Chopin Piano Fest Pristina

{{Infobox music festival
| name = Chopin Piano Fest Prishtina
| image = Chopin Fest Official Poster (2013).jpg
| image_size = 220
| caption = Chopin Fest Official Poster (2013)
| location = Prishtina, Republic of Kosovo
| years_active = 2010-present
| founders = Besa Luzha and Lejla Pula-Haxhiu
| artisticdirector = Lejla Pula- Haxhiu
| 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
| genre = Classical Music
| website = http://chopinkosova.com/
}}
Chopin Piano Fest 'Prishtina' is a festival established for the first time on the occasion of the 200th birth anniversary of [[Frédéric Chopin|Chopin]] in 2010,in [[Pristina|Prishtina]], [[Republic of Kosovo|Kosova]] by the Kosova Chopin Association.<ref name="Wordpress">{{cite web|last=Luzha|first=Besa|title=Chopin Piano Fest Prishtina|url=http://chopinkosova.com/|publisher=WordPress|accessdate=2014-02-23}}</ref>

==Formation==
[[File:Menan Berveniku plays in the Young Pianist Podium 2010.webm|thumb|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.<ref name="Selmani">{{cite web|last=Selmani|first=Arber|title='Chopin Fest' eshte pasuri shteterore|url=http://www.zeri.info/artikulli/4084/pula-chopin-fest-eshte-pasuri-shteterore|accessdate=01/03/2014}}</ref> In its 5 years of formation it has offered interpretations by both world famous pianists such as [[Peter Donohoe]],<ref name="Verdi">{{cite web|title="Chopin Piano Fest", në kujtim të Verdit|url=http://www.koha.net/arkiva/?page=1,5,141223|publisher=Koha Net|accessdate=2014-02-23}}</ref>[[Janina Fialkowska]], Kosovar musicians of international renown like [[Classical music in Kosovo|Ardita Statovci]] and [[Alberta Troni]], and local talents.<ref name="Selmani" /> The Festival strives to promote the art of interpretation, the proper value of music and the technicalities that accompany it.<ref name="Selmani" /> The Festival has served as inspiration for the formation of other music festivals like Remusica and Kamerfest.<ref name="Verdi" />

==Organisation==
[[File:Young Pianist Podium 2013- Fatjona Maliqi.webm|thumb|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''),<ref name="Bislimi">{{cite web|last=Bislimi|first=Bekim|title=Opera dhe Baleti, ende "pa kulm" mbi kokë|url=http://www.evropaelire.org/content/article/24517526.html|publisher=Evropa e Lire|accessdate=2014-02-23}}</ref> or the Swiss Diamond Hotel Hall.The festival faces serious trouble because of not being able to secure a proper music hall,<ref name="Bislimi" /> 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 [[Classical music in Kosovo|Kosovo Philharmonics]],a local Kosovar pianist and an international pianist<ref name="Wordpress" /> 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.<ref>{{cite web|last=Tarani|first=Eldita|title=KamerFest: Njohja e Kosovës me Nota Muzikore|url=http://www.gazetajnk.com/?cid=1,964,6798|publisher=Jeta ne Kosove|accessdate=01/03/2014}}</ref> 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.<ref name="Wordpress" /> This promotion of music and musical value has resulted in ever-growing numbers of the audience,<ref>{{cite web|last=Pulaj|first=Drilon|title=Stone, Troni e Matoshi në "Chopin"|url=http://www.zeri.info/artikulli/4296/stone-troni-e-matoshi-ne-chopin|publisher=Zeri|accessdate=01/03/2014}}</ref> even attracting names of local politicians, like [[Vlora Çitaku|Vlora Citaku]].<ref name="Selmani" />

===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.<ref name=paemer>{{cite web|title=Festivalet nuk i japin përparësi literaturës muzikore shqiptare|url=http://koha.net/arkiva/index.php?page=1,5,95940&s=&ch=5&f_d=12.04.2012&t_d=05.05.2012|publisher=KohaNet|accessdate=01/03/2014}}</ref> Such demands were not always met as international pianists refused to play such works.<ref name=paemer />

===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 [[Universiteti i Prishtinës|University of Prishtina]] are carefully chosen to perform at one of the nights of the festival.<ref name=injejte>{{cite web|title="Chopin Piano Festival" sjell emra të njëjtë me program të ri|url=http://koha.net/arkiva/index.php?page=1,5,141704&s=&ch=5&f_d=06.04.2013&t_d=28.04.2013|publisher=KohaNet|accessdate=01.03.2014}}</ref> This promotion is done in order to boost local musicians and musical education, as it is considered<ref>{{cite web|last=Besiana|first=Xharra|title=Në Shkolla Nuk Ndihet më Muzika|url=http://www.gazetajnk.com/?cid=1,964,1266|publisher=Jeta ne Kosove|accessdate=01/03/2014}}</ref> to be in ruins.

