Niksic Guitar Festival Celebrates 20 Years with Diverse Concerts

The Niksic Guitar Festival, a prominent cultural event in Montenegro, marked its 20th anniversary with a series of three exceptional concerts in October. The festival, renowned for showcasing a diverse range of musical talent, featured performances from renowned artists that spanned various musical styles and eras.

On October 15, 2023, Croatian pianist Lovro Pogorelic opened the festival with a captivating piano recital. The concert, held in a studio at Television Niksic, was notable for its focus on the works of Robert Schumann. Pogorelic, who is also a professor at the Music Academy in Zagreb and the artistic director of the PagArt Festival, expressed his enthusiasm for performing pieces he had never before presented in a single evening.

Pogorelic explained, “I have always enjoyed performing composer-focused evenings, and it was time for Schumann. His status as one of the greatest piano composers poses significant challenges due to his technical innovations and profound understanding of the instrument.” The concert utilized a piano transported from Podgorica, facilitated by the support of Vitlok, adding a unique touch to the evening.

Two days later, on October 17, 2023, the festival continued with a concert by guitarist Srđan Tosic and harpist Milena Stanisic. This performance was broadcast live and provided a rare musical experience through their innovative guitar and harp duo. The program featured works by contemporary composers including Philip Glass and Vladimir Tosic.

Stanisić noted the uniqueness of their collaboration, stating, “The guitar-harp duo is not standard, which makes the repertoire of original works quite limited and primarily belongs to the 20th and 21st centuries.” She added that their partnership involved exploring the existing repertoire and experimenting with sound, expression, and dynamics. Tosic, who had previously performed in Niksic two decades ago, expressed his fondness for the city and his happiness to return for the festival’s anniversary.

On October 18, 2023, the festival concluded its series of October concerts with a recital from guitarist Goran Krivokapic. His program included pieces by composers such as Isaac Albeniz and Antonio Lauro. Krivokapic, who had participated in the festival’s inaugural edition, reflected on the festival’s growth over the years, stating, “It is a beautiful experience to witness the festival expand and gain recognition, evolving into a true international event.”

The Niksic Guitar Festival will continue its celebrations into November and December, with upcoming events including a concert by Roman Simovic, an international guitar competition, and the Guitar Expo, showcasing instruments from renowned builders. This rich program underscores the festival’s commitment to providing diverse musical experiences and supporting the arts in Montenegro.