Chopin Piano Fest Pristina |Kosovo Festivals

Chopin Piano Fest 'Prishtina' is a festival established for the first time on the occasion of the 200th birth anniversary of Chopin in 2010, in Prishtina, Kosovo by the Kosova Chopin Association.

##Formation

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Menan Berveniku, local pianist plays in the Young Pianist Podium 2010

The festival is the result of joined efforts of Dr. Lejla Pula-Haxhiu (Artistic Director) and Besa Luzha (Secretary General and Festival Manager). Formed only to celebrate the 200th birth of Chopin, the festival was a great success and was greatly appreciated by the Kosovar 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, Kosovar 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 served as inspiration for the formation of other music festivals like Remusica and Kamerfest.

##Organisation

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Young Pianist Podium 2013 - Fatjona Maliqi

Because there is no Opera House 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 Kosovar 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 Kosovar 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.

Lejla Pula (soloist) performs with the Kosovar Philharmonics in the Final Closing night of the Festival

2011

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

Gottlied Wallisch plays in the 2011 edition of 'Chopin Fest'

2012

2013

This edition celebrated the work of Verdi.

Peter Donohoe plays in Diar Hall on April 15, 2013.

##Critics and reviews

"The Chopin Piano Fest Prishtina is already a traditional festival of piano music in Prishtina, therefore its citizens are proud that this festival is named after the name of the capital of the Republic of Kosovo, thus represents successfully Kosova and Prishtina in particular within the worldwide community of art and music. Through their participation, Prishtina is honoured by the presence and performances of well known pianists and musicians coming from many countries. This is a good opportunity that the artists get to know the values of Kosovar society, Prishtina, and their professional colleagues by becoming friends of our city and promoting its cultural life. I wish to express my gratitude and that of the citizens of Prishtina, toward all our music artists, especially the Kosovo Chopin Association that is organizing this festival for the third time. Their dedication enriches our culture and the cultural life of our city."

—  Dr.Isa Mustafa, Mayor of Prishtina

"I would have said 'No' to any other offer, but I remembered the [Kosovar] people whom I admire and I was very curious to come. I wish I could stay longer and hear Kosovar musicians perform. Everything was organized better than I would have thought. The piano was exquisite, because in a lot of places I have performed it was not good enough. I give them my praise."

—  Janina Fialkowska

With its unique specifics and profile, this festivals are completing the rich mosaic of cultural activities that are organized throughout the year. Ministry of Culture, having the mission not only to promote the arts and heritage of Kosovo but also the mission to enable the cultural and artistic cooperation of Kosovo and other countries in the world, is honored to support this festival."

—  Memli Krasniqi, Minister of Culture

##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.