==Editions==

===2010===
The 2010 Edition was a celebration of the 200th anniversary of [[Frédéric Chopin|Chopin]]. It is the first edition that hosted a ''Pianists Podium''.
{| class="wikitable"
[[File:Lejla Pula and Kosovar Philharmonics Final Night.jpg|thumb|Lejla Pula (soloist) performs with the Kosovar Philharmonics in the Final Closing night of the Festival]]
|-
! 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

|}<ref name=katallogu />

===2011===
The 2011 Edition was a celebration of the 200th anniversary of [[Franz Liszt|Listz]]. It was the first edition to host a ''Young Pianists Podium''.
[[File:Gottlieb Wallisch plays in the first edition of 'Chopin Fest'.jpg|thumb|Gottlied Wallisch plays in the 2011 edition of 'Chopin Fest']]
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! 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

|}<ref name=katallogu />

===2012===
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! 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
|}<ref name=katallogu />

===2013===
This edition celebrated the work of [[Giuseppe Verdi|Verdi]].
[[File:Peter Donohoe plays in 'Diar Hall' 2013.jpg|thumb|Peter Donohoe plays in 'Diar Hall' on April 15, 2013.]]
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! 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

|}<ref name=katallogu />

==Critics and reviews==
{{quotation|"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<ref name=katallogu>{{cite book|title=Katalogu i Festivalit|year=2012|publisher=Komuna e Prishtines}}</ref>}}

{{quotation|"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<ref name=Ch2012 />}}

{{quotation|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<ref name=katallogu />}}

==Sponsors==
As a non-profit festival, Chopin Piano Fest Prishtina relies fully on local businesses and governmental agencies for donations and support.<ref name="Wordpress" /> Even with this financial help, the Festival is a challenge to organize.<ref name=Ch2012>{{cite web|title=Ka nisur "Chopin Piano Fest Prishtina 2012"|url=http://koha.net/arkiva/index.php?page=1,5,95440&s=&ch=5&f_d=12.04.2012&t_d=05.05.2012|publisher=Koha Net|accessdate=01/03/2014}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|last=Bislimi|first=Bekim|title=Një vit pa lëvizje domethënëse kulturore|url=http://www.evropaelire.org/content/article/25217197.html|publisher=Radio Evropa e Lire|accessdate=01/03/2014}}</ref>
List of sponsors and donators
*The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports<ref name="Verdi" />
*The Municipality of Prishtina<ref name="Verdi" />
*Raiffeisen Bank Kosova<ref name=katallogu />
*Austrian Embassy<ref>{{cite web|last=Pulaj|first=Drilon|title=Mbaron maratona e Festivalit të Pianos|url=http://www.zeri.info/artikulli/4925/mbaron-maratona-e-festivalit-te-pianos|publisher=Zeri|accessdate=01/03/2014}}</ref>
*Z-Mobile<ref name=katallogu />
*Turkish Embassy<ref name=katallogu />
*British Council<ref name=katallogu />
*Turkish Airlines<ref name=katallogu />
*Technomarket<ref name=katallogu />
*Leonidas Chocolates<ref name=katallogu />
*Studio Forma<ref name=katallogu />

==See also==
*[[Music of Kosovo]]
*[[List of Kosovan composers]]
*[[Traditional music in Kosovo]]
*[[:Category:Kosovar composers|Kosovan composers category]]
*[[Classical music in Kosovo]]
****[[Traditional music in Kosovo]]
*[[Music of Kosovo]]
*[[Classical music in Kosovo]]
*[[Pristina|Prishtina]]

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

{{Kosovo topics}}

[[Category:Low-importance Kosovo articles| Kosovo articles]]
[[Category:Music festivals in Kosovo]]
[[Category:Events in Pristina]]
[[Category:Classical music festivals]]