János Balázs, one of the most sought after Hungarian pianists will give a once-in-a-lifetime concert at the Merkin Hall, Kaufman Music Center in New York organized by the Liszt Institute New York and the Cziffra Festival Hungary.

Experience an unforgettable evening with internationally acclaimed Hungarian pianist János Balázs, Kossuth Prize laureate and Young Steinway Artist, as he presents his award-winning CD ImprovisArt—a project that earned the New York Music International Grand Prix Award.

Released in 2021, ImprovisArt showcases a concert program that has captivated audiences on prestigious stages around the world. This recital pays tribute to the legendary György Cziffra, the virtuoso whose spirit Balázs has honored for over a decade by founding and curating the International Cziffra Festival in Budapest, featuring some of the world’s most celebrated artists.

Renowned for his extraordinary artistry, János Balázs seamlessly transcends musical boundaries, weaving classical tradition with elements of jazz, world, and folk music, while drawing inspiration from the rich improvisational heritage of the 20th century. Critics praise his breathtaking virtuosity, radiant tonal palette, and profound emotional depth.

A performance by János Balázs is a true journey through time—evoking the golden age of 19th-century piano masters like Franz Liszt and Frédéric Chopin, rekindling the intimate, electrifying atmosphere of a bygone era with every note.

TICKETS:

The event is free of charge, please reserve your tickets at the link below:

https://www.kaufmanmusiccenter.org/mch/event/improvisart-janos-balazs-piano-recital/

PROGRAM DETAILS

• SCHUMANN – Widmung (arr. Liszt)
• LISZT – Love dreams, No. 3
• LISZT – La Campanella
• SAINT-SAËNS – The swan (arr. Balázs)
• WAGNER – Isolden’s Liebestod (arr. Liszt)
• LISZT – Hungarian rhapsody No. 6 (arr. Balázs)
• PUCCINI – Lauretta’s Arie (arr. Balázs)
• BRAHMS-CZIFFRA – Hungarian Dances No .5, No. 6 (arr. Balázs)
• PONCE – Estrellita (arr. Balázs)
• J. STRAUSS – Reminiscence paraphrases (arr. Balázs)
• GERSHWIN – Fantasy (arr. Balázs)

Please note that the event is free of charge, but registration is required!

Supported by the Prime Minister’s Office (Hungary), Bethlen Gabor Fund, Ministry of Culture Innovation (Hungary). Partner: Liszt Institute New York.