ACADEMY BEGINS CULTURAL EXCHANGE
WITH HUNGARY

When word about the new Pennsylvania Academy of Music reached Hungarian officials, they were eager to learn more about its programs and education opportunities. At the invitation of Hungarian business and cultural leaders, Academy founders Michael Jamanis and Frances Veri flew to Budapest in February to begin a cultural exchange in the cradle of some of the world’s finest musical heritage. In the midst of the civilization that gave us Liszt, Kodály, and Bartók, Veri and Jamanis introduced Gershwin to a packed house at the Palace of Arts on the River Danube. While this concert benefited several Hungarian music schools, it was only the beginning of an educational adventure on both sides of the pond.

Interested in learning from the progressive music education attitudes of the region, Veri and Jamanis visited several schools, including the Zoltan Kodály Music School where they observed teaching methodologies pioneered by the legendary composer. They also shared American trends in the arts and pedagogy as taught at the Pennsylvania Academy of Music.

While much exchange of information and ideas took place, this visit was only the beginning. Currently students at Hungary’s Bela Bartók secondary music school are auditioning for spots to represent their country in the Academy’s Vivace! festival June 13-27. We look forward to hearing five Hungarian students perform in the Festival and to learning from their central European culture.

Veri & Jamanis in the Hungarian news

Download the english translation of an article about a benefit concert by Veri & Jamanis appearing in the 10 March 2009 edition of Népszava, a leading Hungarian daily newspaper. download pdf