With a gala concert by a renowned pianist Georgian Eve The Montenegro International Piano Festival 2026 opened in Herceg Novi on Monday, an international event that will bring together prominent artists, renowned music pedagogues and young pianists from 20 countries around the world over the next seven days.
The festival opened in the setting of the Wind Rose within the Lazura Hotel & Marine, where representatives of the cultural, public and diplomatic life of Montenegro gathered. This officially began a rich program that will last until June 21st, and which will connect Herceg Novi and Kotor into a unique artistic whole through concerts, international competitions and educational content.
The festival's founder and artistic director addressed the attendees at the beginning. Vasilisa Lopushin, recalling that the idea of establishing the event arose from the need for Montenegro to gain an international platform that would unite art, education and cultural cooperation.
"A few years ago, the Montenegro International Piano Festival was just an idea and a dream. The desire for Montenegro to have an international festival that would bring together top artists, distinguished 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 this year's edition, she pointed out that the festival brings together 49 young pianists from 20 countries, who will have the opportunity to present their knowledge and artistic skills to an international jury and audience through a competitive program, masterclasses, and concert performances.
She particularly emphasized the importance of art as a universal language that connects people regardless of national, linguistic or cultural differences.
"In a time when we often lack space for dialogue and understanding, art reminds us of what we have in common. Music knows no borders, languages, or divisions. It connects us, inspires us, and reminds us of how much beauty we can create when we are together," said Lopušina.
The festival was officially opened by the Mayor of Herceg Novi Municipality. Stevan Katic, who expressed his satisfaction that the city is hosting part of the program of this international event.
According to him, Herceg Novi, as a city with a rich cultural tradition, naturally recognizes the importance of events that promote art and international cooperation.
"Herceg Novi is a city of culture, art and encounters of different traditions, which is why we are particularly pleased to be hosting part of the Montenegro International Piano Festival program this year. Such events enrich the cultural life of our city and contribute to its international recognition. I am particularly pleased that the festival connects Herceg Novi and Kotor through a joint 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 understanding," said Katić.
The official part of the program was followed by a recital by Eva Gevorgian, one of the most successful young pianists of today. Her performance marked the first evening of the festival and provoked strong reactions from the audience, who greeted the artist with long applause and symbolically marked the beginning of this year's edition of the festival.
The program continues in the coming days with a series of concerts, competitive performances and educational activities that will transform Kotor and Herceg Novi into a regional center of piano art. Among the announced events, a recital by a Chinese pianist stands out. Yuang Fanga, which will be held on June 18th at the Church of the Holy Spirit in Kotor. Fang is internationally recognized for his virtuosity, pronounced musical sensibility, and successful concert career.
The closing evening of the festival will be held on June 21, World Music Day, when the audience will have the opportunity to attend a gala concert by one of the most important pianists of his generation, Andrei Gugnino. The concert will be organized in cooperation with the Cultural Center “Nikola Đurković” Kotor and will represent the festive finale of this year's edition of the festival.
In addition to the concert program, a significant segment of the event is the international piano competition, which will feature 49 young artists from 20 countries around the world. During the festival, participants will have the opportunity to improve their knowledge through masterclass programs led by distinguished professors and members of the international jury, including Natalia Trul, Ian John, Giuseppe Devastato, Denis Lutgens i Danijel Gasparovic.
The organization of the festival was supported by the Municipality of Herceg Novi, the Municipality of Kotor, the Tourist Organization of Herceg Novi, the Tourist Organization of Kotor, the Electric Power Company of Montenegro and the Public Company for the Management of the Maritime Zone of Montenegro. The partners of the event are the Public Institution Cultural Center “Nikola Đurković” Kotor, the Music School “Vida Matjan” Kotor and Lazure Hotel & Marina, with the support of numerous sponsors, patrons and friends of the festival.
The organizers extended special thanks to the Hamović family, the sponsors of the opening ceremony, as well as all institutions and partners who, with their contributions, support the development of this international cultural project.
Montenegro International Piano Festival strengthens its position on the international cultural map year after year, promoting Montenegro as a destination for top-notch art, cultural exchange and education of young musicians. This year's edition once again confirms the organizers' ambition to grow the festival into one of the most significant regional platforms for the development of piano art and international cultural cooperation.
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