The Montenegro International Piano Festival Begins – Masterclasses for Children from Around the World and Concerts by Renowned Pianists

This evening marks the start of the Montenegro International Piano Festival (MIP Festival), a cultural event that brings together top artists and young talents from around the world. Over the coming days, audiences can look forward to a rich program of concerts, masterclasses, and encounters with some of the most significant pianists of our time.

The festival program opens with the gala concert PIANORAMA, taking place tonight at 8 PM at the Forza Kuk Amphitheatre above Kotor. The audience will have the opportunity to enjoy a performance by Hungarian virtuoso Gergely Bogányi on his self-designed instrument – the renowned Bogányi piano, which will be presented to the Montenegrin public for the first time. The concert is supported by the Old Royal Capital Cetinje and the Cetinje Tourist Organization.

A special focus of this year’s festival is on the masterclass workshops, which bring together children and young pianists from numerous countries. Under the mentorship of renowned professors and performers, participants will have the opportunity to refine their performance skills, exchange experiences, and draw inspiration from their idols. It is precisely this intergenerational interaction that makes the festival spirit unique – connecting tradition, knowledge, and the fresh energy of young artists.

The festival was founded by Montenegrin pianist and artistic director Vasilisa Lopušina, who emphasizes the significance of the project for both the local and international cultural scene.

“The MIP Festival is an important cultural project for Montenegro, with tremendous potential to develop into an event of national and European significance. I am especially pleased that Montenegro has the opportunity to host some of the greatest names in the piano world today, and also to create space for growth and inspiration for new generations of musicians. I am grateful to the Old Royal Capital Cetinje and the Cetinje Tourist Organization for their support in organizing the opening concert. I am glad that Cetinje once again demonstrates its dedication to advancing the cultural scene, not just of the capital, but of all Montenegro,” Lopušina said at today’s press conference in Cetinje.

In addition to Lopušina, the press conference also featured Anđela Ćipranić, Secretary of the Secretariat for Culture of the Old Royal Capital, pianist Gergely Bogányi, and Danijel Gašparović, a member of the Festival’s Artistic Council.

According to Anđela Ćipranić, the Pianorama project uniquely blends classical music, contemporary innovation, and Montenegro’s natural beauty.

“Supporting such projects means investing in creativity, in values that inspire, and in collaborations that expand cultural horizons. I believe that events like this not only inspire audiences but also affirm that Cetinje remains a cultural hub that connects Montenegro to the world,” Ćipranić stated.

One of today’s most prominent pianists, Gergely Bogányi, will perform in Montenegro for the first time. The Hungarian virtuoso will play on his self-designed Bogányi piano – an innovative instrument making its Montenegrin debut.

Such events are, as emphasized by Danijel Gašparović, member of the Festival’s Artistic Council, of great importance for both Montenegro and the region.

During the festival, concerts will be held at authentic locations around Kotor – in the Church of the Holy Spirit and the “Vida Matjan” Music School. Highlights include performances by pianist and artistic director Vasilisa Lopušina with cellist Eden Sekulović, a concert by Bojan Martinović featuring the world premiere of a piece by Montenegrin composer Aleksandar Perunović, a recital by renowned Russian pianist Natalia Trull, and the closing recital Ravel Connections by the legendary Cyprien Katsaris, marking the 150th anniversary of the composer’s birth.

In addition to concerts, the audience will also have the opportunity to attend lectures by musicologist Dr. Stefan Cvetković (Faculty of Music, Belgrade), and a harpsichord concert by Dr. Svetlana Stojanović-Kutlača, bringing the sounds of Baroque Italy.

MIP Festival 2025 is held with the support of: the Ministry of Culture and Media of Montenegro, Kotor Tourist Organization, Municipality of Kotor, Cetinje Tourist Organization, Old Royal Capital Cetinje, the Embassy of Hungary in Montenegro, Electric Power Industry of Montenegro, Forza Kuk Amphitheatre, Kotor Cable Car, Montenegrin Commercial Bank, Universal Capital Bank, Air Montenegro, Pljevlja Coal Mine, Sophie’s Beauty Line, PAM, and other partners from the fields of culture, tourism, and education.