7th International FRANZ LISZT Competition | Young Pianists

The latest competition at the University of Music FRANZ LISZT, the International FRANZ LISZT Piano Competition for Young Pianists, was brought into being in 2005. Similar to the LOUIS SPOHR Competition for Young Violinists, it aims to offer the next generation of talented instrumentalists an international platform. In Weimar, musicians from all over the world will be able to meet at eye level, compare their abilities, and learn from each other. Feedback from a top-level international jury helps them in this regard.
 
Franz Liszt, the competition’s namesake, lived and taught in Weimar, first in the “Altenburg” (1848 to 1861) and then later in the old court nursery “Hofgärtnerei” (1869 to 1886). Every summer, he gathered a select group of young pianists from all over the world around him. He gave them free masterclasses and provided unforgettable inspiration. That great composer, pianist, conductor and visionary always strove to offer the next generation the best possible training conditions – by founding specialised music training institutions, amongst other things.
 
Like its “older brother”, the International FRANZ LISZT Piano Competition Weimar-Bayreuth which also takes place in Weimar, the Competition for Young Pianists feels a duty to carry on Franz Liszt’s ideals. By offering performance incentives in the form of prizes, the competition wants to help realise Liszt’s ideal of the musician with a general education who always passes on her knowledge to the next generation.

 

Why Weimar?

Come for the competition. Stay for the music. Discover Weimar.

Taking part in the Competition for Young Pianists means more than performing in front of a jury. It is an opportunity to experience Weimar – a city where music has been at the heart of artistic life for centuries.

From Johann Sebastian Bach and Franz Liszt to the musicians and teachers shaping classical music today, Weimar has attracted artists who came here to learn, create and exchange ideas. This tradition continues at the University of Music Franz Liszt Weimar, where young musicians from around the world study, perform and develop their individual artistic voices.

During your time at the competition, you will experience the University as a place where music shapes  everyday life. You will perform in its historic spaces, meet young musicians from different countries and disciplines, and get a sense of the artistic atmosphere of a university dedicated to musical excellence and individual development.

And beyond the competition venues, Weimar itself becomes part of the experience: a compact cultural city with a remarkable musical heritage, historic places connected with Bach and Liszt, museums, parks and a vibrant cultural life – all within a city that is easy to explore on foot.

The competition brings you to Weimar. But the city and its music university give you many more reasons to come, discover, listen and be inspired.

 

Competition Office
Hochschule für Musik FRANZ LISZT Weimar
International FRANZ LISZT Competition for Young Pianists
Platz der Demokratie 2/3, PF 2552
D-99406 Weimar

Fon +49 (0)3643-555 268
Fax +49 (0)3643-555 170

liszt-junior-wettbewerb(at)hfm-weimar.de


Promoter: University of Music FRANZ LISZT Weimar, Musikgymnasium Schloss Belvedere
Artistic directors: Christian Wilm Müller
Head of organisation: Wiebke Eckardt
Participants' support: Annekathrin Knigge