Ildikó Szabó was born in 1993, into a family of musicians. Her exceptional musical talent became apparent early. She started to learn the cello at the age of 4. At the age of 11 she was admitted to the Exceptional Talents’ Class at the Franz Liszt Academy of Music, Budapest in the class of Professor László Mező. Since October 2011 she has been working with Professor Jens Peter Maintz at the Berlin University of the Arts.
She has been described as ‘... a fantastic cellist and musician, with an extraordinary technique, a brilliant intellect a creative and imaginative musical mind. Ildikó’s cloudless joy of performing and her enigmatic ability to communicate with the audience assure us that the classical works will be in proper hands.’ Tamás Vásáry, Pianist ,Conductor, Awarded by Kossuth Prize, Lifetime Honorary Chief Musical Director of the Hungarian Radio Symphony Orchestra.
‘…one of the most outstanding talents that I have worked with in over 40 years of teaching in Europe and the United States. Ildikó is that marvelous and unique combination of great physical talent, emotional depth and deep understanding of music and a work ethic that is unsurpassable.’ Susan Moses, Professor of Cello, Co-Director of the Indiana University School of Music, String Academy.
Despite the fact that she is only 19, Ildikó has been prize winner in 13 international competitions and has received a number of important awards, among them, The Solti Foundation Award in 2010. She is the first prize winner at the IV. Popper International Cello Competition, VII. Janigro International Cello Competition, Haydn Competition of Summer String Academy – Jacobs School of Music, Alfredo e Vanda Marcosig European Cello Competition, Liezen International Cello Competition.
She appears regularly in various programmes on the Hungarian Radio and on Duna Television – where in 2007 she received the “Hungarian Stars” Award.
Ildikó has participated in the master classes of János Starker, Lynn Harrell, Natalia Gutman, Wolfgang Boettcher, Philippe Muller, David Geringas, Frans Helmerson, Gustav Rivinius and Jens Peter Maintz, among others.
‘... an exceptionally gifted young cellist.’ wrote János Starker, Distinguished Professor, Indiana University, Bloomington, USA, after the first master class in 2007. She continued her studies every summer with him until 2010.
As soloist Ildikó has performed with the Franz Liszt Chamber Orchestra, Hungarian National Philharmonic Orchestra, Porto Symphony Orchestra, etc.
As soloist Ildikó has performed with conductors like Michael Sanderling, Gábor Takács-Nagy, Tamás Vásáry, etc.
At the age of 14 she released her first CD recording, called “Dances of the Elves” under Hungaroton Classic label (HCD 32592), where she presents some of the most virtuoso pieces of the cello repertoire.
‘ Ildikó Szabó is an extraordinary talent. Her technique is immaculate, (...) she is a true performer.’ Iván Fischer, Music Director of Budapest Festival Orchestra
For more information please visit: www.ildikoszabo.com
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