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 12:00

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 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 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 concerts are free of charge, but advance registration is required. Registration is available here.

1. Conducting Task

One of the following excerpts:

• Stravinsky: Concerto in E-flat major (“Dumbarton Oaks”) – 1st movement

• Stravinsky: L’histoire du soldat – 3. Royal March 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)