On Saturday, 11th January I had the pleasure of attending the first live round of the 2026 Liszt Competition Utrecht. This renowned triennial event showcases exceptional pianistic talent, with selected artists advancing to the finals in 2026. The first round featured 19 pianists performing pieces from a curated list available on the competition’s website.
Held in the Netherlands, the Liszt Utrecht competition is a prestigious celebration of Franz Liszt’s music and his enduring influence. Since 1986, it has earned a reputation as one of the world’s premier piano competitions. Each edition highlights Liszt’s compositions and his connections to other composers. The 2026 edition focuses on Weber, presenting both original works and Liszt’s transcriptions of Weber’s operatic pieces.
Franz Liszt revolutionized music with his ground breaking piano works, redefining the instrument’s technical and expressive possibilities. His compositions blend dazzling virtuosity with profound emotional depth, employing techniques such as rapid octaves, intricate fingerings, and the expanded use of the piano’s dynamic range. His influence extends far beyond his era, shaping the works of composers like Wagner, Mahler, Ravel, and Bartók.
The competition venue’s intimate setting allowed the focus to remain entirely on the pianists and their music, fostering a sense of closeness and immersion that elevated the experience. I particularly appreciated the audience’s enthusiasm and attentiveness, which amplified the performances’ emotional impact. Certain pieces, like Weber’s Rondo Brillante, drew especially strong reactions, with spontaneous applause and visible emotion reflecting the audience’s deep connection to the music.
Amid this captivating atmosphere, I watched two pianists, Chia-Yang Hsu and Xingyu Lu, perform on the second day of the first round. Their interpretations were remarkable, seamlessly blending passion with precision. Both dazzled with their ability to convey the emotional essence of the pieces, resonating deeply with the audience and leaving a lasting impression. Chia-Yang Hsu brought lyrical phrasing and subtle dynamics to Années de pèlerinage, vividly evoking Liszt’s wanderlust, while Xingyu Lu impressed with fiery passion and precision in their interpretation of Reminiscences de Don Juan S.418, a virtuosic work weaving themes from Mozart’s Don Giovanni with Liszt’s characteristic flair.
Attending the Liszt Utrecht competition is more than just witnessing a contest; it is an opportunity to experience young talents bringing classical masterpieces to life in a concert setting. For me, it was also a chance to discover new music, deepening my appreciation for the beauty and depth of classical repertoire. This competition not only nurtures emerging talent but also serves as a testament to Liszt’s enduring legacy and his ability to inspire cultural and artistic exchange within the global classical music community. Cicek Isiksel Sonmez 12th January 2025
