and looking toward the future.
As part of the International Summer Academy for Young Musicians, a series of themed concerts titled “Musical Evenings in the Great Forest” will be held between July 5 and 12, featuring the professors teaching the courses, guest artists, and the most accomplished students.
Under the baton of conductor Zoltán Bolyky, the Zoltán Kodály Youth World Orchestra will once again be formed from among the summer academy’s participants; through its creative 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 also be honored with a film recorded in the Great Church on what would have been his 85th birthday. In addition to Debrecen and Budapest, the World Orchestra will perform this time in Marosvásárhely and Székelyudvarhely.
Details about the 25th International Summer Academy for Young Musicians, as well as the program, are available by clicking here.
Press Center - BZ