Until the age of sixteen, she planned to become a music and mathematics teacher, played the guitar and sang in a choir – and music remains an important source of joy in her life, even though she has less time for it today. What can a symphony orchestra teach a company about teamwork and leadership? And what could be done to foster more partnerships between the business and cultural sectors? KPMG Hungary supported our concert on 6 October, conducted by Sir John Eliot Gardiner. We spoke to Ágnes Rakó, the newly appointed CEO of KPMG Hungary.

Why does KPMG consider it important to support cultural initiatives, such as the Budapest Festival Orchestra?

At KPMG, we believe that the economy and culture mutually reinforce one another, and we are delighted to see creative industries playing an increasingly important role in the business world globally. This year, we established our art advisory business because we want to actively contribute to this transformation. Cultural institutions and initiatives do not simply preserve value; through their distinctive approach and outlook, they build communities, inspire people, and contribute to creating a more open, creative and inclusive society and environment.

For us, this is why it is important to support organizations that, alongside outstanding professional performance, also have a broader social impact – whether through traditional philanthropy or by offering their expertise through pro bono or low bono support. The Budapest Festival Orchestra is exactly such an institution.

Across Europe, we see many examples of companies and cultural institutions developing long-term partnerships that go beyond traditional sponsorship. What do you think is needed for more such collaborations to emerge in Hungary?

I believe that, first and foremost, we need to think together. The most successful partnerships are not based on a sponsor–beneficiary relationship, but on collaboration in which both parties work towards creating value, thereby supporting each other and the wider community.

If companies see culture not as a cost, but as a long-term investment in society and the economy, and are willing to contribute their own knowledge and expertise, I believe more such partnerships can emerge in Hungary as well.

What values do you see in the Budapest Festival Orchestra that could also be important to a company?

Excellence, innovation and collaboration are the first things that come to mind. The Budapest Festival Orchestra is one of the outstanding players in the international music scene, while constantly seeking new forms and new audiences. This approach is very close to our own: alongside a high level of professional excellence, we consider continuous development and the ability to renew ourselves equally important.

Do you see parallels between the way an orchestra operates and the way a company is led?

Very much so. Behind both a successful orchestra and a successful company are people and a community working towards a common goal. In both cases, a clear direction, mutual trust and a commitment to doing one’s best in one’s own field are essential.

The role of a leader is not to play every note themselves, but to create the environment and culture in which both individuals and the team can thrive.

Every musician in an orchestra has a distinct role, yet they all work towards a shared result. What can this teach a company about teamwork and leadership?

That the best results rarely come from individual performance alone. An orchestra’s strength lies in the way different talents and roles reinforce one another. The same is true of companies: diverse perspectives, experiences and expertise can create real value when everyone understands the common goal and trusts in the work of others.

What role does music play in your life, and is there a particular work or composer you feel especially connected to?

Music was a defining part of my life for a very long time. Until I was sixteen, I planned to become a music and mathematics teacher, and I played the guitar and sang in a choir until the end of my secondary school years. Since then, unfortunately, work and family have left less room for music in my everyday life, but I still very much enjoy going to concerts and performances.

It is a particular joy for me that I have been able to pass my love of music on to my children as well: my elder daughter has been singing in her secondary school’s senior choir for several years.

Why did KPMG choose this particular concert?

We value the work of the Budapest Festival Orchestra as a whole, so we were delighted to support this event as well. For us, the concert is a good symbol of what such a partnership can mean: outstanding professional quality combined with a unique shared experience.

We are pleased that, through our collaboration, we can also contribute our expertise to helping these experiences reach as many people as possible.