The idea of this unique project was developed by Dr. András Batta, rector of the Liszt Ferenc Academy of Music Budapest and Mladen Janjanin, dean of the Zagreb Music Academy. As the emerging of the idea coincided with the 
preparations for the upcoming EU Presidency of Hungary, the Hungarian Government offered generous support. This enabled the Liszt Academy to take over the role of the main coordinator inviting academies of neighbouring countries to join the project.
The result was a venture of five organizing universities: Budapest, Zagreb, Ljubljana, Graz and Vienna, with guest musicians arriving from Belgrade and Bucharest too. These 7 universities located in 6 countries had delegated a total of 71 selected students belonging to at least 12 different nationalities.
The students first met in Budapest for a one week long rehearsal period (19th till 26th February). They had a difficult task to solve because even within instrumental groups the musicians were coming from very different performing traditions and were challenged to find a common performing style within a very short time frame. Rehearsals started under the guidance of conductor András Vass, who prepared the pieces for the arrival of maestro Zoltán Kocsis on the 23rd February. Days passed by in a truly inspiring, positive working atmosphere – after the last rehearsal maestro Kocsis stated that he was absolutely satisfied with the performance of the orchestra.
The opening concert took place in the Palace of Arts in Budapest on 26th February. It was a great success that was honoured by the presence of many leading politicians and highly ranked representatives of the neighbouring countries. Marking the Hungarian Presidency of the Council of the European Union the programme was put together from compositions by the greatest Hungarian composers, who are not all well known abroad – both our young musicians and the audience were amazed by the beauty of this music that was new to them. The rectors and deans
of the participating universities have had a short round-table conference before the concert. Expressing appreciation for the initiative and its inestimable benefits for the professional and personal development of the students involved, they have declared their intention to collaborate in carrying out similar projects in the future.
After the opening concert the orchestra went on tour visiting all the participating countries. From 28th February to 4th March they had played successful, warmly greeted concerts in Zagreb, Ljubljana, Graz and Vienna.
The students were happy and proud to be part of this special orchestra and to have the opportunity to work under the lead of such an outstanding musician as maestro Zoltán Kocsis is. They not just made all efforts to do their best during rehearsals and concerts, but also enjoyed playing – a feeling that was transmitted to the audience in each and every performance.
In my personal opinion the overall balance of the project is a very positive one if we consider the high-level professional experience it gave to the students, to mention just one of the many important aspects. This unique opportunity has been one of the few occasions when students can prove their aptitude and preparedness under the same circumstances that will await them on their professional path and that they rarely have the opportunity to try out while studying. Made under real working conditions such an experience is of immeasurable worth in gaining vocational routine for the future. Through practicing in an international environment our young musicians additionally developed their skills in team-work and tolerance in a wonderful way. Last but not least let me mention the numerous international friendships that were born during the rehearsal period and the tour, and that will hopefully last for a very long time. After the last concert all students were sad to say farewell, asking us over and over again whether we will invite them to participate in a similar undertaking soon – a positive feedback that we as organizers will cherish in our memories.
Let me finish with the words a student has written in our guest-book: “Of all the things that I have done in my life, this was the greatest journey ever. Throughout the tour I realized how good all the musicians are and how honoured I am for playing in this orchestra. Excitement was glowing inside us from day to day. It was really an extraordinary experience. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to participate in this unique project.”
Krisztina Tötös
Project manager
