From August 11 to 17, 2025, Ventspils Music Secondary School and Concert Hall “Latvija” will host an international masterclass for young pianists – Ventspils Piano 2025.
It will bring together talented young musicians from Latvia, France and China. The festival is organized by the Arts Education Competence Center “Ventspils Music High School” in cooperation with the French organization Concerto Grosso. The master classes create an environment where young pianists and experienced teachers from different countries can share knowledge, learn from each other and make new creative contacts.
On the source of inspiration – Teofilis Biķi
The ideological basis of the masterclasses is based on the legacy of the prominent Latvian piano teacher Teofils Biķis (1952–2000). He was the head of the Piano Department of the Jāzeps Vītols Latvian Academy of Music and left a lasting impact on the development of piano playing in Latvia. His students now teach and perform both in Latvia and elsewhere in the world – especially in France and China.
Ventspils Piano 2025 continues this path, showing that the Latvian piano school still inspires and develops on an international scale – all master class teachers are former students of Professor Biķis.
Masterclasses are led by excellent educators
Four experienced pianists and educators will lead lessons for young musicians:
Juris Žvikovs – Associate Professor at the Latvian Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts, a well-known pianist and teacher.
Endijs Renemanis – teacher at Ventspils Music Secondary School, professional doctor in piano playing.
Xu Ning – former student of Teofilas Biķis, visiting professor at the Beijing University of Music.
Antoine Bouvy – pianist and piano teacher from France.
Concerts for all interested parties
During the festival, several free concerts will be held, featuring both master class participants and guest artists:
August 13, 6:00 p.m., Concert Hall “Latvija” – participants’ concert, featuring the French Orchestra of Young Talents (OFJT – Orchestre Français des Jeunes Talents), conductor Antonin Rey.
August 14, 4:00 PM, Pārventa Library – concert by participants.
August 16, 6:00 PM, Concert Hall “Latvija” – participant concert.
August 17, 6:00 PM, Concert Hall “Latvija” – closing concert, featuring the chamber orchestra, conductor Atvars Lakstīgala.
Ventspils as a music center
The Ventspils Piano 2025 festival strengthens Ventspils’ reputation as a city of music and creativity. It also confirms the role of Ventspils Music High School in the development of young talents and shows that the Latvian piano tradition is alive, relevant and respected in the world.
