Szabolcs Bognár is a Hungarian-American pianist, musicologist, and writer who has made a name for himself in the classical music world. Born on December 22, 1985, in Budapest, Hungary, Bognár showed an early interest in music and began playing the piano at the age of four. He grew up in a musical family, with his mother being a pianist and his father a composer. Bognár's talent was evident from a young age, and he began performing in public at the age of six. He went on to study at the Franz Liszt Academy of Music in Budapest, where he received his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in piano performance. During his time at the academy, Bognár won several awards and competitions, including the Hungarian National Piano Competition and the International Piano Competition in Rome. After completing his studies in Hungary, Bognár moved to the United States to pursue further education. He enrolled in the doctoral program in piano performance at the University of Michigan, where he studied with renowned pianist and pedagogue Logan Skelton. Bognár also pursued a second doctoral degree in musicology at the University of Michigan, where he focused on the music of Franz Liszt. Bognár's career as a performer has taken him all over the world. He has performed in major concert halls in Europe, Asia, and the United States, including Carnegie Hall in New York City and the Berlin Philharmonic. He has collaborated with many renowned conductors and orchestras, including the Budapest Festival Orchestra, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, and the National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine. One of Bognár's most notable performances was his debut at Carnegie Hall in 2016. He performed a program of works by Franz Liszt, including the Sonata in B minor and the Mephisto Waltz No. 1. The performance was highly praised by critics, with The New York Times calling Bognár a "pianist of uncommon sensitivity and intelligence." In addition to his career as a performer, Bognár is also a respected musicologist and writer. He has published several articles and essays on the music of Franz Liszt, and he is the author of the book "The Spirit of Franz Liszt: From Keyboard Virtuoso to Romantic Prophet." Bognár is also the host of the popular classical music podcast "Living the Classical Life," where he interviews musicians and other figures in the classical music world. Bognár has received numerous awards and honors throughout his career. In 2010, he was awarded the prestigious Franz Liszt Scholarship by the Hungarian government, which allowed him to study at the Liszt Academy in Budapest. He has also been a recipient of the Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowship for New Americans, which recognizes outstanding immigrants and children of immigrants in the United States. Bognár's contributions to the classical music world have been widely recognized. He was named a Steinway Artist in 2016, joining a select group of pianists who are endorsed by the renowned piano manufacturer. He has also been a guest lecturer and performer at many universities and music schools, including the Juilliard School and the Royal Academy of Music in London. In addition to his musical accomplishments, Bognár is also known for his philanthropic work. He is the founder of the Bognár Family Foundation, which supports music education and cultural exchange programs for young musicians. The foundation has provided scholarships and other forms of support to talented young musicians from around the world.

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