Éva Polgár’s artistry is characterized by imagination, emotional expression, and technical conviction. Critics praise her for her “intelligent interpretation” (Funzine Magazine), capability of “fully entering into the spirit of narrating a story” (Arkivmusic), and “vibrant technique” (American Hungarian Journal). Her dedication to her native Hungarian culture resulted in researching Béla Bartók’s piano arrangements of his original orchestral compositions and specializing in Franz Liszt’s music. Her Liszt interpretation was praised by Liszt scholar Alan Walker as “A stunning performance! A real artist!” She has toured North and South America, Europe, and China extensively. She was featured at Carnegie Hall in New York City, the Hungarian Embassy in Washington, D.C., the Hungarian Culture Centre in London, and the Liszt Ferenc Museum in Budapest.  

Dr. Polgár’s concerto performances include concerts with conductors Tamás Vásáry at the Budapest Danube Palace and Horst Förster at the Leipzig Gewandhaus. Her passion for contemporary music and entrepreneurship led her to co-found the InterSpheres Trio, an ensemble dedicated to commissioning and premiering new works. In the realm of cross-disciplinary endeavors, she collaborates extensively with visual artist Sándor Vály. Their experimental music albums released under Ektro Records have been broadcasted by the Finnish Radio.

Dr. Polgár has won top prizes in competitions including the Los Angeles International Liszt Competition (LAILC). She has been elected co-director of LAILC in 2017, which empowers her to foster young musicians at their early stage of professional career.  A committed educator and adjudicator, she has appeared at masterclasses, festivals, and competitions such as LAILC, the Bogotá International Piano Festival in Columbia, Tulsa University Summer Piano Academy in Oklahoma, University of Oregon, Montclair State University in New Jersey, and many more. 

A graduate of the Franz Liszt Academy of Music and Sibelius Academy, Dr. Polgár earned her Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Piano Performance at the University of North Texas. Before joining the piano faculty at Azusa Pacific University, she taught at Texas Woman’s University and at the University of North Texas. Dr. Polgar has recently received a three-year grant from the Hungarian Academy of Arts to continue her promotion of young talents and to support her performance career.

Personal Website: www.evapolgar.com

Instagram: epolgarpiano