2026 Utah Liszt Festival and Competition

The University of Utah School of Music invites pianists and music enthusiasts to the 2026 Utah Liszt Festival and Competition, November 1–3, 2026, at Libby Gardner Concert Hall. In collaboration with the American Liszt Society, the festival features masterclasses, competitions, and solo and ensemble performances. Admission to all festival masterclasses and performances is free.

Festival schedule

Sunday, November 1
- 7:30 pm: Opening Recital by Dr. Dmitry Rachmanov

Monday, November 2
- 12:00 pm–2:00 pm: Masterclass with Dr. Dmitry Rachmanov
- 2:00 pm–4:00 pm: Masterclass with Dr. Kori Bond
- 4:00 pm–5:30 pm: Lecture Recital on Scriabin by Dr. Dmitry Rachmanov
- 7:30 pm: Young Artists Competition Finals Concert

Tuesday, November 3
- 12:00 pm–2:00 pm: Masterclass with Dr. Dmitry Rachmanov
- 2:00 pm–4:00 pm: Masterclass with Professor Steven Vanhauwaert
- 4:00 pm–6:00 pm: Masterclass with Dr. Vedrana Subotic
- 7:30 pm: Mini Artist & Junior Artist Competition Finals Concert

Competitions are open to pianists of any nationality in three divisions:
- Mini Artist: ages 10–13
- Junior: ages 14–18
- Young Artist: collegiate undergraduates

Prizes include cash awards and concert performances. There are six categories: Mini Artists (Liszt and Romantic), Junior Artists (Liszt and Romantic), and Young Artists (Liszt and Romantic). Each category has a Video Round and a Live Round. Finalists perform live on November 2 (Young Artists) or November 3 (Mini and Junior Artists). The live rounds are livestreamed. Winners' names are announced by email and on the School of Music website by November 5.

Registration opens September 18 and closes October 18, 2026. The fee is $30 per category. Submit all application materials electronically by October 18, 2026, to [email protected]. Materials include the registration form, liability waiver, photo release, photograph, proof of age, and video recording.

The festival is directed by Dr. Vedrana Subotic.