César Franck Young Talents & Orchestra Festival 2026
In collaboration with the Santa Cecilia International Piano Competition & DGArtes
About the Festival
Our mission is to inspire and support young pianists by giving them an international stage to grow and push their limits. Through masterclasses, solo performances, and the unique chance to play with an orchestra, the CFYTO Festival helps them develop musically and professionally.
By bringing together talented musicians, experienced mentors, and a prestigious concert venue, our aim is to create an experience that strengthens both their skills and artistic expression.
Festival Calendar
📚 Masterclasses with Prof. Philippe Raskin & Prof. Álvaro Teixeira Lopes
Date: February 28 - March 7, 2026
Location: Lijsterbessenbomenlaan 3, 1950 Kraainem
🎹 Solo Recital
Date: Thursday, March 5, 2026 - to be confirmed soon
Location: Agora Kraainem (Rue du Patronage 9, 1950 Kraainem)
🎶 Concert with Orchestra
Date: Saturday, March 7, 2026 - to be confirmed soon
Location: Agora Kraainem (Rue du Patronage 9, 1950 Kraainem)
General Information
MASTERCLASSES:
Each participant will receive 5 masterclasses as follows:
2 lessons with Prof. Philippe Raskin
2 lessons with Prof. Álvaro Teixeira Lopes
1 meeting with Prof. Vahan Mardirossian, conductor of the orchestra, or with Prof. Teixeira Lopes/Prof. Raskin, if you choose not to play with orchestra
The masterclasses will start on the 28th of February (arrival on the 27th of February) and the participants will receive the schedule prior their arrival.
Location: Lijsterbessenbomenlaan 3, 1950 Kraainem, Belgium
CONCERTS:
Solo Concert:
Approximate Date: 5th of March 2026 - to be confirmed soon
Location: Agora Concert Hall Kraainem
Performance of maximum 15 minutes per participant
a
Concert with Orchestra:
Approximate Date: 7th of March 2026 - to be confirmed soon
Location: Agora Concert Hall Kraainem
One movement of a concerto from the list below
The rehearsals will be held at the concert venue
Application Information
Application Deadline: 1st of February 2026
Application Procedure: fill out the Form via https://forms.fillout.com/t/cNp6DXyn9Nus
ACTIVE PARTICIPANT - ORCHESTRA PROJECT
4 lessons of 60 minutes (2h x Prof. Raskin, 2h x Prof. Teixeira Lopes) + 1 meeting with Mto. Mardirossian
Concert Opportunities:
Participation in the solo concert on Thursday, March 5 of maximum 15 minutes
Participation in an audition prior the concert with orchestra, with the 2 piano concerto performance
Participation in the orchestra concert on Saturday, March 7 (with one movement of a concerto)
Daily Practice Time
Access to all the masterclasses free of charge
ACTIVE PARTICIPANT - SOLO PROJECT
5 lessons of 60 minutes, given before and after the solo concert
Participation in the solo concert on Thursday, March 5 (maximum 20 minutes)
Daily Practice Time
Access to all the masterclasses free of charge
PASSIVE PARTICIPANT
Possibility to attend all masterclasses as an auditor
Free Admission to all the concerts
Information - Concert With Orchestra
Concerto List:
Bach f minor concerto
Haydn D major concerto
Mozart K. 414 \Mozart K. 491
Beethoven 1st concerto
Beethoven 3rd concerto
Chopin 1st concerto
Grieg concerto
Saint-Saëns 2nd concerto
Rachmaninoff 2nd concerto
The rehearsal with orchestra is planned on the 7th of March (to be confirmed).
Participants may propose a concerto outside the provided list; however, approval is not guaranteed, as it requires the conductor’s agreement.
Each participant can perform only one movement of a concerto.
Pricing Details
Masterclass fees:
ACTIVE PARTICIPANT - ORCHESTRA PROJECT - EUR 800
ACTIVE PARTICIPANT - SOLO PROJECT - EUR 500
PASSIVE PARTICIPANT - EUR 100
+ CFIPC Administration fee - EUR 100
The course fee together with the administration fee shall be sent via BANK TRANSFER by February 1st, 2026 or in cash at the arrival (please note that the masterclass fee is non-refundable and that applying is legally binding).
Account Name: CFIPC
Bank: BNP Paribas Fortis
IBAN: BE28 0016 9098 3620
BIC: GEBABEBB
Address: Rue Montagne du Parc 3, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
The subject of the bank transfer must be clearly stated with: Name of participant + the type of masterclass you choose.
Refund policy:
If cancelling after February 1st, there will be no refund.
Additional Details
Practice Rooms
Practice rooms will be available close to where the masterclasses will be held, with the possibility to book additional practice time. More information will follow after the registration.
Concert Tickets
Each candidate will receive one free ticket. Additional tickets can be purchased by contacting office@cfipc.com, subject to availability.
Please note that seating is very limited and tickets may sell out quickly.
Accommodation
Once you have completed your application, the office will contact you with some possible accommodation options close to the venues.
Contact
Email: office@cfipc.com
On Messenger: https://www.facebook.com/cfipc