Berlin-Weißensee Piano Festival 2026
The 4th Berlin-Weißensee Piano Festival (20–22 March 2026) will be dedicated to Franz Liszt (1811–1886), the Hungarian composer and pianist who is considered one of the most important representatives of Romanticism.
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Klavierfest Berlin Weißensee 2026
With his brilliant virtuosity, Liszt thrilled audiences across Europe and was celebrated as the ‘magician of the piano’.
But he excelled not only as a brilliant performer, but also as a composer: he founded the genre of symphonic poetry and had a lasting influence on music history with his innovative harmonies and formal language.
At the same time, he devoted himself to transcribing foreign works for the piano – including all of Beethoven's symphonies, numerous Schubert songs and themes from operas by Wagner and Verdi. In doing so, he enabled a wide audience to experience masterpieces in their own homes at a time when orchestral performances and recordings were not readily accessible.
The festival focuses on Liszt as a ‘translator for the piano’ – as an arranger who created a ‘musical library of the 19th century’ on the piano, thus contributing significantly to the dissemination of musical culture.
As part of three consecutive piano recitals entitled ‘Transformation: Departure – Transformation – Development’, three pianists will perform a selection of important works.
Among others, Eri Mantani, artistic director of the festival, will interpret Beethoven's 5th Symphony (‘Fate Symphony’) in Liszt's piano version; Katharina Treutler will devote herself to Schubert songs and opera paraphrases after Wagner and Verdi (all in Liszt's arrangements); and Florian Noack will present his own piano version of Rimsky-Korsakov's Scheherazade.
The programme also includes a family concert and a moderated concert on the theme of ‘Barpiano – Modern Salon Music’.
The Piano Festival sees itself as a place of ‘artistic transformation’ at the piano and aims to open a ‘gateway to musical experience and further education’ for all generations through great masterpieces.
- Event: Piano Festival Berlin-Weißensee 2026
- Title: FRANZ LISZT – TRANSFORMATION
- Date: 20–22 March 2026
- Venue: Ballroom of the Peter Edel Education and Cultural Centre, Berliner Allee 125
- Website: www.klavierfest-bw.de
