A Palace of Tunes – Liszt Ferenc Academy of Music

Liszt Ferenc Academy of Music in Budapest was founded in 1875: it is the only institution bearing the name of the composer and pianist genius Franz Liszt to which he contributed actively. Funzine collected some interesting facts about the philanthropist academy.

The unification of Buda and Pest in 1873 initiated the city’s rapid development. This improvement also affected cultural life, as universities and cultural institutions appeared throughout the capital. The first centre of the academy was Liszt’s housing on Hal Square, rented by the ministry. After the house was demolished, today’s Franz Liszt Memorial Museum became the venue of instruction from 1879 to 1907. The Secession building on Liszt Ferenc Square with its famous Great Hall was opened in 1907.

Its founder determines the academy’s spirit. Franz Liszt’s career as an immensely talented performer and music history-defining works set the high standards for the adept musicians studying in this university.

The line of pianist professors working in the academy can be traced back to the teachings of the master himself.

The university aims to pass on its traditions and create music for the future. Liszt Ferenc Academy has been operating for more than 140 years. The institution puts great emphasis on practising the world-famous Kodály concept in instruction.

Students come to study in Liszt Ferenc University from more than 40 countries.

The academy ranked 30th on the chart of the most prestigious performing arts institutions in the world in 2016. Courses are taught individually or in small groups. Master of Arts education is available in all the faculties. Special School for Exceptional Young Talents is for students over 8, while music scientists can receive a PhD and artists can earn a DLA.

The academy aims to help the careers of its pupils with different programs. “A tehetség kötelez” (“Talent is a responsibility”) program was initiated in 2013 to provide an opportunity for exceptional students to perform in front of a wider audience. The university also announces competitions for connecting talented young musicians into the Hungarian and the international network.

The institution has been hosting concerts since 2013 — for which it received several international awards, such as Europa Nostra.

By connecting education with organising concerts, students and instructors can participate in the music life of Budapest more easily. Famous and respected performers come to the academy every year from all around the world. The building was renovated in 2013 according to its original state in 1907. Besides attending concerts, visitors can also learn about the structure in guided tours.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Source: Funzine