The Kodály Workshop, a new institution with the mission to provide a venue for courses, professional and methodological demonstrations, roundtable discussions on art and musicology topics, as well as chamber music concerts was inaugurated in Budapest’s 12th district on Thursday.

Deputy State Secretary for Arts and Community Culture at the Ministry of Culture and Innovation (KIM) János Szentmártoni, stated at the ceremony: ‘Today, we must pay particular attention to outstanding music educators and artists who strive to preserve our cultural heritage, nurture our traditions, and ensure the spiritual and mental well-being of the younger generation.’ He added:

‘Such dedicated choir conductors and educators as Zsuzsanna Gráf, holder of numerous state and civil recognitions, play a crucial role. The musical universe she envisioned and realized serves as the focal point for Kodály’s music education, the worthy preservation of Bartók and Kodály’s legacy, and the introduction of contemporary Hungarian composers’ works to both the profession and the general public.’

‘The communal act of making music, singing has an unparalleled charm and personality-shaping power, which are fundamental to Kodály’s artistic philosophy and pedagogy. Choral singing forms an identity-shaping way of life,’ emphasized the Deputy State Secretary.

He highlighted that the concept of the workshop equates to in-depth, high-quality work, jointly refined results, mutual attention, and multiplied intellectual and spiritual strength, serving as a kind of intellectual home. During the inauguration of the Budapest institution, it was mentioned that the Kodály Workshop’s primary goal is to set an example for young music and singing teachers and make the profession attractive to them once again.

Zoltán Pokorni, mayor of the 12th district of Budapest, recalled that the Angelica Girls’ Choir, which began its operation at the Városmajor Secondary School, is a high-quality and internationally recognized choir that continuously attracts young members. Zsuzsanna Gráf, conductor of the Angelica Girls’ Choir and head of the Kodály Workshop, seeks to bring together instructors and leaders of other choirs, whether they are from Hungary, Hungarian choirs beyond the borders, or choirs working in distant parts of the world, Zoltán Pokorni remarked. He underscored that the Kodály Workshop will serve as the ‘physical base’ for this endeavour, primarily providing professional support and not serving as a performance venue. The building is provided free of charge, and the renovation costs are covered by the Ministry of Culture.

András Batta, Executive Director of the Hungarian House of Music, said: ‘The Kodály Workshop, created with government support, brings together art, the ‘great ensemble,’ the great personality, the school, and the international network.’

Zsuzsanna Gráf, recipient of the Liszt Ferenc and Bartók-Pásztory awards, conductor, and head of the Kodály Workshop, highlighted that the new institution will organize piano and chamber music concerts and film screenings, among other events all year round.

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Sources: Hungarian Conservative/KIM/MTI