Finale with Radio Philharmonic Orchestra

Liszt Utrecht (formerly: Liszt Competition) is an international piano festival revolving around the music of Franz Liszt. Twelve professional pianists from all over the world travel to TivoliVredenburg to perform their interpretations of Liszt's music.

The Von Weber edition

Although the event revolves around the music of Franz Liszt, each edition has a different composer as its theme. After the 2022 edition, which focused on Schubert, the 2026 edition will highlight a somewhat forgotten composer/pianist: Carl Maria von Weber. Liszt was an admirer of von Weber's works and regularly performed them in his concerts. The 2026 edition will highlight original piano solo and chamber music compositions by Von Weber as well as Liszt's transcriptions of his opera pieces. It will also feature a new work by Dutch composer Joey Roukens.

The festival phase

During the festival phase (Jan. 16-24, 2026), the 12 pianists present their sophisticated piano playing in several rounds. Each festival day has a set structure:

• A Night at the Opera
  During this opening concert, all pianists will perform one opera transcription.

• Von Weber
  With the performance of his sonatas and Liszt transcriptions. Four different programs will be assigned to performers by drawing lots.

• Chamber Music
  Here the pianists will perform with violinist Lea Hausmann, cellist Sam Shephard and three other musicians in performances of Van Weber's beautiful works for duo, trio and quartet, as well as Franz Liszt's works for piano trio. Four different programs will be assigned to the performers by drawing lots.

• Liszt Stories
  Artists are given the challenge of devising a thematic recital using one of Liszt's 20 lesser-known works as a starting point.

• Liszt Sonata
  Each pianist will perform the highlight of Liszt's oeuvre.

• Piano Promenade
  During this outdoor concert, all pianists will give a short recital.

The Grande Finale

For the final stage, three winners will be selected to perform a selection of Liszt's 1st or 2nd Piano Concerto with the Radio Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Stéphane Denève on January 24, 2026. The Grand Prize winner will perform again the following day with the Orchestra at the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam.