Preliminary Round – Kodály Centre, Pécs
Schedule of the Preliminary Round:
1 October 2026 Preliminary Round 1. 16:00 – 18:00; 19:00 – 21:10
2 October 2026 Preliminary Round 2. 11:00 – 13:10; 19:00 – 21:10
3 October 2026 Preliminary Round 3. 11:00 – 13:10; 19:00 – 21:10
4 October 2026 Announcement of the Results 11:30
The preliminary round will take place in Pécs, in the Kodály Center Concert Hall, with the participation of the Pannon Philharmonic, from 1 to 4 October 2026. The 24 competitors must conduct two pieces, excerpts from works by Igor Stravinsky, Ernő Dohnányi, Zoltán Kodály, and Béla Bartók. Which piece each conductor will lead is determined at random before the performance.
The results of the preliminary round will be announced on 4 October, revealing which ten of the 24 competitors will advance to the semi-finals. The announcement will be followed by a draw of lots to determine which piece each contestant will conduct the Hungarian Radio Symphony Orchestra at the Liszt Academy in the semi-finals on 5 and 6 October.
Admission to the preliminary round is free of charge.
1. Conducting Task
One of the following excerpts:
Stravinsky: Concerto in E-flat major (“Dumbarton Oaks”) – 1st movement
Stravinsky: L’histoire du soldat – 3. Marche du soldat and 7. Ragtime
Stravinsky: L’histoire du soldat – 4. Petit concert and 10. Marche triomphale du Diable
2. Competition Task
One of the following works or designated excerpts:
Dohnányi: Ruralia Hungarica, Op. 32b – selected excerpt
Kodály: Peacock Variations – selected excerpt
Bartók: Hungarian Peasant Songs, Sz. 100, BB 107 – entire work
