Annie Fischer started out as a prodigy. At the time of her first performance abroad she was only 12. Her international career started to soar in 1923 after winning the International Ferenc Liszt Piano Competition. She spent the years of the Second World War in Sweden. Having returned home in 1946 to Budapest she appeared on stage all over Europe. Later she debuted in America as well.

The Opera House as a venue played an important role in her private life as her husband, Aladár Tóth used to be its general director. “We gladly provide this stage to the memorial concert. Aladár Tóth is always close to our hearts because it was during his leadership that we gained the Erkel Theatre as a second venue, where – besides the Opera House – Annie Fischer also gave several concerts” – said general director Szilveszter Ókovács.

All the acclaimed soloists of the evening keep personal memories of Annie Fischer. “I regard her as the greatest pianist of all times. Whenever I am asked who comes next, I reply: there is no one. She knew no jokes, she gave her best, and not only in technique. She gave her true self” – stated Tamás Vásáry.

Source: Opera.hu