The Cziffra Festival, a pillar of Hungary’s classical scene, runs February 11–22 across multiple venues with one-off concert series, exhibitions, and talent programs. It opens with a morning concert of Dohnányi works, setting a high bar for a whirlwind of jazz and classical nights, plus boundary-crossing shows where theater, literature, and music collide. Expect bar tunes and Gypsy music alongside heavyweight recitals by David Fray, Leonidas Kavakos, and Enrico Pace, as well as a full slate of children’s events and visual art showcases.
Piano Legacy on Display
Anchoring the festival is the exhibition “From Ferenc Liszt (Liszt Ferenc) to György Cziffra (Cziffra György) – The History of the Hungarian Piano School,” on view at the Old Academy of Music from February 20 to June 30. It traces a virtuoso lineage that shaped global piano playing, spotlighting the fierce technique and flair that defined the Hungarian style. The programming’s mix—from salon vibes to concert-hall gravitas—mirrors that heritage, celebrating past masters while nurturing tomorrow’s talents. (Cover image: György Cziffra)
