Role

:

Conductor  

Period

:

Baroque

 

 

Romantic

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Keyboard

 

Balázs Szokolay is a renowned classical pianist who has captivated audiences around the world with his virtuosic performances and deep musicality. Born on August 1, 1961, in Budapest, Hungary, Szokolay showed an early aptitude for music and began studying piano at the age of six. He quickly demonstrated a natural talent for the instrument and was soon recognized as a prodigy. Szokolay's musical education was rigorous and comprehensive. He attended the Franz Liszt Academy of Music in Budapest, where he studied under some of the most distinguished piano teachers in Hungary. He also participated in numerous masterclasses and competitions, honing his skills and developing his unique musical voice. Szokolay's breakthrough came in 1980, when he won first prize at the International Franz Liszt Piano Competition in Budapest. This prestigious award launched his career and brought him to the attention of the international music community. He went on to win numerous other awards and accolades, including the Grand Prix at the International Piano Competition in Senigallia, Italy, and the Special Prize at the International Piano Competition in Vercelli, Italy. Szokolay's performances have taken him to some of the most prestigious concert halls in the world, including Carnegie Hall in New York, the Royal Albert Hall in London, and the Musikverein in Vienna. He has also performed with many of the world's leading orchestras, including the London Symphony Orchestra, the Berlin Philharmonic, and the New York Philharmonic. One of Szokolay's most memorable performances was his 1991 recital at the Budapest Opera House, where he played a program of works by Franz Liszt. The concert was a triumph for Szokolay, who received a standing ovation from the audience and was hailed as a master of Liszt's music. Szokolay is also a prolific recording artist, with over 50 albums to his name. His recordings have received critical acclaim and have won numerous awards, including the Grand Prix du Disque and the Diapason d'Or. Some of his most notable recordings include his interpretations of the complete piano works of Franz Liszt, the complete piano sonatas of Beethoven, and the complete piano concertos of Mozart. In addition to his performing and recording career, Szokolay is also a respected teacher and mentor. He has taught at the Franz Liszt Academy of Music in Budapest and has given masterclasses around the world. His students include many successful pianists, some of whom have gone on to win major international competitions. Szokolay's musical style is characterized by his technical brilliance, his deep musicality, and his ability to convey the emotional depth and complexity of the music he plays. He is particularly known for his interpretations of the works of Franz Liszt, whom he considers to be one of the greatest composers of all time. In recognition of his contributions to the world of classical music, Szokolay has received numerous honors and awards. He was awarded the Kossuth Prize, Hungary's highest cultural award, in 1996, and was made an honorary citizen of Budapest in 2001. He has also been awarded the Order of Merit of the Republic of Hungary and the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic. Despite his many achievements, Szokolay remains humble and dedicated to his craft. He continues to perform and record, and to inspire and mentor the next generation of pianists.

More....