Utrecht - International Franz Liszt Piano Competition

Liszt Utrecht is one prominent gateways to the international professional classical music scene for young musicians. Focussed around the musical legacy of Franz Liszt with changing themes per edition.

Starting point is the triennial International piano competition, held at TivoliVredenburg, Utrecht, The Netherlands, which was founded in 1986 and since has built a reputation as one of the world’s most prestigious piano competitions. What sets the Liszt Utrecht apart from colleagues is the extensive Career DevelopmentProgramme. For a period of three years the competition works closely with all three winners, providing management, professional coaching, publicity and continuous mentorship. 

As of the edition in 2022 the competition has a new structure in place, which focuses less on the competing part and gives more opportunities to the participating pianists to showcase their artistry to an international audience.

Weber edition 2026 Liszt Utrecht highlights in 2026 the works of Carl Maria von Weber, adored by Liszt, forgotten by many. Each participant performs six recitals:

‘A Night at the Opera’, during this opening concert all pianists will perform one opera transcription”.

‘Von Weber’ recital, which features the performance of his sonatas and Liszt transcriptions. Four different programmes will be assigned by ballot to the performers.

‘Chamber Music’ recital. Here the pianists will perform with violinist Lea Hausmann, cellist Sam Shephard and three other musicians in performances of the wonderful works of Van Weber for duo, trio and quartet, as well as the works for piano trio by Franz Liszt. Four different programmes will be assigned by ballot to the performers.

‘Liszt Stories’ recital. Performers are given the challenge to come up with a thematical recital, which uses one of 20 lesser-known works by Liszt as a starting point.

‘Liszt Sonata’. Every pianist will perform the pinnacle piece from Liszt’s oeuvre. 

‘Piano Promenade’, during this out-door concert all pianists will perform a short recital.

On 22 January we will celebrate 40 years of Liszt Utrecht with a concert featuring 18 past winners.