From Periphery to Centre – International Conference on Contemporary Symphonic Music and Orchestral Traditions in Central and Eastern Europe Since 1990

PROGRAMME

November 17, 2025

18:00 Concert with Introductory Lecture
„Haydn as a Contemporary Conductor”
University of Miskolc Symphony Orchestra
• Conductor: László Bartal
• Introductory lecture (concert guide) in German
• Venue: Zenepalota (Palace of Music, University of Miskolc)
19:30 – Supper

November 18, 2025

9:00–9:05 Opening and Welcome

SESSION 1: NATIONAL MUSICAL TRADITIONS

9:05–9:25 – Kalopana, Magdalini (National and Kapodistrian University of Athens)
„Stylistic Crossroads: The Evolution of the Greek Symphony after 1950”
An examination of the development of Greek symphonic music after 1950, analyzing stylistic periods and the crossing of boundaries.

9:25–9:45 – Medić, Ivana (Serbian Academy of Science and Art – Institute of Musicology, Belgrade)
„A Very Belated Self-Rediscovery: Dejan Despić’s Late Symphonies”
A re-evaluation of Dejan Despić’s late symphonies and their significance in the Serbian musical tradition.

9:45–10:05 – Țârc, Mirela (University of Oradea)
„Cornel Țăranu’s Symphonies: Beyond Constraint Toward Freedom”
An analysis of Cornel Țăranu’s symphonies on the journey from political constraints toward artistic freedom.

10:05–10:25 | Discussion
10:25–10:45 | Coffee Break
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SESSION 2: SYMPHONIC HERITAGE AND REPERTOIRE

10:45–11:05 | Potyó István („Gheorghe Dima” Music Academy, Cluj-Napoca)
„Heritage as Present: The Repertoire of the Saint Michael Ecclesiastical Orchestra and Choir”
Bringing ecclesiastical musical heritage into the present through the repertoire of the Saint Michael Ecclesiastical Orchestra and Choir.
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11:05–11:25 – Sófalvi Emese (Babeș-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca)
„Rescue and Recovery: The Symphonic Repertoire of the Hungarian Opera in Cluj”
The rescue and reconstruction of the symphonic repertoire of the Hungarian Opera in Cluj over recent decades.

11:25–11:45 – Váradi Judit (University of Debrecen)
„Tradition and Innovation: Repertoire Changes in Symphony Orchestras over Four Years”
An examination of repertoire changes in symphony orchestras, exploring the tension between tradition and innovation.
11:45–12:05 | Discussion
12:05–13:30 | Lunch Break
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SESSION 3: INDIVIDUAL COMPOSITIONAL WORLDS

13:30–13:50 – Horváth Bálint (Weiner Leó Catholic Music School and Conservatoire, Budapest)
„A Moonlight Symphony: Tibor Oláh’s Dialogue with Beethoven”
An analysis of Tibor Oláh’s Moonlight Symphony in the context of the Beethovenian tradition.

13:50–14:10 – Lászlóffy Zsolt (Partium Christian University, Oradea)
„Stele: György Kurtág’s Compositional Technique for Orchestra”
A presentation of György Kurtág’s orchestral compositional technique through his work Stele.

14:10–14:30 – Windhager Ákos (Hungarian Academy of Arts – Research Institute, Budapest)
„Varietas delectat: Diversity in Levente Gyöngyösi’s Symphonic Works”
The diversity and stylistic richness of Levente Gyöngyösi’s symphonic works.

14:30–14:50 | Discussion
14:50–15:10 | Coffee Break
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SESSION 4: NEW PERSPECTIVES

15:10–15:30 | Stefanija, Leon (University of Ljubljana)
„Evolution and Practice: The Concept of the Youth Concert in Slovenia since 1991”
The evolution and practice of the youth concert concept in Slovenia since independence.

15:30–15:50 – Bralović, Miloš (Serbian Academy of Science and Art – Institute of Musicology, Belgrade)
„The great symphonists died. Now what?” A Sombre Overview
A provocative overview of the post-great-symphonist era and the future of the genre.

15:50–16:50 – PLENARY DISCUSSION AND ROUNDTABLE
Topic: The State and Future of Symphonic Music in Central and Eastern Europe
Participants: All speakers
Questions and themes:
• The viability of the symphonic genre in the 21st century
• The relationship between periphery and centre in contemporary music
• Repertoire politics and canon formation
• The role and expectations of audiences
• Challenges in education and music pedagogy
• Regional differences and shared values
~17:00 | Closing
18:00 – Supper

November 19, 2025
9:00–10:00 – Excursion to Lillafüred Waterfall and Park
10:00 – Departure to Budapest from Lillafüred
Note: Schedule may vary depending on weather conditions
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The organisers reserve the right to make changes to the programme.

Please indicate your intention to participate by 13 October 2025 at mma-mmki.hu.