Closing Ceremony of the Academic Year 2019-2020

Director Dr László Norbert Nemes welcomed everyone joining the ceremony, thanked for everybody’s help, especially the technical support offered by György Dormán and Albert Pálinkás.

After his heart-warming opening speech, Dr Nemes congratulated those students who completed their studies and in a traditional ceremony would have been able to receive their certificates and diplomas in person. He said, “The certificates, the diplomas and even the degree certificates will be put in the mail this year. An act that normally is forbidden. Today we won’t be able to shake your hands and give you a farewell hug either. But we shall not get sad because we have much to be proud of. First of all I am so happy to be able to announce that as the result of the final examinations in the BA and MA programmes taking place Tuesday and Wednesday this week, the second batch of students completing our new two-year master programme will graduate with truly wonderful results. Our students in the BA programme have also achieved high grades. We are extremely proud of their accomplishments. Winnie, Yidan, Robin, Lee Khim, Ya Yang, Cheng Hua, Yu Gu. BRAVI!”

Even though the days teachers and students spent together in class and outside class had to come to a sudden end in the middle of March, some memorable times spent together during the first half of the academic year will stay with us forever.

The academic year took a sad turn in the middle of March when the whole world had to shut down and some serious restrictions on social distancing came into effect. The work at the Institute had to move onto online platforms as well. Even though it was a challenging time, “The commitment, the creativity and the devotion of our teachers for teaching helped us through the difficulties, all of our students were able to continue their studies. … Right from the beginning, many of our teachers and students reported on the success of digital education. Real community work has emerged through Skype, Zoom, Google Classroom and other platforms.” As the world stopped for a bit, music was there as an incredible force to give hope and join people together. Making music together is part of the Kodály Institute’s daily life, which has not changed in these difficult times either. Here are some proofs of our students’ ongoing creative achievements during the period of lockdown. Chamber music performances via multi track sound system applications, piano lesson on electronic keyboard and on Skype:

GESUALDO: Madrigals, Book I: 4. Come esser può

Piano lessons: FAURE: Romance sans paroles, Op. 17, No. 3

Chamber music, coaching: Kodály: Epigrammák 5.

Quarantine Fantasy on Steve Reich

As it was not possible to hand out certificates and diplomas in person this year, the teachers said their goodbyes to each and every student as an appreciation of their incredible achievements this year.

Students of the Institute surprised the members of staff with a “Thank you card” a few weeks prior to the end of the school year. A truly amazing card that helped the teaching staff getting through this difficult period of time. As a special gift in return, the teaching staff acting as a virtual choir sang for the students a beautiful choral piece, Dona nobis pacem. The setting is by one of the Institute’s former students, Albert Tay and it was dedicated to the faculty and students of the Institute. The sound and video recording was edited by Bálint Gyombolai.

Director Nemes closed his speech with the following thoughts: „Dear Students, with this song I am saying goodbye to you all, we wish you a safe journey home, a wonderful summer free of troubles, good health to you and your beloved ones, a safe, meaningful and constantly enriching continuation of your life wherever it takes you. Those who will stay or return to Kecskemét in August we are looking forward to welcome you back to the Institute. And we hope that finally we can sing together again.”