Let Our Violin Be Yours! – The Liszt Ferenc Chamber Orchestra announces a call for applications for young violinists!

For decades, the Franz Liszt Chamber Orchestra has been committed to supporting young talents and considers it a key mission to pass on the beauty of classical music to the next generation. In line with this mission, the Franz Liszt Chamber Orchestra Foundation offers a unique opportunity for students aged between 16 and 24.

About the Application

The winner of the application will be granted the use of a high-quality violin made by master luthier János Spiegel for a period of two years, loaned by the owner of the instrument, with the professional support of the Foundation.

Application Requirements

  • Age between 16 and 24

  • Active music studies (students from any school or educational institution may apply)

  • Artistic dedication and instrumental proficiency

Required Application Materials

Don’t miss this exceptional opportunity!
Show your talent and take your musical journey to the next level with this extraordinary instrument!

Selection Process

A professional jury appointed by the Franz Liszt Chamber Orchestra Foundation will select four finalists. In addition, one more finalist will be chosen through public voting based on the number of likes received. The jury will then personally listen to all five finalists and select the winner, who will be granted the right to use the violin.

Evaluation Criteria

  • Musical talent and instrumental skills: technical proficiency, expressiveness, sense of style

  • Musical dedication and potential for development: goals, attitude, willingness to learn

  • Professional background and activity: studies, competitions, concerts, experience

  • Potential use of the instrument: how the violin would support the applicant’s development, musical career, and performances

Prize

The winner will be offered a cooperation and loan agreement by the violin’s owner and the Franz Liszt Chamber Orchestra Foundation, granting the right to use the Spiegel violin for two years.
A draft version of the agreement can be viewed here:https://lfkz.hu/assets/uploads/doc/1750158164_Legyen-Tied-a-hegedunk-palyazat_szerzodes-tervezetek.pdf

As part of the agreement, the winner will have the opportunity to perform in a concert with the Franz Liszt Chamber Orchestra at a date to be agreed upon in advance.

Deadlines

  • Call announced: June 15, 2024

  • Application deadline: July 31, 2025 at 24:00

  • Finalist notification: August 11, 2025 (Names of the four jury-selected finalists will be published on the orchestra’s social media)

  • Public voting on social media: August 11–25, 2025

    • The winner of the public vote will also advance to the final round, and their name will be announced on the orchestra's social media

  • Finalists will be contacted via the email address provided in their application

  • In-person audition before the jury: September 11–21, 2025 (Exact dates will be arranged directly with the finalists)

    • Venue: Óbudai Társaskör (1036 Budapest, Kiskorona utca 7.)

  • Announcement of results: by September 25, 2025

    • The winner will be contacted via email and announced on the orchestra’s Facebook page

How to Submit Your Application

Please send the following documents by email to palyazat@lfkz.hu:

  • A video recording (max. 10 minutes) of the applicant performing one or two classical works or excerpts on a bowed string instrument (the “Application Piece”)

  • A completed application form, including a short motivation letter (max. 200 words), available at: https://lfkz.hu/assets/uploads/doc/1750158281_PA%CC%81LYA%CC%81ZATI-ADATLAP.pdf

  • The applicant’s professional CV

  • A letter of recommendation from the applicant’s music teacher, instructor, or another music professional

  • For applicants under 18 (limited legal capacity), a signed parental consent form

Before submitting your application, please read the rules and regulations, which include the full terms of participation and the draft contract to be signed by the winner.

All relevant documents can be downloaded here:

For any questions regarding the application, please contact: palyazat@lfkz.hu