Introduction of the Jazz Department Presented by Liszt Academy

The history of jazz education in Hungary now spans six decades. The teaching of this genre was among the first to be integrated into the state music school system in Europe. Subsequent steps in its institutionalization included its establishment as a college department in 1990, its transformation into a university department in 2000, and the launch of an independent doctoral program this year, thus completing the long process of building a multi-level, professional educational structure. The Jazz Department demonstrated that this free musical style could be placed on solid professional foundations, and the Liszt Academy remained open and inclusive, recognizing a groundbreaking initiative that represented international artistic standards. Today, more and more people across Europe are discussing the distinctive branch of the genre known as “Hungarian jazz”.

In this two-part concert, the Jazz Department’s most talented students will showcase their skills. The department’s faculty will select 4-5 ensembles from the year-long ensemble work that will offer a glimpse into the freshest sounds of Hungarian jazz.