Zsófia Tallér

Biography

Dr. habil. Zsófia Tallér
(Recipient of the Bartók-Pásztory Award, Artisjus Award, Erkel State Award, Fonogram Award from the Hungarian IFPI, and the Award of the Hungarian Film Critics)

Dr. habil. Zsófia Tallér (1970–2021) was a distinguished Hungarian composer, educator, and creative director celebrated for her significant contributions to classical, drama, and film music.

She earned dual degrees from the Liszt Academy of Music in Budapest, majoring in Music Education (1994) and Composition (1995). Her illustrious career began in 1994, encompassing classical compositions, drama scores for Hungary’s most prestigious theaters, and music for both Hungarian and international film productions. Her classical works were performed by top-ranking artists and orchestras in Hungary and abroad. Her opera Leánder és Lenszirom (Leander and Linseed), presented in 2015, was staged by the Hungarian State Opera House for three consecutive seasons and viewed by over 15,000 people—a remarkable achievement for a contemporary opera. The performance was also released on both CD and DVD.

With over 20 years of teaching experience, Dr. Tallér was an influential figure in music education. She taught composition, music theory, music history, analysis, and dramaturgy, among other subjects. For a decade, she served as an assistant professor in the Music Theory Department at the Liszt Academy. Since 1999, she was a qualified professor at the University of Theatre and Film Arts Budapest (UTFA), where she also served as Vice-Rector for Education (2015–2017). She was instrumental in founding and leading the BA program in Composing for Theatre and Motion Pictures.

Dr. Tallér’s academic contributions extended to her habilitation research at UTFA, focusing on music dramaturgy. She also served as the creative director of Twelvetones Production Music, shaping the organization’s artistic direction.

In her memory, the Tallér Zsófia International Composer Competition was established to inspire emerging composers worldwide. This prestigious event encourages young talent to embrace creativity and individuality in composition, reflecting her lifelong dedication to nurturing the next generation of musicians.

Her achievements earned her numerous prestigious awards, both state and professional, and her legacy continues to inspire composers and educators worldwide.

born in 1970, Dorog

WORK EXPERIENCES

  • 1984 – 2021: composing classical music. Her compositions have been performed by top-ranking artists and orchestras in Hungary and around the world.
  • 1994 – 2021: composing and arranging film scores. Producing and leading orchestral recordings.
  • 1999 – 2021: professor at the University of Theatre and Film Arts Budapest, Theory of Arts Department. Teaching History of Music, Film and Music, Music-dramaturgy. Founding and leading professor of the BA course: „Applied Music Composition“
  • 2000 – 2013: Assistant at the Liszt Academy of Music, Theory Department.  Teaching Transposing and Partiture, Analysis
  • 2015 – 2018: Vice-Rector for Education at the University of Theatre and Film Arts Budapest
  • 2018 Telford Innovation Campus (UK) British Kodály Academy’s Spring Course, professor and composition master course leader
  • 2013 – 2021: Music Director of Twelvetones Production Music
  • 1999 – 2000: Composition Instructor at Leo Weiner Conservatory, Budapest.
  • 1994 – 1995: Music Director of the National Theatre, Budapest.

Awards

  • Béla Bartók – Ditta Pásztory Award 2016
  • Artisjus Award for the best contemporary concert piece of 2014 (Pert Em Heru oratorio)
  • Erkel Ferenc Hungarian State Award 2011
  • Award „Fonogram“ for the Best Album for Children 2011 by the Hungarian IFPI
  • The Best Original Film Soundtrack, 37th Hungarian Film Week 2006
  • First prize at the composer contests by the Hungarian Ministry of Culture and MATÁV Symphonic Orchestra in 2004
  • Award of the Hungarian Film Critics in The Best Film Composer category, 2004
  • The Most Recognized Professor at University of Film, Drama and Television in 2000

Academic credentials

  • Doctor Habilitatus, University of Theatre and Film Arts Budapest 2015. Habilitated in the discipline of film and video arts.
  • Doctor of Liberal Arts (DLA), University of Theatre and Film Arts Budapest 2009. Dissertation subject: The Analysis of the Music-dramaturgy
  • Graduated from Liszt Academy Of Music, Budapest; Composer 1995. (Attila BOZAY, Emil PETROVICS, László DRASKÓCZY)
  • Graduated from Liszt Academy Of Music, Budapest; Teacher Of Music Theory 1992 (Melinda KISTÉTÉNYI, László BIHARY)
  • „A“ Level from Conservatory János Richter, Győr, piano playing

Additional studies

  • piano (20 years): Zoltán KOCSIS, József GÁBOR, Tamás KERESKEDŐ, Márta GULYÁS

Professional affiliations

  • Member of the Association of Hungarian Composers
  • Member of the jury of
    • Hungarian Autumn Festival Composer competition 2005;
    • „Foundation For the Talented Hungary“ Composer and choreographer competition 2006;
    • Composer Competition MÜPA (Palace of Arts) Budapest 2020 in two categories (opera for children, ballet music)