Béla Síki facts for kids

Béla Síki (born February 21, 1923 – died October 29, 2020) was a famous Hungarian pianist. He was known for his amazing piano playing and for teaching many students around the world.

Béla Síki's Musical Journey

Béla Síki was born in Hungary. He started his musical education in Budapest at the Franz Liszt Music Academy. There, he learned from two very important teachers: Leo Weiner and Ernest von Dohnányi.

In 1945, after his studies in Hungary, he moved to Switzerland. He continued to learn from another great pianist, Dinu Lipatti. In 1948, Béla Síki won the Geneva Competition, which is a big award for musicians. This win helped him start his international career.

He traveled all over the world, playing the piano on five different continents. He performed with many famous conductors and orchestras.

Teaching and Later Life

In 1965, Béla Síki moved to the United States. He became a teacher at the University of Washington in Seattle. From 1980 to 1985, he taught at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. He then moved back to Seattle in 1985 and continued teaching until he retired in 2001.

Besides performing and teaching, Béla Síki also made several recordings of his piano music. He was often asked to be a judge at important international music competitions. Some of these included the Leeds, Geneva, and Bolzano competitions.

Many talented pianists studied with him, including Kathryn Selby, Anton Nel, and David Bollard.

Béla Síki passed away on October 29, 2020, in Seattle, when he was 97 years old.