Génie oblige! – 138th Anniversary Gala of the Liszt Academy A Zeneakadémia saját szervezésű programja

14 November: the birthday of the Liszt Academy. This is when Ferenc Erkel opened the academy, which at that time boasted five teachers and 38 students. The location is also symbolic: the apartment in Pest of Ferenc Liszt. The progression from Hal Square, through the Old Academy of Music to the grandiose palace of music on Liszt Ferenc Square, from 1875 to 1907, was great indeed. The history of the Liszt Academy in the 106 years since the opening of the main building has been remarkable. And in this extraordinary story the Friends of the Liszt Academy of Music has played much more than merely a walk-on role; it was set up to support young talent learning in the institution, encourage the teachers, assist their projects and enhance the reputation of this unique institution, known by its former director Jenő Hubay as the Grand École. In the 16 years since its foundation on this very day, the Friends of the Liszt Academy of Music has similarly become a brand in itself: it has published books, contributed instruments for teaching purposes, and with its initiatives it has become a strong wind in the sails of the institute. Today’s concert springs from a common devotion to music and those who pursue it. The Friends of the Liszt Academy of Music expresses its loyalty and the Liszt Academy expresses its appreciation. Both the programme and its performers proclaim the spirit of Ferenc Liszt’s music academy: the past accompanies the harpist rector, cello-playing professor, world-famous alumnus conductor, young pianist facing a promising future, and orchestra of enthusiastic students in the works of former great professors of the Liszt Academy, while the future also shines bright in an overture written for this occasion by a young composer who has already made his name. It is a special, unrepeatable, birthday ‘Liszt Academy’ experience!