Pianofest Guest Artist Recital: Dr. Eva Polgar

From the venue:

Critics praise Éva Polgár for her “intelligent interpretations” (Funzine Magazine) and “emotional power” (New York Concert Review). She has performed across the Americas, Europe, and Asia, appearing at prestigious venues including Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and the Leipzig Gewandhaus. Her concerto performances include collaborations with renowned conductors such as Okko Kamu and Tamás Vásáry. 

Polgár’s solo album Liszt: Harmonies patriotiques et religieuses was released under Hunnia Records. She was featured on BBC World Service’s The Forum as a Liszt expert and has won top prizes in competitions such as the Los Angeles International Liszt Competition (LAILC). 

A dedicated educator and adjudicator, Polgár has led masterclasses and served on juries at events including LAILC, the Bogotá International Piano Festival, Southeastern Piano Festival, and Pacific Stars International Piano Competition. She holds degrees from the Franz Liszt Academy, Sibelius Academy, and a Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of North Texas. 

She is on faculty at East Tennessee State University, president of the Appalachian Music Teachers Association, co-director of LAILC, and a board member of the American Liszt Society. 

Program description: 

In commemoration of the 80th anniversary of Béla Bartók’s death, this recital honors Hungary’s rich musical heritage while exploring how national traditions shape musical identity across Central Europe. The program opens with Franz Liszt’s transcription of Tchaikovsky’s Onegin Polonaise, setting the stage for the Polish thread woven through the first half of the recital. Liszt and Chopin, close friends and musical allies, shared a deep respect for their homelands’ folk traditions, transforming the rhythms of Polish mazurkas and Hungarian verbunkos into distinct musical languages. The second half shifts focus to Hungary with the music of Zoltán Kodály, whose Székely Tunes blend a Debussy-like harmonic palette with Transylvanian folk melodies. Bartók’s selections from Ten Easy Pieces, Romanian Christmas Carols, Fourteen Bagatelles, and Three Burlesques reveal his ability to reshape authentic Hungarian sources into bold, modernist expression. The recital closes in a Romantic vein with two iconic works by Liszt, highlighting both lyricism and the fiery spirit of national character. 

Additional Information
Who is this event open to?
Students
Faculty/Staff
Public
Is there an admission fee?  If so, how much? If not, type N/A.
N/A
Is this event supported by Student Activity Fees?
(REMINDER:  Only fee-paying students can benefit from Student Activity Fees)
No
Categories

• Clarkston Campus

Fine Arts/Media