Applications open for Franz Liszt International Piano Competition in Hungary

The competition, organised by the most notable classical music concert agency of Hungary, is part of the Budapest International Music Competitions, the founding member of the World Federation of International Music Competitions. With a tradition dating back to 1993, the Franz Liszt International Piano Competition, also member of the Alink-Argerich Foundation, is among the most prestigious national and international competitions. The first winner of the competition was Annie Fischer. Young musicians are invited to apply for the pre-selection of the 15th Liszt Competition by 15 April 2021, at the webpage of www.lisztcompetition.hu 

The competition is hosted by the Franz Liszt Academy of Music, which was established in Budapest, and is the only music academy in the world that was founded by Franz Liszt. At one of the most prestigious venues of the Hungarian musical life, young contestants perform to a prominent jury, which includes world-famous artists such as Olga Kern (Russia), Wu Ying (China), Boaz Sharon (USA), Olli Mustonen (Finland), Cyprien Katsaris (France), János Balázs (Hungary), Gábor Farkas (Hungary) and Tamás Vásáry (Hungary).

Winners of the competition are rewarded with concert invitations and generous prizes. The first-prize winner will receive €30,000.

The repertoire of the 2021 competition features mandatory and free-choice compositions that enable competitors to exhibit their unique musical world. The core programmes includes iconic Liszt compositions and different transcripts.

The repertoire pays tribute to world renowned Hungarian pianist György Cziffra, on the 100th anniversary of his birth, by including his Liszt transcriptions. On the anniversary of Saint-Saёns, Liszt's transcripts reflecting on the French composer have also been added to the programme.

As a novelty, the repertoire of the pre-selection also includes Bach and Haydn compositions, whose works form an essential part of the European musical heritage.

Filharmonia invites gifted young pianists to apply and demonstrate their talents at this prestigious international competition.

Further information can be found at www.filharmonia.hu and www.lisztcompetition.hu 

Watch an introductory video below.