SZTE strengthens ties with Szeged Symphony Orchestra
Szeged Symphony Orchestra performing at the Day of Szeged celebration in 2024. Szilvia Molnar / Szegedify
The University of Szeged (SZTE) and the Szeged Symphony Orchestra have taken their long-standing collaboration to the next level by signing a formal partnership agreement on January 30, 2025, at the Rector’s Office of the university. This strategic partnership aims to enhance music education at SZTE and create new opportunities for student involvement in high-level musical projects.
The ceremonial signing was attended by Prof. Dr. Márta Széll, Vice-Rector for Strategy at SZTE; Dr. Judit Fendler, Chancellor of SZTE; Dr. Róbert Nátyi, Dean of the Béla Bartók Faculty of Arts; Sándor Gyüdi, Liszt Award-winning conductor and Director of the Szeged Symphony Orchestra; and Gergely Dubóczky, Artistic Director of the orchestra.
Prof. Dr. Széll emphasized the importance of the university’s cultural role, pointing out that the Béla Bartók Faculty of Arts offers internationally recognized programs and plays a crucial part in launching young musicians’ careers. She also noted the significance of the university choir, which celebrates its 100th anniversary this year, and highlighted how many students from non-musical fields also contribute to the vibrant cultural life on campus.
According to Dr. Judit Fendler, the partnership reflects the university’s dedication to the arts, as seen in its continuous support for the Béla Bartók Faculty of Arts, including building renovations and naming the faculty after the renowned composer. She added that this collaboration is aligned with Albert Szent-Györgyi’s vision of the university as an intellectual and cultural center of the Great Hungarian Plain.
For Sándor Gyüdi, Director of the Szeged Symphony Orchestra, this partnership is personal. A former student of the university’s Faculty of Natural Sciences, Gyüdi began his journey into music at SZTE by founding the Cantucum Chamber Choir, which set him on his career path. He stressed that the new agreement will further integrate the orchestra into the university’s music education and performance programs.
Gergely Dubóczky, Artistic Director of the orchestra, highlighted a new masterclass series launched at the university, where visiting musicians from the orchestra offer hands-on sessions to students. The upcoming guest will be Wenzel Fuchs, principal clarinetist of the Berlin Philharmonic. Dubóczky emphasized that this initiative will bring students closer to the world of professional music while strengthening their connection to the local cultural scene.
The partnership promises to unlock new dimensions of artistic cooperation, combining education and performance to enrich both institutions and the broader Szeged community.
Source: University of Szeged press release
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