As Valletta gears up for becoming the European cultural capital in five years’ time, more activities are being held to help raise its profile and expose its rich cultural treasures. The Valletta International Piano Festival is a case in point.

This is a non-profit arts organization and is dedicated to the performance and teaching of classical music to the highest standard. The VIP Festival takes place once a year and invites young, aspiring concert pianists, teachers, amateurs and piano lovers of all ages from all over the world to participate.

Right now this festival, which commenced last Saturday February 2nd, is mid-way through its schedule which ends next Saturday February 9th, with a Grand Finale, featuring German pianist Arkady Zenziper, American pianist Dr. Nikita Fitenko, as well as the best festival participants and guest artistes, Dmitry Ishkanov, Laeticia Amodio, Sona Barseghyan, and Michela Galea.

Another important feature in this festival is the Young Pianist Showcase concert series. These are 30-minute concerts, which precede guest artistes' evening concerts, and feature an array of extraordinarily talented young pianists living and studying in Malta. International artistes featured this year come from Japan, South Korea, China, Russia, Germany, France, Italy and the USA.

On Wednesday February 6th, there will be free concerts at the Excelsior at 12.30pm and at the Ministry of Gozo, Victoria, Gozo. Here, Maltese-Russian pianist Dmirty Ishkanov, Ukrainian Valentin Kisilenko and Armenian Sona Barseghyan will be performing various classics. On Thursday 7th February at 7.00 pm, there will be a free lecture on the Art of Piano Performance, which will be delivered by American tutor Dr. Fitenko. Another free concert takes place on the same day at 7 pm at the Russian Centre for Science and Culture. 

Further information can be obtained through the official website: http://www.vallettapianofest.com/