Georgian teenage pianists set for Ljubljana fest concert

A Slovenian classical arts festival will host young Georgian pianists Ekaterine Nikoladze and Ilia Lomtatidze in its international program of "young virtuosi" in capital Ljubljana this week.

Held by Festival Ljubljana, the International Music Cycle Young Virtuosi runs over five months following the conclusion of the festival itself, inviting youth performing talent who have claimed "enviable results at various important music competitions".

On Thursday, 13-year old Nikoladze and 14-year old Lomtatidze will step up on the event stage to perform a host of classical works, including compositions by Franz Liszt, Sergei Rachmaninoff and Michel Sogny.

The Young Virtuosi program follows the Festival Ljubljana itself and is run from Autumn to Spring. Photo: Festival Ljubljana.

Their concerts will be held at Knight's Hall of the Krizanke complex, dating back to the 18th century and hosting the "most talented soloists and chamber ensembles" invited for the program.

Born in western Georgian city Kutaisi, Nikoladze claimed prizes at national competitions and appeared at last year's Batumi Music Fest, led by artistic director and famed pianist Elisso Bolkvadze.

The young talent took home a special award of the festival, while her performance also caught the eye of Bolkvadze, which led to Nikoladze's invitation to the Slovenian musical event.

The Thursday program will also feature Lomtatidze, an award-winning artist praised by Ljubljana festival organisers as "one of the most successful proteges" of the SOS Talents Foundation run by celebrated composer and piano teacher Sogny.

Lomtatidze has been honoured with the First Prize of the Astana Piano Passion in Kazakhstan and performed at venues including the Astana Opera House and the United Nations Office in Geneva.

The appearance of the two Georgian pianists in Ljubljana will take place within the 25th edition of Young Virtuosi.