50 Years of Music Making and Barrier Breaking

Lajos Balogh, the visionary founder of the Metropolitan Youth Symphony, dedicated his life to making music accessible to all young people, regardless of their background or circumstances. Born in Hungary, Balogh’s early years were shaped by the profound hardships of World War II and the 1956 Hungarian Revolution. As a young man, he fled his homeland and found safety in the United States. Through his work as a violinist at the Oregon Symphony Orchestra, and eventually its principal second violin, Balogh discovered a local community that welcomed him. In return, he created a youth orchestra that would forever change the lives of countless young musicians.

In 1974, Lajos Balogh founded MYS with a clear mission: to educate, develop, and promote young musicians. His commitment to access for all remains a cornerstone of MYS’s work, driving its efforts to make music education available to every student, regardless of economic or social barriers. Mr. Balogh’s vision was not just to teach music but to build an inclusive community where students from all walks of life could come together to explore and celebrate the art of music. He imagined a place where diverse musical styles and ensemble types—from classical symphonies to jazz and chamber music—could coexist, offering every student a chance to find their unique voice within a supportive environment.

“Access to music for all was at the heart of Lajos’s work,” said MYS Music Director Dr. Raul Gomez-Rojas. “He believed that music should not be a privilege for the few but a right for everyone, creating a space where students could thrive—not only as musicians but as individuals. His passion for making music accessible shapes everything we do today.” This commitment to access and inclusion continues to be a guiding principle of MYS, ensuring that Balogh’s legacy lives on as the organization reaches more communities throughout the Portland metro area and beyond.

Mr. Balogh’s own journey as an immigrant shaped his belief in the power of music as a universal language that could bridge cultures and bring people together. He understood the isolation of being in a new place, far from home, and used music as a tool to connect with his new community. His work with the Oregon Symphony not only solidified his place in Portland’s artistic scene but also allowed him to channel his passion for music into building a foundation that would welcome young musicians from all backgrounds. For Balogh, music was not just about playing notes; it was about creating a sense of belonging and building a bridge to the world beyond one’s own borders.

One of Balogh’s most enduring contributions was his dedication to transforming young musicians into global citizens through international experiences. He firmly believed that exposure to the world’s diverse cultures and musical traditions was essential to a well-rounded education. He spearheaded MYS’s international tours, taking his students to places like Russia, Japan, Poland, the Czech Republic, China, Italy, and many more. These journeys were not simply trips but transformative experiences, allowing students to perform in historic venues and stand in the very places where composers like Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven once created their masterpieces. “Lajos wanted his students to see that their music had the power to connect with people around the world,” said Executive Director Diana Scoggins. “He taught them that they were not just musicians but ambassadors of culture and creativity.”

Balogh also led the charge in bringing music to underserved communities in Portland. He initiated outreach concerts in schools that lacked music programs, believing that every child should have the opportunity to experience live orchestral music, regardless of their economic circumstances. These outreach efforts laid the groundwork for MYS’s ongoing mission to dismantle barriers to music education and remain integral to its programming today. Balogh’s belief in the importance of community engagement and cultural exchange was rooted in his understanding that music has the power to inspire and uplift, to connect people across different backgrounds and to spark joy in unexpected places.

“He created a safe space where music wasn’t just about playing notes but about students expressing themselves and becoming better people through the process,” Dr. Gomez-Rojas reflected. “We are proud to still be that safe space, welcoming students from all backgrounds to experience the magic of music.”

Lajos Balogh’s legacy at MYS is defined by his unwavering dedication to access, diversity, and the belief that music has the power to unite and transform. His influence is not only etched in the history of MYS but also in the thousands of thousands of students who found their passion, their voice, and their sense of belonging through his vision. His work in music education has left a lasting impact on Portland’s cultural landscape, ensuring that every young musician has the chance to become a global citizen through the gift of music.