BBJ: How would you assess the musical life of the nation today?

Dávid Zsoldos: Unfortunately, most areas of musical life require not merely restructuring, but the creation of a coherent new vision. I am optimistic about the future, as our new government has made the cultural sector one of its first priorities, with plans to introduce solutions and significant reforms. While some leading institutions do indeed have sound and effective strategies of their own, in most areas, from funding competitions to the financing of musical ensembles, professional planning and transparency have given way to top-down political control and political servility. This is not merely a matter of ethics and responsible use of public funds; it is also a serious professional concern. Negative selection and chronic underfunding have serious professional consequences. A clear example of the latter is the Liszt Academy of Music, where faculty members earn only one-half to one-third of the salaries of their counterparts at the music faculties of regional universities that have undergone the new governance model reform.

BBJ: Which measures can realistically be addressed in the near term, and which challenges will require a longer-term approach?

DZs: It is difficult even to list the most urgent, but I would highlight two in particular. First, both professional orchestras and permanent ensembles that currently rely on grant funding need a predictable, performance-based funding system as soon as possible. Second, we must reduce the direct role of the state in financing the sector and strengthen competition. Measures such as introducing a reduced cultural VAT rate, offering tax incentives for contributions to cultural initiatives, and strengthening the role of governments could prove highly effective in this regard.

BBJ: In light of the expected changes, perhaps you could give us the example of a world-renowned musical event that was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic but made a successful return this July?

DZs: Yes. The 30th International Béla Bartók Choir Competition in Debrecen took place in early July, featuring unforgettable, world-class performances. Once again, the event confirmed Hungary’s standing as one of the world’s great musical nations.

Dávid Zsoldos is one of Hungary’s most influential figures in classical music media, cultural policy, and music-industry representation. He was elected president of the Hungarian Music Council in 2021. Linked to bodies such as the International Music Council and the European Music Council, the Hungarian organization was founded in 1990 and represents a broad range of Hungarian music-sector organizations, including music schools, orchestras, concert organizations, composers, performers, and professional associations, both domestically and internationally. Zoldos is the founder and director of cultural media platform Papageno, having previously founded Fidelio (a major Hungarian cultural magazine and media brand) and Klasszik Rádió (Hungary’s first commercial classical music radio station). He served on the board of the European Music Council from 2018 until June 2025, and is a jury member of the International Classical Music Awards.

This article was first published in the Budapest Business Journal print issue of July 31, 2026.