A long-term cooperation agreement encouraging classical music education was reached by the Franz Liszt Chamber Orchestra and the Franz Liszt University of Music (Academy of Music). Looking back on almost 60 years of existence, the Orchestra has always considered talent management and youth education a priority task, for which reason the support of talent development plays an integral part of the ensemble’s artistic strategy renewed in February. There is a strong professional bond between the Orchestra and the Academy of Music: on one hand, the founding members of the ensemble have all graduated from the institution, while on the other, some of its current members are professors at the Academy today. Within the framework of the cooperation, students will have the opportunity to perform together with the Franz Liszt Chamber Orchestra, share the stage with professional excellence, and gain experience touring abroad.

“At the Franz Liszt Chamber Orchestra, we consider it our task and responsibility to transfer our professional knowledge, as well as to nurture and mentor young talents. We are all too happy for the joint work with the Academy of Music which will play a significant role in the career development of its students, possibly turning out to be a defining milestone in the careers of the young musicians. We would like to provide practical knowledge to the key artists of the future” – said István Várdai, Artistic Director of the Franz Liszt Chamber Orchestra with regards to the agreement. The collaboration will also have an impact on the ensemble’s repertoire, as pieces providing space to the young artists shall come to the fore.

“We look forward to working together with great enthusiasm and hope our students will see the opportunity within the programme. In such professional orchestral environments, students may gain valuable knowledge they can utilize later in their careers, while gaining genuine references as well. That is also the reason why we provide a chance to all of our students to play in the philharmonic orchestra of the university, joining famous musicians, and the joint work with the Franz Liszt Chamber Orchestra serves the same purpose.This way, students will not only learn the ins and outs of being a musician, but will also gain proficiency in working with an orchestra. The unique location of the Academy of Music will also contribute to ensuring the perfect musical experience” – said dr. Andrea Vigh, Rector of the Franz Liszt University of Music.