FAQ
Your Questions, Answered
Here you’ll find detailed answers about participation, programmes, venues, and logistics for the Liszt Festival.
General Information
Here you’ll find detailed answers about participation, programmes, venues, and logistics for the Liszt Festival.
Who can apply to participate in the festival?
The festival is open to advanced piano students, young professionals, and emerging concert pianists who wish to deepen their artistic development and receive intensive mentorship from internationally renowned artists. Participants should prepare a high-level repertoire suitable for masterclass work.
What is the difference between Active and Passive Participation?
Active Participants
Active participants will perform in masterclasses and receive individual artistic feedback from the faculty. They will also have the opportunity to participate in workshops, lectures, and career development sessions.
Passive Participants
Passive participants may observe all masterclasses, workshops, lectures, and discussions throughout the festival. This is an excellent opportunity for students, teachers, and music enthusiasts who wish to learn by observing the teaching process and artistic dialogue.
How many Active Participants will be accepted?
To ensure a highly personalised learning experience, the festival will accept only 16 active participants. This allows each participant to work closely with the faculty in an intensive and focused environment.
Who are the faculty members?
The faculty for the inaugural edition of the festival includes internationally acclaimed musicians and mentors: Mariam Batsashvili, Leslie Howard, Grigory Gruzman, Andrea Bonatta, and Patrick Jovell. Participants will receive artistic coaching as well as guidance on professional development, career strategy, and media presence.
What language will the festival be conducted in?
The primary working language of the festival will be English.
Ticketing, Venue & Logistics
Where will the festival take place?
Is accommodation provided?
Academic activities, including masterclasses and workshops, will take place at Pera Music School. The evening concerts will be held at a cultural venue to be confirmed shortly.
Accommodation is not included in the festival fee. However, participants are encouraged to arrange accommodation in the Beşiktaş area of Istanbul, which is conveniently located and well connected to the festival venues. Istanbul offers many affordable hotels, apartments, and short-term rental options, making it easy to find suitable accommodation within a wide range of budgets.
How do I apply as an Active Participant?
How do I register as a Passive Participant?
Applications should be submitted through the application form available on our website. Applicants may be asked to provide basic information and a video link demonstrating their playing.
Passive participants may register directly through the registration form on our website.
Can I purchase passive participation for someone else?
Yes. If you would like to purchase passive participation on behalf of another person or group, you may contact the festival organisers directly instead of completing the online form. Please include the number of participants, the names of the participants, and a contact email address. We will assist you with the registration process.
Programming & Schedule
What does the festival programme include?
The four-day programme includes: daily masterclasses with the faculty; artistic workshops with the professors; a lecture session on artistic and professional development; individual career coaching sessions; faculty concerts; and opportunities to engage with other participants in a collaborative environment.
Will participants receive career guidance?
Yes. In addition to musical instruction, the festival places strong emphasis on career development for modern musicians. Participants will have the opportunity to receive guidance on career strategy in the classical music industry; media and presentation skills; personal branding and artistic identity; and professional communication and positioning. These sessions will be led by performing arts consultant Patrick Jovell.
Is there an opportunity to perform in concerts?
The primary focus of the festival is on artistic development through masterclasses and workshops. Faculty concerts will take place during the festival, and performance opportunities for participants may be considered depending on the final programme structure.
When will the evening concerts take place?
Two evening concerts featuring the festival faculty will take place during the festival: 9 July – 19:00 and 12 July – 19:00.