MIP Festival Opens with a Magnificent Piano Concert by Gergely Bogányi

The Montenegro International Piano Festival (MIP Festival) was officially opened last night with the gala concert Pianorama, held on the spectacular stage of the Forza Kuk Amphitheatre above Kotor. The audience had the opportunity to enjoy the artistic performance of Hungarian virtuoso Gergely Bogányi, who performed on his self-designed Bogányi piano – an innovative instrument presented for the first time to the Montenegrin public.

The festival was opened by pianist and artistic director Vasilisa Lopušina, who emphasized that this project was born out of love for art and continues to grow thanks to the collaboration of institutions, municipalities, companies, artists, and the audience.

“It is a great honor for me that tonight, from the heart of Montenegro – from Cetinje, the capital of our culture – we begin days in which music will become a bridge between cities, people, and worlds. The Montenegro International Piano Festival is not just an event – it is an idea of Montenegro as a place where global artistry meets our cultural heritage. It is a bridge between Cetinje and Kotor, between tradition and modernity, between us and the world.”

Speaking on behalf of the Old Royal Capital Cetinje, Anđela Ćipranić highlighted the city's commitment to culture:

“The Old Royal Capital recognized the idea of the festival as an opportunity to connect with the world through music and art. This proves that Montenegro, and Cetinje as its spiritual and cultural center, can also be an open stage that brings together the most prominent global artists. This concert confirms exactly that – that culture is a bridge not only between past and present, but also between people, communities, and ideas.”

Petar Kovačević, representative of the Ministry of Culture and Media, addressed the audience, highlighting the noble and exceptional mission of the festival:

“This is a unique and truly valuable initiative – not only because of the participation of young people but also because of their protagonism in accepting the call to learn, reflect, and innovate in music. The festival promotes a noble goal – the promotion of Montenegro’s musical heritage, artistic excellence in interpretation, and the exploration of new forms of expression in the contemporary world. Above all, the masterclasses offer young participants the opportunity to experience true musical celebrations. The Ministry of Culture and Media is once again proud to support this festival, confident that it will grow into a vital international initiative.”

On behalf of the hosts in Kotor, Radmila Radulović, Director of the Nikola Đurković Cultural Center, addressed the audience, emphasizing the importance of such events:

“This concert is truly a unique event, and I believe it will be remembered by all. We are very pleased to be part of this story, and that the Cultural Center, the Kotor Tourist Organization, and the Municipality of Kotor have the honor of supporting a festival and artists of global renown. Let music under the starry sky be our bridge between tradition and the future.”

Following the grand opening, the festival program continues in Kotor, at authentic venues such as the Church of the Holy Spirit and the Vida Matjan Music School. The audience can look forward to performances by Vasilisa Lopušina and Eden Sekulović, a concert by Bojan Martinović featuring the world premiere of a work by Montenegrin composer Aleksandar Perunović, a performance by renowned Russian pianist Natalia Trull, and the final recital Ravel Connections by the legendary Cyprien Katsaris, marking 150 years since the birth of the great composer Maurice Ravel.

MIP Festival 2025 is held with the support of: the Ministry of Culture and Media of Montenegro, the Municipality of Kotor, the Nikola Đurković Cultural Center and Kotor Tourist Organization, the Municipality of Cetinje and the Cetinje Tourist Organization, Electric Power Industry of Montenegro, PAM, the Embassy of Hungary in Montenegro, Forza Kuk, Kotor Cable Car, and numerous other festival partners and friends.