Szolnok Symphony Orchestra

The 2026 Franz Liszt International Piano Competition took place from 15 to 20 September 2026 at the Kodály Centre in Pécs, a former European Capital of Culture and one of Hungary’s most important cultural hubs.

The young talents were initially ranked by a distinguished jury based on the videos submitted with their applications. The selected pianists were then invited to Pécs to demonstrate their musical abilities in person in a competition consisting of three rounds.

The four outstanding finalists competed for the top prize in the orchestral final, performing a work by Liszt selected by the jury from three previously announced pieces: Totentanz, the Piano Concerto No. 1 in E-flat major, and the Piano Concerto No. 2 in A major.

These three works for piano and orchestra are outstanding examples of Romantic virtuoso pianism. Each presents the soloist with exceptionally demanding technical challenges, including rapid passages, powerful chordal playing, octave runs, wide leaps, and extreme dynamic contrasts. Moreover, the piano must frequently hold its own against the full force of the orchestra, requiring tremendous physical stamina and impeccable technical control.

At the same time, the performer must work in close and sensitive partnership with the orchestra, shaping not only the dazzling virtuosity of these compositions but also their dramatic intensity and lyrical moments with subtlety and expression.

Perhaps there is no sporting competition in which, at the decisive moment of the final contest, competitors must be as vulnerable, emotionally expressive, gentle, and sensitive to the slightest nuance as the finalists of a music competition. They must communicate through the briefest glances, breathe as one, and create a shared emotional experience with dozens of musicians they have never met before. It is not only the instrument that must become their ally, but the entire orchestra as well.

This evening, you will have the opportunity to experience the extraordinary achievement of Ildikó Rozsonits in a dazzling performance filled with virtuosity, passion, and youthful energy!