Keeping with a popular tradition, the Jamestown Concert Association will once again present a winner of the Cleveland International Piano Competition in concert.
Martina Filjak, winner of the 2009 Competition, will perform the music of Chopin, Prokofieff, Soler and others on Friday, Nov. 12, at 8 p.m. in St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 410 N. Main St., Jamestown, N.Y.
Since her debut in native Croatia at the age of 12 with renowned "Zagreb Soloists" playing Mozart concerto KV449, she has developed an extensive repertoire of piano concertos performing regularly in the most prominent concert cycles in her home country as well as with orchestras abroad. Ms. Filjak is considered to be one of those young artists who have successfully made the path from a child prodigy to a mature musician. Her 'magnetic stage presence' and 'charismatic personality' regularly impress audiences and critics with her wide range of repertoire.
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Martina Filjak
The 2005-2006 season brought her more than 50 appearances worldwide where she performed as a soloist with orchestras of the Strasbourg Philharmonic, Croatian Symphony Orchestra, The Morocco Philharmonic, The Belgrade Philharmonic, as well as toured with Zagreb Philharmonic Orchestra and Croatian Chamber Orchestra. In the same season she held recital performances in France, Germany, Italy, Greece and Japan. Her interpretation of Beethoven's op106 in Germany's 'Villa Musica' have earned her standing ovations and rave reviews.
In addition to two prizes that brought her the title of the most successful young Croatian musician, she has also been awarded many top prizes in various international piano competitions.
Martina Filjak was born in Zagreb and raised in a family of pianists. She completed her musical education in the Music Academy of Zagreb and the Vienna Conservatory. In 2001 her studies took her to the Netherlands and Germany. She also took part in master classes (Moscow, Salzburg, New York) and regularly maintains contact with the renowned artists who conducted them. In 2008 Ms. Filjak performed in Music Festivals in Berlin, New York Passau and Dubrovnik. Projects for 2009 included touring Spain and China, performances with Moscow State Symphony, Zagreb Philharmonic and the Torino Philharmonic as well as a debut CD recording.
Locally, Ms. Filjak received rave reviews after her performance with the Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra at the closing concert in this past season.
Tickets for this concert are advance: $18 adult, $15 senior; at the door $20 adult $17 senior. Students are admitted free with a paid adult ticket holder. Tickets may be purchased at the Reg Lenna Box Office, Germaine and Pappalardo Music Shoppe and Chautauqua Music.
For more information, call (716) 484-7070 or at JCA's website: jamestownconcertassociation.com.