BBJ: What was behind the creation of the festival?
Szilvia Besszer: It was founded in 2016 by János Balázs, a Kossuth-Prize-winning pianist, Steinway Artist, and university professor, who also serves as the festival’s artistic director. The aim was to create a worthy memorial to the world-famous pianist György Cziffra, who came from a Roma musician family and endured a difficult childhood. Cziffra’s artistry was known worldwide as a unique embodiment of the dazzling piano technique of Ferenc Liszt and an inimitable gift for improvisation.
The festival started as a program lasting only a few days, but has attracted an ever-growing audience thanks to its market positioning and high-quality programming.
Today, in addition to Hungary, musical events are held in 22 countries, at venues such as New York’s Carnegie Hall and London’s Cadogan Hall.
As a result, the Cziffra Festival is a pioneering festival that places a special emphasis on building international cultural relations. It has collaborated with partners such as the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, the Orchestra Philharmonique de Radio France, and the Orchestra de la Suisse Romande.
BBJ: What is unique about the festival?
SZB: It has become a defining event in the world of classical music today. It is not merely a series of concerts, but a multifaceted cultural project that undertakes numerous commitments, represents values and causes, while preserving Cziffra’s intellectual legacy. A very important aspect is its versatile support for young artists, who take turns in performing on the Cziffra Festival stage, like Martha Argerich, Mischa Maisky, Vadim Repin, and Jose Cura.
The real sensation this year is that, after 10 years, the violin prodigy Leonidas Kavakos will perform again in our country on May 25 in the Grand Hall of the Liszt Academy of Music.
Further information: cziffrafesztival.hu/en
This article was first published in the Budapest Business Journal print issue of March 27, 2026.
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