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.[1]
| Chopin Piano Fest Prishtina | |
|---|---|
.jpg.webp) 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/ |
Formation
The Festival is 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 continues to be organized annually, becoming a traditional piano festival that is held in the spring of each year. The Festival is considered a national treasure.[2]
The Festival has offered interpretations by world-famous pianists such as Peter Donohoe[3] and Janina Fialkowska, as well as Kosovan classical musicians of international renown such as Ardita Statovci and Alberta Troni, and local talents.[2] The Festival strives to promote the art of interpretation, the proper evaluation of music, and the technicalities that accompany it.[2] The Festival has followed the successful path of other established music festivals in Kosovo such as the Kamerfest, Damfest, and Remusica.[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.
| Date | Performer | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 15.03.2010 | Christopher Hinterhuber | Red Hall |
| 17.03.2010 | Pianists Podium | Red Hall |
| 21.03.2010 | Lejla Pula, Mariana Leka | Red Hall |
| 22.03.2010 | Tribue to Chopin | Red Hall |
| 08.04.2010 | Ardita Statovci | Red Hall |
| 12.04.2010 | Anita Tartari, Didi Tartari | Red Hall |
| 15.04.2010 | Lule Elezi, Antonio Gashi | Red Hall |
| 22.04.2010 | Heribert Koch | Red Hall |
| 25.04.2010 | Kosovo Philharmonics and Soloists | Red 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.
| Date | Performer | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 12.04.2011 | Heribert Koch | Red Hall |
| 14.04.2011 | Lule Elezi, Antonio Gashi, Venera Mehmetagaj | Red Hall |
| 16.04.2011 | Gottlieb Wallisch | Red Hall |
| 19.04.2011 | Young Pianist Podium | Red Hall |
| 20.04.2011 | Alberta Troni, Sanije Matoshi | Red Hall |
| 21.04.201 | Sihana Badivuku-Hoxha, Zana Badivuku-Basha | Red Hall |
| 24.04.2011 | Kosovo Philharmonics and Soloists | Red Hall |
2012
| Date | Performer | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 12.04.2012 | Janina Fialkowska | Salla Diar, Swiss Diamond Hotel |
| 14.04.2012 | Peter Donohoe | Salla Diar, Swiss Diamond Hotel |
| 17.04.2012 | Endre Hegedys | Salla Diar, Swiss Diamond Hotel |
| 19.04.2012 | Marten Kasik | Salla Diar, Swiss Diamond Hotel |
| 22.04.2012 | Kosovo Philharmonics and Soloists | Salla Diar, Swiss Diamond Hotel |
| 24.04.2012 | Rame Lahaj, Alberta Troni | Salla Diar, Swiss Diamond Hotel |
| 26.04.2012 | Trio Celebre | Salla Diar, Swiss Diamond Hotel |
| 30.04.2012 | Pianists Podium and Concert Matine | Salla Diar, Swiss Diamond Hotel |
| 05.05.2012 | Ozcan Ulucan, Birsel Ulucal | Salla Diar, Swiss Diamond Hotel |
2013
This edition celebrated the work of Verdi.
| Date | Performer | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 06.04.2013 | Balkanic Sextet 'Pro Arte' | Salla Diar, Swiss Diamond Hotel |
| 08.04.2013 | Martin Kasik | Salla Diar, Swiss Diamond Hotel |
| 11.04.2013 | Claire Hungaci | Salla Diar, Swiss Diamond Hotel |
| 15.04.2013 | Peter Donohoe | Salla Diar, Swiss Diamond Hotel |
| 17.04.2014 | Trio 'Celebre' | Salla Diar, Swiss Diamond Hotel |
| 19.04.2013 | Vocal-Pianistic Night | Salla Diar, Swiss Diamond Hotel |
| 23.04.2014 | Young Musicians Podium | Red Hall |
| 25.04.2013 | Vocal Night in honor of Verdi | Red Hall |
| 28.04.2013 | Kosovo Philharmonics and Soloists | Red Hall |
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
- Luzha, Besa. "Chopin Piano Fest Prishtina". WordPress. Archived from the original on 2014-01-10. Retrieved 2014-02-23.
- Selmani, Arber. "'Chopin Fest' eshte pasuri shteterore". Archived from the original on 2014-03-02. Retrieved 2014-03-01.
- ""Chopin Piano Fest", në kujtim të Verdit". Koha Net. Archived from the original on 2014-03-02. Retrieved 2014-02-23.
- Bislimi, Bekim. "Opera dhe Baleti, ende "pa kulm" mbi kokë". Evropa e Lire. Retrieved 2014-02-23.
- Tarani, Eldita. "KamerFest: Njohja e Kosovës me Nota Muzikore". Jeta ne Kosove. Retrieved 2014-03-01.
- Pulaj, Drilon. "Stone, Troni e Matoshi në "Chopin"". Zeri. Archived from the original on 2014-03-02. Retrieved 2014-03-01.
- "Festivalet nuk i japin përparësi literaturës muzikore shqiptare". KohaNet. Archived from the original on 2014-03-02. Retrieved 2014-03-01.
- ""Chopin Piano Festival" sjell emra të njëjtë me program të ri". KohaNet. Archived from the original on 2014-03-02. Retrieved 2014-03-01.
- Besiana, Xharra. "Në Shkolla Nuk Ndihet më Muzika". Jeta ne Kosove. Retrieved 2014-03-01.
- Katalogu i Festivalit. Komuna e Prishtines. 2012.
- "Ka nisur "Chopin Piano Fest Prishtina 2012"". Koha Net. Archived from the original on 2014-03-02. Retrieved 2014-03-01.
- Bislimi, Bekim. "Një vit pa lëvizje domethënëse kulturore". Radio Evropa e Lire. Retrieved 2014-03-01.
