Chapter
FRANZ LISZT INTERNATIONAL PIANO
FESTIVAL AND COMPETITION
at THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY
Welcome to the Franz Liszt International Piano Festival and Competition!
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The Franz Liszt International Piano Competition (FLIPFAC), presented biennially in affiliation with the American Liszt Society, champions the advancement of the world’s most exceptional pianists—artists who aspire not only to performance excellence but also to leadership as teachers, mentors, and advocates for contemporary piano music. Internationally distinguished for honoring Liszt’s legacy while fostering artistic innovation, the competition serves as a vital platform for the next generation of global pianists.
The finals will be broadcast worldwide from the Timashev Family Music Building through Steinway’s Spiriocast technology, extending the reach of the competition to an international audience of unparalleled scope. Prizewinners are embraced by the American Liszt Society through its Ohio Chapter and are offered prestigious performance opportunities across ALS chapters and affiliated institutions, including the home of the competition, The Ohio State University. At its crest, one laureate will receive the transformational honor of appearing in recital at the historic Liszt Academy in Budapest—an achievement linking today’s artistry to the heart of Liszt’s enduring legacy.
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Excelsior!
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Dr. Caroline Hong, Executive Director​
Dr. Ryan Behan, Festival & Competition Co-Director
NEXT
FESTIVAL
&
COMPETITION
Stay tuned for our next festival and competition!
Oct 15-16 | 2026
FESTIVAL
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Oct 14-17 | 2027
COMPETITION
Join us for a thrilling benefit concert featuring the 2021 Franz Liszt International Piano Festival and Competition Top Prizewinner, Dr. Ji-Hyang Gwak, alongside distinguished competition Directors Dr. Ryan Behan and Caroline Hong.
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In this captivating performance, immerse yourself in Franz Liszt’s Années de Pèlerinage, Deuxième Année: Italie—his masterful piano cycle born from his travels through iconic Italian cities like Florence, Rome, Milan, and Venice. This breathtaking work draws its deep inspiration from the poetic genius of Petrarch and Dante as well as the timeless beauty of Italian Renaissance masters Michelangelo, Raphael, and Salvator Rosa.
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Feel the passion and grandeur of Liszt’s musical tribute to Italy’s rich artistic heritage, highlighted by stirring sonnets and evocative scenes of Renaissance splendor. This concert promises a profound and exhilarating exploration of some of Liszt’s most treasured compositions, brought to life by a world-class ensemble. Don't miss this rare opportunity to witness a luminous celebration of art, history, and virtuosity, right here in our community! Secure your ticket now for an unforgettable evening of music and inspiration!
Benefit Concert for the 2025 Competition
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Caroline Hong, Ryan Behan (directors), and Ji-Hyang Gwak (winner of the 2021 competition)
Graves Piano in Columbus, Ohio
October 16, 7:00 PM​
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Années de pèlerinage book II (Italy)
1. Sposalizio
2. II penseroso
3. Canzonetta del Salvator Rosa
4. Sonetto 47 del Petrarca (Petrarch's Sonnet 47)
5. Sonetto 104 del Petrarca (Petrarch's Sonnet 104)
6. Sonetto 123 del Petrarca (Petrarch's Sonnet 123)
7. Après une lecture du Dante: Fantasia Quasi Sonata
Franz Liszt International Piano Festival 2023
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The Ohio Chapter of the American Liszt Society presents the Franz Liszt International Piano Festival 2023 in anticipation of the 2025 Competition. (co-hosted by The Ohio State University)
All events at The Ohio State University Timashev Recital Hall
1900 College Rd N, Columbus, OH 43210
Open and free to the public (donations welcome and accepted)
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October 14, 2023, Saturday, DAY 1
Session I, 2:00-4:00 PM
Piano Masterclass with Spencer Meyer (Indiana University Piano Faculty)
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October 15, 2023, Sunday, Day 2
Session II, 3:15 PM
"The Healthy Liszt Performer" by OSU Professor Lynn Singleton
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Session III, 4 PM
Piano Compositions of Franz Liszt Marathon Concert by OSU Students
Ryan Behan, Master of Ceremonies (Competition co-director)
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October 16, 2023, Monday, Day 3
Concert with Guest Artists, 7:30 PM
“Celebration of Rachmaninoff and Liszt Birthdays”
The concert will feature:
Dr. Ji-Hyang Gwak (2021 Competition Winner, ALS Board of Directors, Ohio Chapter Secretary)
Dr. Sunghwan Kim (2021 Laureate, 2nd runner up Ohio Call Best Interpretation, OSU Graduate)
Dr. Ryan Behan (FLIPFAC Co-Director, Ohio Chapter Co-Founder, President and Founder of Indianapolis Chapter)
Dr. Arved Ashby's (Professor of Musicology) pre-concert talk at 6:45 pm
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Nancy Roldán
Director Emerita of the Liszt-Garrison Festival and International Piano Competition
Nancy Roldán was the artistic director of the Liszt-Garrison Festival and International Piano Competition through 2015 and contributed to developing the Franz Liszt International event in Ohio.
