Kornel Thomas (*1986) studied composition with László Draskóczy in Budapest, and conducting with Mark Stringer in Vienna. His works were awarded, among others, at the 2023 5th Zodiac International Music Competition, and the 2020 MUPA Composers Competition. As a conductor, he made his debut with the Hungarian State Opera in 2021. 2017-2020 he was assistant conductor of Savaria Symphony Orchestra.

By incorporating a diverse range of musical genres, his aim is to connect with a wide spectrum of music enthusiasts. Many of his works delve into the intricate realm of mental health. Reflection and Exhilaration were awarded the second prize at the 2022 Béla Bartók World Competition and was chosen as obligatory piece of the 2023 Béla Bartók World Competition for violin. The two movements represent opposite moods, but they have in common the simplicity and effectiveness of the melodic invention, as well as the rhythmic sophistication, which also refers to the Bulgarian rhythms known from Bartók.