Mikhail Kan and Ruben Kozin Selected for the 2026 Franz Liszt International Piano Competition

The Franz Liszt International Piano Competition has announced the fifteen pianists selected to compete in its 2026 edition, which will take place from 15–20 September 2026 in Pécs, Hungary. The competition will culminate in a concerto final with the Hungarian National Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of György Vashegyi, while the international jury will be chaired by acclaimed pianist Olga Kern.

Among the selected competitors are two 2024 Classic Piano International Competition participants.

Mikhail Kan qualified for Classic Piano after becoming a prizewinner of the Eurasian Stars International Piano Competition 2023, one of the competitions participating in the 14 Ways to Dubai selection programme. He later advanced to the Second Round of the inaugural Classic Piano International Competition in Dubai.

Ruben Kozin received a direct invitation to Classic Piano following his success at the Khachaturian International Piano Competition 2023. 

The continued presence of former Classic Piano participants at some of the world's leading piano competitions highlights the exceptional artistic level of the musicians who have taken part in the competition and reflects Classic Piano's growing role within the international piano competition landscape.

The entire Classic Piano team congratulates Mikhail Kan and Ruben Kozin on this important achievement and wishes them every success at the 2026 Franz Liszt International Piano Competition.