University of Music and Performing Arts Graz

The University of Music and Performing Arts Graz, also known as Kunstuniversität Graz (KUG) is an Austrian university. Its roots can be traced back to the music school of the Akademischer Musikverein founded in 1816, making it the oldest university of music in Austria. History In 1963 the Conservatoire of the Province of Styria was elevated to an Austrian state institution – the Academy of Music and Performing Arts in Graz. Its president (1963–1971) was Erich Marckhl. As a result of the 1970 Kunsthochschulorganisationsgesetz [Universities of the Arts Organisation Act] the academy became the Hochschule für Musik und darstellende Kunst in Graz. Friedrich Korcak was appointed as the first rector in 1971. A concert series was set up as early as 1982, in collaboration with the Association of Friends of the Hochschule für Musik und darstellende Kunst Graz, which at the time include three different series: the main concert series, abo@MUMUTH and the concert series for young audiences. In 1983, KUG (at that time still a Hochschule) was granted the authority to award degrees. The first doctoral degree programme was offered in 1986 and the first graduation ceremony was held on 21 June 1991.