Filip Tůma has been devoted to music for practically his entire life. Music is an integral part of both his professional and personal life, making his connection with FRANZ LISZT, FESTIVAL3CITIES a natural one.

As festival ambassador, Filip wants to use his voice and personality to support the idea of Franz Liszt’s symbolic return to Bratislava, as well as the belief that classical music does not have to belong only to connoisseurs – it can speak to anyone who is open to a powerful experience.

“Franz Liszt was an extraordinary artist who could captivate entire audiences with his music. I am delighted that a festival is being created in Bratislava that highlights his strong connection with this city while bringing his music to audiences through performances by world-class artists. I believe the concerts will attract not only classical music lovers, but also people who may only now be beginning to discover it,” says Filip Tůma.

Franz Liszt returns to Bratislava

Bratislava was far more than just another stop in Liszt’s life. He had family roots connecting him to the city and its surroundings. Moreover, it was here, at the age of nine, that he performed at a concert that helped launch his extraordinary international career.

He developed a deep relationship with the city and repeatedly returned to what was then Pressburg throughout his life – as a performer, composer, conductor and respected figure of European musical culture.

The festival aims to revive this almost forgotten chapter of Bratislava’s history and bring Liszt back into the awareness of the city’s residents. Not as a distant figure from history books, but as a fascinating person and artist whose music still has the energy and power to move audiences today.

The creation of the festival is also a contribution to Bratislava’s cultural life and to its ambition to be a city that understands its history, develops it and transforms it into a living experience for both local residents and international visitors.

Ten days of music in extraordinary venues

The festival will take place from 16 to 25 October 2026. Over ten days, it will present orchestral concerts, piano recitals, an organ concert and other musical experiences performed by world-class artists.

Liszt’s music will be heard at Bratislava Castle, St. Martin’s Cathedral, the Slovak Philharmonic, Rusovce and on the Danube – venues that will add a unique atmosphere to each of the festival’s concerts.

Tickets are available through Ticketportal.