12th INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION “FRANZ LISZT” – PREMIO MARIO ZANFI

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The Conservatorio di Musica Arrigo Boito announces the 12th edition of the International Piano Competition “Franz Liszt” – Mario Zanfi Prize, to be held in Parma, Italy, from December 1 to 6, 2026.

Open to pianists of all nationalities aged under 35 at the opening date, the competition is entirely dedicated to the music of Franz Liszt, including original works as well as transcriptions and arrangements.

The competition will unfold over three rounds: a closed preliminary round, a public semifinal at the Auditorium del Carmine, and a final round in the form of a public concerto performance at the Auditorium Paganini. Finalists will perform with the Orchestra of the Conservatorio di Musica Arrigo Boito under the baton of Carla Delfrate.

The distinguished international jury will include Vovka Ashkenazy (Russia), Roberto Cappello (Italy), Jin Ju (China), Daniel Rivera (Argentina), Markus Schirmer (Austria), and Olga Zdorenko (Ukraine). The jury will be chaired by the Director of the Conservatory, Massimo Felici.

The competition offers a total prize fund of €17,500:

·         First Prize: €10,000

·         Second Prize: €5,000

·         Third Prize: €2,500

The First Prize winner will also be awarded performance opportunities within the concert seasons of the Fondazione Arturo Toscanini and the Società dei Concerti di Parma.

Founded in 1981 through a bequest by pianist Mario Zanfi—renowned for his interpretations of Liszt—the competition reflects his vision of promoting a deeper appreciation of Liszt’s music, emphasizing its innovative and forward-looking compositional language beyond mere virtuosity.

Application deadline: October 12, 2026, 2:00 p.m. (CET)

Further information and application details:

www.conservatorio.pr.it/en/franz-liszt-piano-competition

Email: ufficio.produzione@conservatorio.pr.it

Premi

The competition offers a total prize fund of €17,500:

·         First Prize: €10,000

·         Second Prize: €5,000

·         Third Prize: €2,500

Giuria