Chopin Piano Fest Pristina


Chopin Piano Fest Prishtina is a festival that was established in Prishtina, Kosovo, by the Kosova Chopin Association, on the occasion of the 200th anniversary, in 2010, of the birth of the composer Frédéric Chopin.

Formation

The festival is the result of joined efforts of Dr. Lejla Pula-Haxhiu and Besa Luzha. Formed only to celebrate the 200th birth of Chopin, the festival was a great success and was greatly appreciated by the Kosovan audience. The festival continues to be organized annually, becoming a traditional piano festival held in spring every year. The festival is considered to be a national treasure. In its 5 years of formation it has offered interpretations by both world famous pianists such as Peter Donohoe, Janina Fialkowska, Kosovan classical musicians of international renown like Ardita Statovci and Alberta Troni, and local talents. The Festival strives to promote the art of interpretation, the proper value of music and the technicalities that accompany it. The Festival has followed the successful path of other established music festivals in Kosovo such as Kamerfest, Damfest and Remusica.

Organisation

Because there is no Opera House in Kosova, this festival is held in locations such as the Red Hall, or the Swiss Diamond Hotel Hall.The festival faces serious trouble because of not being able to secure a proper music hall, and still struggles to find a permanent venue.It usually hosts 2-3 concerts a week, culminating in the final evening. The closing night always organised with the cooperation of the Kosovo Philharmonics, a local Kosovan pianist and an international pianist The merger of a local pianist and an international one is seen as a bridge between local and international music, and as such can contribute to the recognition of Kosovo worldwide. Although it holds the name of Chopin, the festival is not limited to composed works of Chopin, but rather well-written and performed works of all musical eras, classical and contemporary. This promotion of music and musical value has resulted in ever-growing numbers of the audience.

Promotion of local composers and pianists

The festival strives to promote music composed by local composers and musicians. Pianists invited to play at the Festival are asked to play pieces composed by Kosovan musicians. Such demands were not always met as international pianists refused to play such works.

Promotion of young pianists and musicians

In its editions the festival tries to promote local young talents in a Pianistic Podium. Pianists from the local music school "Prenk Jakova" and the music majors at the University of Prishtina are carefully chosen to perform at one of the nights of the festival. This promotion is done in order to boost local musicians and musical education, as it is considered to be in ruins.

Editions

2010

The 2010 Edition was a celebration of the 200th anniversary of Chopin. It is the first edition that hosted a Pianists Podium.
DatePerformerLocation
15.03.2010Christopher HinterhuberRed Hall
17.03.2010Pianists PodiumRed Hall
21.03.2010Lejla Pula, Mariana LekaRed Hall
22.03.2010Tribue to ChopinRed Hall
08.04.2010Ardita StatovciRed Hall
12.04.2010Anita Tartari, Didi TartariRed Hall
15.04.2010Lule Elezi, Antonio GashiRed Hall
22.04.2010Heribert KochRed Hall
25.04.2010Kosovo Philharmonics and SoloistsRed Hall

2011

The 2011 Edition was a celebration of the 200th anniversary of Listz. It was the first edition to host a Young Pianists Podium.
DatePerformerLocation
12.04.2011Heribert KochRed Hall
14.04.2011Lule Elezi, Antonio Gashi, Venera MehmetagajRed Hall
16.04.2011Gottlieb WallischRed Hall
19.04.2011Young Pianist PodiumRed Hall
20.04.2011Alberta Troni, Sanije MatoshiRed Hall
21.04.201Sihana Badivuku-Hoxha, Zana Badivuku-BashaRed Hall
24.04.2011Kosovo Philharmonics and SoloistsRed Hall

2012

2013

This edition celebrated the work of Verdi.
DatePerformerLocation
06.04.2013Balkanic Sextet 'Pro Arte'Salla Diar, Swiss Diamond Hotel
08.04.2013Martin KasikSalla Diar, Swiss Diamond Hotel
11.04.2013Claire HungaciSalla Diar, Swiss Diamond Hotel
15.04.2013Peter DonohoeSalla Diar, Swiss Diamond Hotel
17.04.2014Trio 'Celebre'Salla Diar, Swiss Diamond Hotel
19.04.2013Vocal-Pianistic NightSalla Diar, Swiss Diamond Hotel
23.04.2014Young Musicians PodiumRed Hall
25.04.2013Vocal Night in honor of VerdiRed Hall
28.04.2013Kosovo Philharmonics and SoloistsRed Hall

Critics and reviews

Sponsors

As a non-profit festival, Chopin Piano Fest Prishtina relies fully on local businesses and governmental agencies for donations and support. Even with this financial help, the Festival is a challenge to organize. The Festival expects growth of governmental support, as it is seen as crucial for the organization of the Festival and the music scene in general.