Extra content
Müpa Budapest is providing exclusive, continuously updated content to accompany the Solti International Conducting Competition. Immerse yourself in the unique stories of this exciting conducting competition and the fascinating world of conductors!
Videos
“It was truly a dream come true” – Ken-Ichiro Kobayashi, Patron of the Solti International Conducting Competition
In 1974, Ken-Ichiro Kobayashi won the Grand Prix at the first International Conducting Competition organised by Hungarian Television. In our video, he recalls his memories of the competition, describes why the event played such a pivotal role in his life, and explains just how much he owes to it.
“We can send a message that this is a living profession” – Zoltán Pető, Programme Coordination Director at MTVA
The Solti International Conducting Competition provides an opportunity for competitors not only to present themselves to the leading figures of the profession but also to the general public. According to Zoltán Pető, Programme Coordination Director at MTVA, the conducting contest is far more than just a competition: viewers can not only become acquainted with the indispensable role of the conductor but also with the personal stories of the participants, and the journey they have travelled, guided by humility and talent, to reach the podium.
“We need to embody Sir Georg Solti’s most important virtues as a conductor,” insists Csaba Káel, CEO of Müpa Budapest.
Káel Csaba recalls the factors the artistic committee took into consideration when putting together the competition format and highlights why it is important to hold an international conducting competition of such a prestigious nature.
“Talented people are always deserving of support,” states György Vashegyi, general music director of the Hungarian National Philharmonic Orchestra.
György Vashegyi discusses the complexity of assessing conducting talent, what criteria he will observe the competitors by as a jury member, and what qualities he considers will prove decisive in the eventual winner.
“It is difficult to qualify for these competitions” says Róbert Farkas, chief conductor of the MÁV Symphony Orchestra
The chief conductor of the MÁV Symphony Orchestra and artistic director of the German MUZIKA concert series made a name for himself when he won third prize at the International Lovro von Matačić Conducting Competition in 2011, as well as the special orchestral prize of the Croatian Composers’ Society (HDS) at the same event. In his interview, we learn what it is like to take part in an international conducting competition, and why it is important for competitors to retain their own personality.
Bartók: Divertimento – 3rd movement (Live at Müpa Budapest)
At the press conference announcing the Solti International Conducting Competition, the Hungarian Radio Symphony Orchestra performed the third movement of Béla Bartók’s Divertimento under the baton of Róbert Farkas.
Articles
10 things to know about Sir Georg Solti
Sir Georg Solti was one of the most significant conductors of the 20th century. He was even knighted by Queen Elizabeth II. But do you know why he was referred to as “The Screaming Skull”? And why he had a bone to pick with Maria Callas?
They step on stage as young conductors just starting out, yet this competition can catapult them to international success
The Solti International Conducting Competition, which is organised jointly by Müpa Budapest and Hungarian public media and takes place from 1 to 10 October 2026, offers promising youngsters a valuable opportunity to introduce themselves. Hungary has a rich tradition of conducting competitions that have launched the careers of many a young maestro. In this article, you will find out who they were and what has become of them since.
