"That is our greatest treasure: nobody can show a warmer reception of Hungary than when it is for music," said András Batta.
Batta added that he was grateful the government had made the decision to delegate not stars, but rather young talent to represent Hungarian at celebrations to mark the 20th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations with Korea and the 140th anniversary of the establishment and the 50th anniversary of the re-establishment of diplomatic ties with Japan.
"I found that a cult of worship surrounds education and culture in these countries," Batta said. When the orchestra arrived in Seoul on the airplane, the pilot said he was going to circle the airport for half and hour so as not to disturb university students who at that moment were taking their entrance examinations, he added.
The academy held talks with many other schools on the tour, establishing agreements on student exchanges as well as sharing learning materials. An Asian International Liszt Piano Competition was also discussed for 2011. It is hoped that many of the Liszt Music Academy's students will participate in the contest, Bata said.
Batta acknowledged that the tour had required material sacrifices. "But this is just pennies when compared to what it brings the country," he said.
Source: Hungarian News Agency (MTI)
