Norbert Kurunci is a 23-year-old violinist and student from Kikinda, Serbia. He started playing at the age of 8 and studied Violin Performance at the Academy of Art in Novi Sad until he got the chance to go on Erasmus in Pécs for a semester to carry on his Master studies.
So Norbert, why did you choose to spend your Erasmus semester in Pécs?
Before applying to study at the University of Pécs, I was given positive feedback from my friend who was a full-time student there at the Faculty of Music and Visual Arts. Then, I became more attracted to this city after knowing its cultural importance, as it was selected as the European Capital of Culture in 2010. What attracted me most to that place was one of the master classes’ professors, Mr. Kristof Barati: a talented Hungarian violinist known worldwide.
What did you enjoy the most during this semester and what did you achieve by being an exchange student in a foreign country?
I loved every moment and every second of my Erasmus there. I loved the city, the faculty, and mostly the people. I had the opportunity to meet new people and make lifelong friendships. I became more mature than ever before. I met almost all the ESNers in Pécs and became great friends with them. I even participated in most ESN events by playing violin or taking photos with my camera. Besides this, one of my dreams was fulfilled in Pécs. I met Kristof Barati, my violin idol, and had great inspiring discussions with him. I had an opportunity to play with the Pannon Philharmonic Orchestra in Pécs; I was invited to play many symphonies by my professor and concertmaster of the Philharmonic Orchestra such as Bruckner’s Symphony No. 8 and Haydn’s Trumpet Concerto in Pécs as well as in Budapest at the Palace of Art.
Music and photography are a major part of your life. What would you like to achieve in the long term?
Music is my all-time passion and for me there is no life without music. I recently started to get into photography just as a hobby. I think there is a deep connection between music and photography as a form of art. Sometimes a landscape can inspire you to make music and take some photos. I do not really have long-term dreams, but I do know that I want to continue my Erasmus journey with my violin and camera as my only carry-on bags.
How would you evaluate your Erasmus experience and how would you describe it in a few words?
Erasmus was a great journey for me, for it helped me change many of my views not just professionally but even more so personally. It opened up my mind, indirectly influenced my playing skills, which completely changed my life. It is a great adventure with all the events and parties that I would never want to miss.
