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 was the result of joint efforts by Dr. Lejla Pula-Haxhiu (Artistic Director) and Besa Luzha (Secretary General and Festival Manager). Initially formed only to celebrate the 200th birth of Chopin, the Festival was a great success and was greatly appreciated by the Kosovan audience. As a result, the Festival was organized annually until 2014, in the spring of each year. The Festival was considered a national treasure.

The Festival offered interpretations by world-famous pianists such as Peter Donohoe and Janina Fialkowska , as well as Kosovan classical musicians of renown such as Ardita Statovci and Alberta Troni, and local talents. The Festival strove to promote the art of interpretation, the proper evaluation of music, and the technicalities that accompany it. The Festival has followed the successful path of other established music festivals in Kosovo such as the Kamerfest, Damfest, and Remusica.

Organisation

Because there is no concert hall in Kosova, this festival is held in locations such as the Red Hall (Albanian: ''Salla e Kuqe''), 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 cooperation 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 resulted in ever-growing numbers of the audience in the period up to 2014.

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''.

2011

The 2011 Edition was a celebration of the 200th anniversary of Listz. It was the first edition to host a ''Young Pianists Podium''.

2012

2013

This edition celebrated the work of Verdi.

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.

See also

*Music of Kosovo
*List of Kosovan composers
* Traditional music in Kosovo
* :Kosovan composers
* Classical music in Kosovo
* Traditional music in Kosovo
* Music of Kosovo
* Classical music in Kosovo

References

{{Frédéric Chopin

Music festivals in Kosovo
Events in Pristina
Classical music festivals in Kosovo
Articles containing video clips
2010 establishments in Kosovo
Recurring events established in 2010
Annual events in Kosovo
Spring (season) events in Kosovo