UMZE is the Hungarian acronym for “New Hungarian Music Association,” a musical project founded in 1911 by composers Béla Bartók, Zoltan Kodály, and Leo Weiner. In 1997, percussionist Zoltán Rácz reinvigorated their existence in the form of an Ensemble and served as artistic director until 2018. Subsequently, composers Péter Eötvös, György Ligeti, and György Kurtág also joined the re-established association in 2005. The current president of the Association is Balázs Horváth, and Gregory Vajda is the artistic director of the Ensemble.

Now, in 2026, UMZE has expanded its activities by founding a Composers Circle that showcases their individual works, and often collaborates with the Péter Eötvös Contemporary Music Foundation. The UMZE Ensemble regularly commissions compositions to be written by the thirteen members of the Composers Circle. 

By virtue of its long artistic legacy, UMZE’s focal points are Hungarian cultural preservation and musical innovation. Its historical roots planted in 1911 – manifesting a platform and venue for new music – now continue to maintain its famous forbearers’ aspirations.

The 13 active members of the Hungarian Composers Circle are described in the following pages.