The American Liszt Society’s Southern California Chapter will host its Biennial Chapter Festival from 1 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, at the Pasadena Conservatory of Music.
The rare gathering, held every two years, will showcase young pianists competing for three performance awards while offering masterclasses and workshops that connect contemporary musicians to Franz Liszt’s demanding technical legacy and pedagogical traditions.
Three competitive prizes recognize different performance categories: the Transcendental Award for Best Liszt College Performance ($200), Le Petit Liszt for Best Liszt Pre-College Performance ($150), and the Liszt Circle Prize for Best Performance of works by Liszt’s contemporaries ($100).
Festival performances highlight memorized solo works with a preference for pieces by Liszt, though the program also welcomes compositions by Liszt’s contemporaries and modern composers. Showcase recitals last up to 90 minutes, ensuring dynamic programming while allowing multiple performers to demonstrate their artistry.
Beyond the competitive component, the festival features expert lectures and masterclasses from Pasadena Conservatory faculty, providing historical and analytical context. Interactive masterclasses allow participants to receive direct instruction from accomplished pedagogues while audiences observe the teaching and learning process in real time.
The festival accommodates both college and pre-college performers, creating intergenerational exchange and mentorship opportunities that strengthen the classical music community.
Stephen Cook was appointed the conservatory’s executive director in May, having served as chair of the Piano Department since 2014. The Pasadena Conservatory of Music is a nationally-accredited nonprofit community music school committed to fostering a community that respects and embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion.
The American Liszt Society Biennial Chapter Festival will run on Saturday, Nov. 22, from 1 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Pasadena Conservatory of Music, 100 N. Hill Ave., Pasadena. For more information, call (626) 683-3355 or visit https://americanlisztsocietysocal.org/biennial-chapter-festival-2025/.
