SZTE University Spring welcomes culture lovers with nearly 300 programs

With a mix of new additions and returning favorites, the University Spring Festival — now in its 20th year — kicked off April 10. Organized by the University of Szeged’s Cultural Office, the festival offers nearly 300 cultural, scientific, and educational programs through May 31, welcoming university community members and Szeged residents alike.

This year’s festival is enriched by several major anniversaries. It marks 120 years since the birth of poet Attila József, a former student of the university and its later namesake. The Szeged University Choir is also celebrating its centennial, marking 100 years since its founding.

The festival showcases the creativity of students and faculty, with events including classical and contemporary music concerts, literary evenings, art competitions and master–student performances. The University of Szeged continues to serve not only as a leading academic and research institution in southern Hungary but also as a vital cultural hub for the region.

The 20th University Spring officially opened with a student photography exhibition and an awards ceremony for winners of the university’s art competitions.

In her remarks, Márta Széll, strategic vice-rector of the university, highlighted the festival as a prime example of how the institution opens its doors to the public, inviting the broader community to enjoy concerts, theater productions, literary evenings, and exhibitions.

Photos from the University Spring opening ceremony. Szilvia Molnar / Szegedify

The photography exhibition, on display in the atrium of the Rector’s Building, features 36 images by 25 students. The selected works include nature and architectural photographs, as well as artistic black-and-white compositions. The exhibition is open to the public on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. through May 16.

Széll also congratulated students who pursue artistic activities alongside their academic work, contributing not only to their personal development but to the cultural life of the university, the city, and the region.

The 26th Szeged International Guitar Festival begins April 17, highlighting both world-class guitarists and students from the guitar department. On April 23, audiences can enjoy a musical evening with Éva Kovács, Bernadett Szemerédi, and Jonathan Tóth, followed by a concert the next day by guitarist Dávid Pavlovits and his students. The traditional Musical Doctors spring concert will be held May 6, and Edina Mókus Szirtes and her ensemble will perform May 7. On May 8, violinist Ferenc Szecsődi and the Benedekfi brothers will present “Humor in Music,” part of the Master and Student series.

One of the festival’s most colorful events takes place May 24 with the KóSza (Choirs Unleashed) Choir Festival. Choirs will perform throughout the city center, including in the Rector’s atrium. The event concludes with around 700 singers gathering in Dugonics Square to perform a specially composed piece titled “Final Song,” promising an unforgettable shared musical experience.

The nearly two-month-long series offers something for everyone interested in culture, art, and beauty. In addition to music and literature, the festival includes exhibitions, film screenings, workshops and family-friendly outdoor programs. Some of the events — especially concerts and visual arts — are also accessible to those who do not speak Hungarian.

A list of programs suitable for non-Hungarian speakers is available on the University of Szeged website.