Hungarian Pianist János Balázs Carnegie Hall Debut Concert

Organized by the Cziffra Festival and the Liszt Institute New York, this November, the festival will feature a performance by János Balázs, Hungarian pianist, Kossuth Prize recipient, Young Steinway Artist, and one of the leading voices in contemporary piano performance. Known for his dynamic stage presence and distinctive improvisational approach, Balázs bridges classical tradition with elements of jazz and world music. Mr. Balázs is known to New York audiences as the winner of the New York International Music Grand Prix in 2022.

The concert represents the artist’s Carnegie Hall debut and will be held at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall, located at 154 West 57th Street & Seventh Avenue, New York on Sunday, November 9 at 7:30pm. Tickets start at $46. 

This concert program honors the legendary 20th-century Hungarian pianist György Cziffra. It begins with water-themed works by Chopin, Liszt, and Strauss, followed by Liszt’s monumental Dante Sonata—a frequent feature in Cziffra’s repertoire. The focus then shifts to Hungarian music and improvisation, with an original improvisation by János Balázs and character pieces by two renowned contemporary Hungarian composers. The evening concludes with Liszt’s Hungarian Rhapsody No. 6, inspired by Hungarian gypsy music and celebrated by Cziffra as a program highlight.

The Cziffra Festival, an international cultural initiative based in Budapest, Hungary, has presented distinguished concerts and events over the past decade, showcasing exceptional artistry and celebrating the legacy of György Cziffra.