Karlovac Piano Festival / Karlovac International Piano Competition

 

2021 Karlovac Piano Festival



Karlovac Piano Festival is held in Karlovac, a city located near to the capital of Croatia, Zagreb. Karlovac (originally named Karlstadt or Carlstadt - "Charles's Town") dates from the Renaissance period (1579), when it was established by the Austrian aristocracy in order to strengthen Austria's southern defenses against Ottoman invasion. Today, this restful town is abundant with bucolic parks, and it is especially known for its four idyllic rivers (Korana, Kupa, Mrežnica, and Dobra). Karlovac also has musically rich scene. During summer days, Karlovac cultivates three prominent music events; the world-level flute academy, nearly two decades lasting guitar summer school, and our rapidly growing piano festival.

Educational activities (summer school) and the competition semi-final round are occurring in Karlovac Music School, one of the oldest music institutions in this part of Europe (founded in 1804). The school's facility consists of numerous piano studios and practice rooms, orchestra rehearsal room, and a small recital hall. Piano competition finalists will perform in Zorin-dom theatre.

Karlovac Music School
Karlovac Music School

Zorin-dom
Zorin-dom Theatre, Karlovac (founded in 1886)


Participants have opportunities to be engaged in master-classes, private lessons, concerts, excursions, and the piano competition. As a part of our tradition, we organize excursion to some of the most attractive local tourist sites. The Karlovac county is abundant with mesmerizing river locations, where some exhibit pristinely clear water, countless waterfalls, and untouched flora and fauna (Mrežnica, Slunjčica). As a relief from hot summer days, local rivers also provide a refreshing swim, or for those of more adventurous nature, exciting rafting routes. Furthermore, area's historical richness features castles which date back to the 13th century (Dubovac, Ozalj).

Slunjcica rastoke
Rastoke (Slunjčica river)

Ozalj
Ozalj castle

 

 

 



Anna Malikova piano
Anna Malikova

 

"Once in a while, albeit quite rarely, a reviewer dreams about a time machine that would allow hearing a concert that was so exceptional that they could return to the day before to alert readers not to miss something extraordinary. Such is the case with the superb recital by Uzbek-born pianist  Anna Malikova on June 17, as presented by PianoTexas International Academy and Festival. This will surely be on my Top Ten list for 2018."

- Gregory Sullivan Isaacs

 

 

Lovre Marusic piano
Silvije Vidović

 

"It was a sheer joy for me to listen to his performance last evening. His musicality shines above all as one of his finest musical qualities and always comes accross in what ever he plays. "

- Fredrick Kaufman

 

 

Vladimir Viardo
Vladimir Viardo

 

"I never listen to my records. But I listen to other pianists: Horowitz, Rubinstein my great idol, Gilels, Richter, Vladimir Viardo who is such an extraordinary genius that I knelt down before him and kissed his hands."

- Alicia de Larrocha

 

 

 

 

 


Grzergorz Niemczuk
Peggy Wu

- Royal College of Music
- Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts
- The Llangollen International Eistedfodd Instrumental Solo Competition - First Prize
- The Steinway & Sons Youth Piano Competition - First Prize

"Many thanks to the Karlovac Piano Festival for a wonderful experience, where I got to work with the most inspiring teacher, but was also equally inspired by the friends I made at the festival. The atmosphere of the festival was great, with a chance to perform, have many lessons and ample access to practise facilities. The town of Karlovac was wonderful - quaint and friendly, making it an ideal place to spend the summer. There are many fond memories from the festival I will always cherish!"

Summer, 2019

 

 

 

Grzergorz Niemczuk
Kuan-Wei Huang

- Vienna University for Music and Performing Arts
- Taipei National University of the Arts

"Thank you very much. It was a great experience for me. I am so glad to have the chance to perform in front of so many audiences, to know many nice colleagues, and to have lessons with great professors."

Summer, 2017

 

 

 

Grzergorz Niemczuk
Grzegorz Niemczuk

- 2013 International Carnegie Hall Concerto Competition (New York, U.S.A.) - First Prize
- 40th National Frederic Chopin Piano Competition (Warsaw, Poland) - First Prize
- 2009 Rencontres Internationales des Jeunes Pianistes (Waterloo, Belgium)
- First Prize

"I discovered Karlovac Piano Festival in 2016. It is definitely one of the best Summer Festivals I have ever attended: fantastic, friendly atmosphere, professors of the highest level, inspiring concerts, good conditions. The town itself is also a nice place to be – with beautiful parks and lovely river in which we were swimming every evening. This is something that all young musicians need in summer – a great dose of inspiration, meeting other pianists from all over the world and getting an experience of a small Croatian town."

Summer, 2016

 

 

 

Ana Lipiak
Anna Lipiak

- The 2nd Karlovac International Piano Competition (Karlovac, Croatia) - Second Prize
- The 14th Concorso Internazionale di Esecuzione Musicale "Premio Citta' di Padova" (Padova, Italy) - First Prize

"I'm so grateful for every moment that I could experience. For amazing inspiration, huge dose of motivation and knowledge. Honestly it was the best master course I've ever taken a part... Thank you, all professors and all of participants for this special and unique atmosphere.
Warm regards! Hope to see you next year."

Summer, 2016

 

 

 

Adela Liculescu
Adela Liculescu

- The 2015 Bösendorfer International Piano Competition (Vienna, Austria) - First Prize

"I enjoyed very much my time at the Karlovac summer masterclass in 2014, the lessons were inspiring, the city beautiful, the course was very well organized, there were good practice possibilities, the atmosphere was great and I made very good friends there! It's definitely a master class to recommend to my fellow colleagues!"

Winter, 2015

 

 

 

ALjosa Jurinic
Aljoša Jurinić (Alyosha Jurinic)

- The 16th International Robert Schumann Competition (Zwickau, Germany) - First Prize
- The 17th International Chopin Competition (Warsaw, Poland) - Finalist

"My participation in Karlovac Piano Festival was a part of my preparation for the 17th International Chopin Piano Competition. This, relatively young musical venture offers world renowned faculty, fabulous practicing and teaching facilities, and a stimulating collegial environment. The majority of events are held in Karlovac Music School, the oldest musical institution in Croatia. The school is located in the very center of Karlovac, a historical town known for its adorable nature and friendly, relaxing atmosphere. Besides working with pedagogues, the festival also features a two-day international piano competition. I would warmly advise you to learn more about the entire event and consider this opportunity in order to improve your artistry."

Fall, 2015