The festival is unique in combining world-class education, an exciting international competition, and outstanding concert performances. Young participants do not simply perform; they also study daily with the invited internationally acclaimed artists. This dialogue between generations is what gives FAB Summerfest its distinctive spirit.
One of the major highlights of the 2026 festival is the VI Ilona Fehér International Violin Competition, taking place at the Budapest Music Center (BMC) from 24 June to 2 July. Forty-two outstanding young violinists from around the world will compete before an international jury, showcasing the next generation of virtuoso performers.
The competition culminates in the Tchaikovsky / Gringolts / Winners Gala Concert on 3 July at the Solti Hall of the Liszt Academy, where audiences can celebrate the competition’s laureates alongside internationally renowned artists.
The 2026 Summerfest welcomes an exceptional roster of guest artists. Violinists Ilya Gringolts, Alena Baeva, Mihaela Martin, and Barnabás Kelemen headline the string faculty, while acclaimed pianists Kirill Gerstein and Denis Kozhukhin represent the very highest level of international artistry.
Beyond classical chamber music, the festival also embraces Hungary’s rich folk traditions. Performances by Söndörgő, Sárközy Collective, Szalonna and His Band, SUGO Tambura Orchestra, and Concerto Budapest add a vibrant cultural dimension to the programme, creating a festival experience that appeals to both dedicated classical audiences and curious newcomers.
FAB Summerfest is renowned not only for its artists but also for its extraordinary settings. Concerts take place in some of Budapest’s most celebrated cultural landmarks:
- Liszt Academy of Music (Grand Hall and Solti Hall) - the festival’s principal concert venue and one of Europe’s most beautiful Art Nouveau music halls.
- Budapest Music Center (BMC) - host of the Ilona Fehér International Violin Competition and numerous chamber music events.
- Széchenyi Thermal Bath - offering a truly unforgettable evening concert experience in one of the world’s most famous thermal bath complexes.
Each year, FAB Summerfest demonstrates that Budapest is far more than a city of historic landmarks and thermal baths - it is also one of Europe’s most vibrant centres of classical music. Whether you are drawn by the drama of an international competition, the intimacy of world-class chamber music, the unique atmosphere of a concert at the Széchenyi Thermal Bath, or the brilliance of the closing gala, FAB Summerfest offers an unforgettable cultural experience in the heart of the Hungarian capital.