Liszt Festival Schloss Schillingsfürst

A Festival for Franz Liszt

The Liszt Festival Schloss Schillingsfürst is entirely dedicated to the work of the composer and piano virtuoso Franz Liszt. Organized by the Liszt Academy (officially Liszt Academy of the New Liszt Foundation Weimar since 2021, founded in 2012), it combines music promotion, cultural exchange, and a public concert program in one of the most beautiful baroque castles in West Middle Franconia.

Schloss Schillingsfürst – The Historical Connection to Liszt

The festival takes place in the princely Schloss Schillingsfürst, the residential palace of the Princes of Hohenlohe-Schillingsfürst near Ansbach. The connection to Liszt is historically based: Marie von Sayn-Wittgenstein, who bequeathed Liszt's entire estate to Weimar, is an ancestor of the current castle owners (Marie married into the House of Hohenlohe-Schillingsfürst). Thus, the festival bridges the gap between Weimar – Liszt's place of activity – and Schillingsfürst.

Masterclasses with World-Class Pianists

The core of the festival consists of public masterclasses: Young, internationally award-winning pianists are taught by world-renowned pianists and Liszt experts – prominently represented by the Australian Liszt specialist Leslie Howard, who has recorded Liszt's complete solo piano works. Visitors can experience the lessons live – a rare insight into work at the highest level.

Concerts, Readings, and Lectures

Throughout the festival week, there is a public program of concerts, readings, and lectures with international guests. The highlight and conclusion is the closing concert, where the Marie-zu-Hohenlohe Medal is also awarded.

West Middle Franconia as a Classical Music Stage

Schillingsfürst is located in western Middle Franconia, near Rothenburg ob der Tauber and Ansbach. Once a year, the Liszt Festival transforms the baroque castle into a top-class classical music stage, combining talent promotion with a public festival program for classical music lovers.