The project was initiated by the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Pristina and carried out together with several local as well as international partner institutions (German and Austrian embassies, EU Office, UNDP Mission to Kosovo, Ministry of Culture, Prishtina Municipality etc.), under the auspices of the EU Special representative Samuel Žbogar. The implementing partner on the Kosovar side was the ArsKosova Foundation.

Within the academy, master classes led by the following professors were held: Jaromír Klepáč (Czech Republic, piano), Michal Kaňka (Czech Republic, cello), Oto Vrhovnik (Austria, saxophone), Detlef Mielke (Austria, cello), Caroline Merz (Germany, singing),  Desar Sueljmani (Germany, piano), Sihana Badivuku (Kosovo, violin) and Lejla Pula (Kosovo, piano). In total, 67 students participated in them, mainly from Kosovo, Albania and Macedonia.

The professors of the academy performed at several concerts. On 14^th July, the “Concert for Mitrovica” was organized by the UNDP Mission. After a solo cello concert of Michal Kaňka at the residence of the Czech ambassador on 16^th July, on 17^th July the gala concert of all professors of the academy took place in the Red Hall.

Caroline Merz and Desar Sulejmani

 

Michal Kaňka and Jaromír Klepáč

 

Oto Vrhovnik

 

During the final concert of the best students on 19^th July, the three best performing participants of the academy were awarded by Mr. Žbogar.

 

The first edition of the European Summer Music Academy in Pristina was successful, it attracted considerable public and media attention and the Czech embassy in Pristina will strive to continue with it in the years to come.

 

A video from the European Summer Music Academy in Pristina, prepared by the European Union Office, on YouTube