Gábor Boldoczki Masterclasses

On 23–24 November 2026, the Kraków Salon of Elżbieta and Krzysztof Penderecki will host a series of masterclasses led by Gábor Boldoczki, one of the most distinguished trumpeters of his generation.

Selected participants will receive two individual 45-minute lessons. The small-group setting will provide an opportunity for focused work on repertoire, technique and musical interpretation, while encouraging participants to develop their own artistic voice.

The masterclasses are open to trumpet students and graduates of music conservatoires and universities, as well as professional trumpeters.

For decades, Elżbieta and Krzysztof Penderecki’s home in Kraków’s Wola Justowska district was a meeting place for musicians, artists, leading figures from the cultural world and friends. Music and conversation were part of everyday life here, inspiring new ideas and artistic collaborations.

Today, the Salon is once again opening its doors to young musicians. Its masterclasses reflect a commitment long shared by Elżbieta and Krzysztof Penderecki: supporting emerging talent by giving young performers the opportunity to learn directly from some of the world’s finest musicians and teachers.

Following masterclasses with Tomasz Konieczny and Krzysztof Jabłoński, the Salon will welcome Gábor Boldoczki to Kraków for two days of intensive tuition devoted to trumpet performance.

Born and raised in Kiskőrös, Hungary, Gábor Boldoczki is widely regarded as one of the leading trumpeters of his generation. Critics have praised the lyrical quality of his playing, his effortless technique and the clarity of his sound.

His international career took off following success at two prestigious competitions: the ARD International Music Competition in Munich and the third Maurice André International Trumpet Competition, where he was awarded the Grand Prix de la Ville de Paris.

He has performed with some of Europe's leading orchestras, including the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, Konzerthausorchester Berlin, Czech Philharmonic and Vienna Symphony Orchestra, as well as renowned chamber ensembles. He is a regular guest at major concert venues across Europe.

Alongside his performing career, Boldoczki is Professor of Trumpet at the Liszt Ferenc Academy of Music in Budapest, where he was also awarded the title of Doctor Liberalium Artium. His honours include the Ferenc Liszt Honorary Award, the highest distinction in music presented by the Hungarian Ministry of Culture.

At least four participants will be selected through an open application process. Each will receive two individual lessons, lasting 45 minutes each.

The masterclasses are open to active participants only. A detailed timetable will be provided to successful applicants.

The sessions will be tailored to the individual needs of each musician, using their chosen repertoire as a starting point. Tuition will focus on technical development, tone and sound production, and musical interpretation.

Applications are welcome from:

• Trumpet students currently studying at music conservatoires and universities;

• Graduates of trumpet programmes at music conservatoires and universities;

• Professional trumpet players.

Applications must be submitted individually. The selection process will consist of a single round.

Gábor Boldoczki will select participants based on the artistic merit of the materials submitted. His decision will be final.

A complete application must include:

• A completed application form;

• A link to a video recording of one piece, hosted on an external platform or cloud storage service;

• A short biography of no more than half a page;

• A photograph to accompany the biography;

• A proposed repertoire for the masterclasses, including full titles of works, opus or catalogue numbers, and approximate performance durations.

Applications must be submitted by 12 noon Central European Time on 12 November 2026 to irena@beethoven.org.pl

Please use “Trumpet Masterclasses” as the email subject line.

Late applications will not be considered.

All applicants will be notified of the outcome by email no later than 18 November 2026.

Successful applicants will have 24 hours to confirm their participation. Failure to respond within this period will be treated as a withdrawal, and the place will be offered to another applicant.

Participation in the masterclasses is free of charge. Participants are responsible for their own travel, accommodation and meals.

The organisers reserve the right to make audio and video recordings of the masterclasses and to publish photographs and recordings documenting the event.

The masterclasses are organised by the Ludwig van Beethoven Association, on the initiative of Andrzej Giza, President of the Association.

For any questions about the application process, please contact the project coordinator, Irena Tarkowska, at irena@beethoven.org.pl.