“Carl Filtsch” International Piano and Composition Competition

Carl Filtsch
(May 28, 1830 – May 11, 1845)

Carl Filtsch is one of the most fascinating and, at the same time, tragic figures in the history of Transylvanian Saxon music and a notable personality of 19th-century Romantic music.

From a very early age, Carl Filtsch showed a genius predisposition for music. He lived with extraordinary intensity and reached artistic maturity as early as the age of 12, when he arrived in Paris and became the favorite pupil of Frédéric Chopin, who took special care of his pianistic development. (Peter Szaunig)

“When the child (Carl Filtsch – editor’s note) begins his artistic travels, all that will remain for me is to close my ,” said Franz Liszt about the young musician, who was acclaimed and celebrated with enthusiasm in Vienna, Paris, and London.

Carl Filtsch’s 25 compositions were not discovered until 1960, and today some of them are being brought back to life by the participants in the competition.

The 29th edition of the “Carl Filtsch” International Piano and Composition Competition will take place in Sibiu from July 8–12, 2025, in memory of the illustrious Transylvanian musician, who was born in 1830 in Sebeș (Alba County) and passed away in 1845 in Venice. All competition rounds are open to the public and will be held at the headquarters of the Sibiu State Philharmonic. The prizes will be awarded during the Gala Concert on July 12, 2025.

The “Carl Filtsch” Literary and Musical Salon will take place on July 8, 2025, at the Hall of Mirrors.