LEARN MORE ABOUT THE FESTIVAL
Conceived as a series of ongoing activities throughout the year, the festival aims to create, disseminate and protect local musical creativity. By addressing the lack of spaces and expressive opportunities for composers, this organization aims to create an inspiring environment that encourages new generations of artists and strengthens their role in the cultural life of the country.
STAGES
CAREER COMPOSERS CONCERT
The festival in each edition will include a special concert to honor and showcase the works of Kosovar composers with well-known careers. This concert will highlight their extraordinary contribution to the country's music history. Throughout the festival, the works of career composers will be performed by various orchestras and ensembles chosen by the festival.
CONCERT FOR YOUNG COMPOSERS
The festival will include a special concert to honor and showcase the works of well-known Kosovar composers. This concert will bring to light their outstanding contribution to the country's music history. Many of their works have never been interpreted, so through the festival, the works of career composers will be brought to life through interpretation by a professional orchestra selected by the festival. Preparation for this grand and exciting concert will begin in September and continue until the concert date, which is expected to be in the second week of November at the Red Hall of the Youth Palace.
THEMATIC CONCERT
The thematic concert will be a musical event organized to define and display a clear and consistent theme for all the works to be performed at the concert. Organizing a thematic concert has the potential to connect the audience with an important theme and create a rich musical and cultural experience. Along with the Italian Cultural Institute, for this edition, we will collaborate with the professional musicians group, the Italian chamber group 'Trio Chimera', for the interpretation of works by Kosovar composers. This event is expected to take place in the second week of December 2024 at the new amphitheater of the university library.
AUDIO AND VIDEO RECORDING & PUBLICATION OF WORKS
The works performed at the planned concerts will be recorded and published for the purpose of documenting and archiving the works of Kosovar composers to preserve and disseminate the music and heritage of career composers and young composers more widely. This is a great opportunity to create a sustainable platform for local music creation and to honor distinguished figures in Kosovo's music history, making this heritage more accessible to future generations.
FESTIVAL BOARD
Ersan Januzi
Ersan Januzi, born on March 11, 2000 in Mitrovica, where he also attended music school and completed his studies at the University of Pristina "Hasan Prishtina", in the direction of composition in the class of prof. Drinor Zymberi, while currently pursuing his doctoral studies in composition at the University "Saints Cyril and Methodius" in Skopje, under the direction of composer prof. Darija Andovska. His works have been performed by various orchestras, choirs and chamber ensembles in Kosovo, Albania, Macedonia, Croatia, the USA, etc. He has won awards at various festivals, but the highest are those from important institutions such as the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports in Kosovo. Januzi has also actively participated in master classes with renowned composers and has also composed music for theatrical performances. He demonstrates his knowledge not only in artistic creativity, but also in leading initiatives that promote art and culture in Kosovo. Meanwhile, he is currently engaged as a Professor at the University of Pristina, where he lectures on the subject of Analysis of Musical Works, and at the "Haxhi Zeka" University in Peja in the subjects of Basics of Orchestration and Arrangement.
Ersan Januzi
Drejtor i Festivalit/Kompozitor
Laura Kajtazi
Laura Kajtazi, born in Gjilan, where she completed her piano music school and completed her studies at the Faculty of Arts at the University of Prishtina “Hasan Prishtina”, majoring in Piano Interpretation. Kajtazi has participated in important concerts and festivals in Kosovo, including MusicaUP, Chopin Piano Fest, Gjilan Theater, the Young Composers’ Concert in Prishtina, etc. As a pianist and accompanist, she has collaborated with various ensembles and choirs in the country and abroad. In addition to performing, she also shows her skills in cultural organizations, where she is currently the Artistic Director of the Kosovar Composers’ Festival and has the role of Coordinator at the El Maestro Youth Festival. With five years of experience as a piano teacher, Kajtazi has contributed to the artistic development of many students. Currently, she acts as the Academic Director of the “Misbah & Friends” art and ballet school in Prishtina.
Laura Kajtazi
Drejtoreshë ArtistikeVIRTUOSO ORGANIZATION
"Virtuoso" is an organization dedicated to the advancement of art and culture, building bridges between cultural heritage and contemporary creativity. With a holistic approach and unwavering commitment to quality, 'Virtuoso' creates opportunities for creative synergy between artists and the community, bringing inspiring experiences to all generations.
Virtuoso's mission is to promote art in its most diverse formats, from stage performances to collaborative projects, with the aim of raising awareness and public involvement. Culture and art are essential to our collective identity, and Virtuoso is committed to making this reality accessible to every individual and artist.