MONTENEGRO INTERNATIONAL PIANO FESTIVAL 2026 BEGINS: Seven-Day Program Brings Together Artists and Young Pianists from 20 Countries

The Montenegro International Piano Festival 2026 was officially inaugurated last night in Herceg Novi with a gala concert by the exceptional pianist Eva Gevorgyan, marking the beginning of a seven-day program that will, until June 21, bring together distinguished artists, renowned educators, and young pianists from around the world.

The opening ceremony took place in the unique setting of Ruža vjetrova at Lazure Hotel & Marina, attended by numerous guests from Montenegro’s public, cultural, and diplomatic communities.

The audience was first addressed by the festival’s founder and artistic director, Vasilisa Lopušina, who emphasized that the festival was created from a desire to provide Montenegro with an international platform connecting artistic excellence, education, and cultural cooperation.

"A few years ago, the Montenegro International Piano Festival was only an idea and a dream. A desire for Montenegro to have an international festival that would bring together outstanding artists, esteemed professors, and young talents from all over the world. Tonight, looking at all of you here, I can say that this idea is no longer a dream. It has become a reality," said Lopušina.

Speaking about the significance of the festival, she noted that this year’s edition brings together 49 young pianists from 20 countries, who will showcase their artistry through an international competition, masterclasses, and concert activities in Herceg Novi and Kotor over the coming days.

"At a time when we often lack space for dialogue and understanding, art reminds us of what we share. Music knows no borders, languages, or divisions. It connects us, inspires us, and reminds us of the beauty we can create when we come together," Lopušina added.

The festival was officially opened by the President of the Municipality of Herceg Novi, Stevan Katić, who expressed his satisfaction that Herceg Novi is hosting this year’s opening ceremony of the Montenegro International Piano Festival.

"Herceg Novi is a city of culture, art, and encounters between different traditions, which is why we are particularly pleased to host part of the Montenegro International Piano Festival program this year. Events like this enrich the cultural life of our city and contribute to its international recognition. I am especially pleased that the festival connects Herceg Novi and Kotor through a shared cultural mission, further strengthening the friendly ties between the two cities and confirming that culture remains one of the most important bridges of cooperation and mutual understanding," Katić stated.

The evening was highlighted by an outstanding recital by Eva Gevorgyan, one of the most prominent young pianists of her generation, whose performance captivated the audience and ceremonially marked the beginning of this year’s festival edition.

Over the coming days, the festival will continue with a rich program of concerts, competitions, and educational activities that will transform Kotor and Herceg Novi into meeting points for young talents and leading artists from across the globe.

On June 18, audiences at the Church of the Holy Spirit in Kotor will have the opportunity to attend a recital by Chinese pianist Yuang Fang, an artist recognized for his virtuosity, musical sensitivity, and distinguished international career.

The festival will conclude on June 21, World Music Day, with a gala concert held in cooperation with the “Nikola Đurković” Cultural Centre Kotor, featuring one of the most acclaimed pianists of his generation, Andrey Gugnin, bringing this year’s festival edition to a grand close.

In addition to its concert program, the Montenegro International Piano Festival 2026 includes an international piano competition featuring 49 young artists from 20 countries, as well as masterclasses led by distinguished professors and members of the international jury, including Nataliya Trull, Ian Jones, Giuseppe Devastato, Denise Lutgens, and Danijel Gašparović.

The festival is organized with the support of the Municipality of Herceg Novi, Municipality of Kotor, Herceg Novi Tourist Organization, Kotor Tourist Organization, Electric Power Company of Montenegro (EPCG), and the Public Enterprise for Coastal Zone Management of Montenegro, along with partners including the “Nikola Đurković” Cultural Centre Kotor, “Vida Matjan” Music School Kotor, and Lazure Hotel & Marina, as well as numerous sponsors, patrons, and friends of the festival.

The organizers extended special gratitude to the Hamović family, patrons of the festival’s opening ceremony, as well as to all institutions and partners whose contributions make the development of this international cultural project possible.

Year after year, the Montenegro International Piano Festival continues to strengthen its position on the international cultural scene, establishing Montenegro as a destination for artistic excellence, cultural exchange, and the education of young musicians. This year’s edition once again confirms the festival’s ambition to become one of the most significant regional platforms for the development of piano artistry and international cultural cooperation.