From the Office in Budapest

Dear members and friends of the IKS,

This year marks the commemoration of the135th anniversary of the birth and the 50th anniversary of the death of Zoltán Kodály. The Hungarian government announced 2017 as a Kodály-memorial year. It has inspired celebrations worldwide, reaffirming the dedication of musicians and music educators to the flame of Kodály’s artistry and humanism. The definition of “humanism” reflects Kodály as a musician, pedagogue and human being: “a doctrine, attitude, or way of life centered on human interests or values; especially a philosophy that . . . stresses an individual's dignity and worth . . . .” [Merriam-Webster] We honor Kodály’s artistic and humanist values.

All the concerts and festivals honoring Kodály this year cannot be recognized in one short letter. A sampling of a few commemorations show the breadth and depth of the reverence for Kodály. As an officer of the Organization of American Kodály Educators (OAKE), I have been collecting documentation of Kodály concerts and events in this anniversary year. I would be happy to receive information about celebrations in your schools, your cities or countries to add to the long list.

  • The Joyful Company of Singers, Hungarian Cultural Centre, March 03, 2017, St. Paul's Church Covent Garden, London UK, featuring Banchieri Singers from Nyíregyháza.
  • British Kodály Academy, London, UK, March 6, 2017, 50th anniversary of the death of Zoltán Kodály; 50 year anniversary of the introduction to Britain of the Kodály approach.
  • San Francisco Lyric Chorus Concert, March 20, 2017, San Franisco, CA, USA.
  • “Intonations” Concert, April 25, 2017, Berlin, Germany.
  • Concert de Sant Jordi, May 02, 2017, Cor Kodály Escola IPSI, Barcelona, Spain.
  • The Bartók Vocal Ensemble of Zengő May 21, 2017, Singing Brussels Celebration, Belgium.
  • Kőszeg, Hungary, Kodály Celebration program series, May 26-28, 2017. Mrs. Sarolta Kodály: “In these days Kodály’s star shined more powerfully.”
  • Northwest Kodály Educators, Seattle Kodály Levels Program, July 7, 2017, Seattle, WA, USA, piano lecture/recital by Gilbert De Greeve.
  • Temple Square Concert Series, August 5, 2017, Salt Lake City, UT, USA, Kodály-Schumann piano recital in the Assembly Hall by Gilbert De Greeve, with introductory remarks by Dr. Jerry L. Jaccard.
  • IKS 23rd Symposium and Music Festival, August 08–13, 2017, Camrose, Alberta, Canada
  • Jubileumi Emlékhangversey/Celebration Concert, August 26, 2017, Grace Hungarian Reformed Church, Reseda, CA, USA.
  • Oxford Pro Musica Singers,October 14, 2017, Keble College, Oxford, UK.
  • KASC Zoltán Kodály Anniversary Concert, Oct 28, 2017, Belgian pianist Gilbert De Greeve.
  • Kodály Zoltán emlékest, November 7, 2017, Román Atheneum, kisterem, Budapest, Hungary.
  • Concert en hommage à Zoltán Kodály le 15 novembre 2017 à 20h Institut hongrois, Paris, France.
  • New Dublin Voices - Zoltán Kodály Remembrance Concert, Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin, Ireland, December 4, 2017.

May the flame of Kodály’s philosophy and pedagogy burn brightly in our hearts and minds, in our practices and performances, enriching our souls, and enriching the world.

Dr. Katherine Hickey
Secretary-Treasurer