"Liszt 200" Chicago International Duo Piano Competition Broadcast

Tune in to WFMT to hear the winners' concert of the inaugural "Liszt 200" Chicago International Duo Piano Competition in celebration of Franz Liszt's 200th birthday.

Competition founders and directors Claire Aebersold and Ralph Neiweem talk with Kerry Frumkin and present competition highlights.

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This fall, pianists age 20 to 35 came from around the world, including China, Japan, Indonesia, Korea, Taiwan, Russia, Germany, Canada, and throughout the U.S. to compete in this unique competition.  Competition founders and directors Claire Aebersold and Ralph Neiweem, commented, “The level of performances was high throughout the competition, and the young professional duos in the finals turned Nichols Hall into a celebration of Franz Liszt on his birthday weekend, offering a musical feast of varied repertoire for piano duo. This event identified a much-needed venue for piano duos and their wonderful repertoire. We truly hope this competition will find a permanent home in our great city and help to fill this need.”

From an initial field of 28 duos, seven advanced to the final round. Each duo performed 45-60 minute programs of at least three works, including a work by Mozart and a piano duo by Franz Liszt; more than half the competitors performed a work by Schubert to compete for the Pellegrini Prize. 

For more information about the winners, click here.