Chopin Piano Fest Pristina

Chopin Piano Fest Prishtina
Chopin Fest Official Poster (2013)
Genre Classical Music
Dates

First Edition - 15.04-25.04.2010

Second Edition - 12-24.04.2011

Third Edition - 12.04-05.05.2012

Fourth Edition - 06.04-28.04.2013

Fifth Edition - 04.2014
Location(s) Prishtina, Republic of Kosovo
Years active 2010-present
Founded by Besa Luzha and Lejla Pula-Haxhiu
Website http://chopinkosova.com/

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.[1]

Formation

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 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.[2] In its 5 years of formation it has offered interpretations by both world famous pianists such as Peter Donohoe,[3] Janina Fialkowska, Kosovan classical musicians of international renown like Ardita Statovci and Alberta Troni, and local talents.[2] The Festival strives to promote the art of interpretation, the proper value of music and the technicalities that accompany it.[2] The Festival has served as inspiration for the formation of other music festivals like Remusica and Kamerfest.[3]

Organisation

Because there is no Opera House in Kosova, this festival is held in locations such as the Red Hall (Albanian: Salla e Kuqe),[4] or the Swiss Diamond Hotel Hall.The festival faces serious trouble because of not being able to secure a proper music hall,[4] 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[1] 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.[5] 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.[1] This promotion of music and musical value has resulted in ever-growing numbers of the audience.[6]

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.[7] Such demands were not always met as international pianists refused to play such works.[7]

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.[8] This promotion is done in order to boost local musicians and musical education, as it is considered[9] 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
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

[10]

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'
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

[10]

2012

DatePerformerLocation
12.04.2012Janina FialkowskaSalla Diar, Swiss Diamond Hotel
14.04.2012Peter DonohoeSalla Diar, Swiss Diamond Hotel
17.04.2012Endre HegedysSalla Diar, Swiss Diamond Hotel
19.04.2012Marten KasikSalla Diar, Swiss Diamond Hotel
22.04.2012Kosovo Philharmonics and SoloistsSalla Diar, Swiss Diamond Hotel
24.04.2012Rame Lahaj, Alberta TroniSalla Diar, Swiss Diamond Hotel
26.04.2012Trio CelebreSalla Diar, Swiss Diamond Hotel
30.04.2012Pianists Podium and Concert MatineSalla Diar, Swiss Diamond Hotel
05.05.2012Ozcan Ulucan, Birsel UlucalSalla Diar, Swiss Diamond Hotel

[10]

2013

This edition celebrated the work of Verdi.

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

[10]

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 Kosovan 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[10]

"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 Kosovan 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[11]

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[10]

Sponsors

As a non-profit festival, Chopin Piano Fest Prishtina relies fully on local businesses and governmental agencies for donations and support.[1] Even with this financial help, the Festival is a challenge to organize.[11] 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.[12]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Luzha, Besa. "Chopin Piano Fest Prishtina". WordPress. Retrieved 2014-02-23.
  2. 1 2 3 Selmani, Arber. "'Chopin Fest' eshte pasuri shteterore". Retrieved 2014-03-01.
  3. 1 2 ""Chopin Piano Fest", në kujtim të Verdit". Koha Net. Retrieved 2014-02-23.
  4. 1 2 Bislimi, Bekim. "Opera dhe Baleti, ende "pa kulm" mbi kokë". Evropa e Lire. Retrieved 2014-02-23.
  5. ↑ Tarani, Eldita. "KamerFest: Njohja e Kosovës me Nota Muzikore". Jeta ne Kosove. Retrieved 2014-03-01.
  6. ↑ Pulaj, Drilon. "Stone, Troni e Matoshi në "Chopin"". Zeri. Retrieved 2014-03-01.
  7. 1 2 "Festivalet nuk i japin përparësi literaturës muzikore shqiptare". KohaNet. Retrieved 2014-03-01.
  8. ↑ ""Chopin Piano Festival" sjell emra të njëjtë me program të ri". KohaNet. Retrieved 2014-03-01.
  9. ↑ Besiana, Xharra. "Në Shkolla Nuk Ndihet më Muzika". Jeta ne Kosove. Retrieved 2014-03-01.
  10. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Katalogu i Festivalit. Komuna e Prishtines. 2012.
  11. 1 2 "Ka nisur "Chopin Piano Fest Prishtina 2012"". Koha Net. Retrieved 2014-03-01.
  12. ↑ Bislimi, Bekim. "Një vit pa lëvizje domethënëse kulturore". Radio Evropa e Lire. Retrieved 2014-03-01.
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