Launch Concert: “Venice in Kotor”
This year, Kotor introduces its very own early music festival, “Lift the Gates.” The festivities begin with a free concert titled “Venice in Kotor” on Tuesday, April 30, at 8 p.m. in the Cathedral of St. Tripun. This event is co-produced by the Diocese of Kotor and the KotorArt International Festival.
Featured Artists
The concert will spotlight performances by three acclaimed international artists:
- Iana Djakova, mezzo-soprano
- Marina Bjelova, theorbo player
- Ivan Velikanov, cornet and organ player
They will perform a varied repertoire by Venetian composers from the 16th to the 18th centuries, including works by Monteverdi, Legrencio, Picini, Gabriel, Šic, Vivaldi, and other notable composers.
Artist Biographies
Iana Djakova is a distinguished mezzo-soprano known for her deep, expressive voice and her interpretations of Baroque music.
Marina Bjelova specializes in the theorbo, a large lute-like instrument, and is celebrated for her skill and nuanced performances in early music circles.
Ivan Velikanov excels in playing both the cornet and the organ, offering audiences a rare blend of brass and keyboard mastery that brings historical music to life.
Festival Highlights and Objectives
Montenegro has been without a dedicated early music event, so “Lift the Gates” aims to fill this gap by reviving and promoting music from the Middle Ages to the early Baroque period, with a particular focus on sacred music. The festival will also explore Kotor’s historical musical contributions and its cultural links with the rest of Europe.
The first edition of the “Lift the Gates” festival is scheduled for October and promises to deliver a unique artistic experience to both the local community and international guests.
