Pianist Ibrahimi confirmed as special performer in Spain

There are no borders for her. Melisa Ibrahimi's journey transcends them and is entering the territory of cultural diplomacy. The "Award of Supreme Excellence" and the title of Artistic Ambassador of Kosovo in Spain from the prestigious "World Piano Association Spain" is one of those cultural recognitions for Kosovo from a country that politically does not recognize the newest state in Europe.

Classical music is the universal language of pianist Melisa Ibrahimi, who has stepped on big stages and received dozens of awards in prestigious competitions that prove her talent. There are no borders for her. Her journey transcends them and is entering the territory of cultural diplomacy. The “Award of Supreme Excellence” and the title of Artistic Ambassador of Kosovo in Spain from the prestigious “World Piano Association Spain” is one of those cultural recognitions for Kosovo from a country that politically does not recognize the newest state in Europe.

With a series of international awards and successful performances on European stages, Ibrahimi is building an artistic identity that represents not only her talent, but also the country's musical tradition.

Recently, she was honored with the prestigious title "Award of Supreme Excellence" by the World Piano Association in Spain, an institution that operates globally and organizes international competitions with high artistic standards.

The award is given within the framework of the annual editions of this Association, where in addition to the competition with several rigorous rounds, the organizers select prominent artists to honor them with special titles, as an appreciation for their contribution and success on the international scene, as the institution writes.

But beyond the award, the dimension of this recognition becomes even more significant with the fact that Ibrahimi has also been declared “Artistic Ambassador of Kosovo in Spain”. It is a title that creates bridges of cultural communication between the two countries, regardless of political relations. The award was presented to her by Piero Pisani, honorary president of the World Association of Piano Teachers.

On April 14, in the prestigious environment of the college "Universidad Alfonso X el Sabio", the gala concert of the International Piano Competition "WPTA Spain 2025" took place, in which Ibrahimi  was honored with the Supreme Excellence Award "Artistic Ambassador of Kosovo - Spain", a moment of high artistic value that crowns her international pianistic excellence.

For Ibrahim, among the awards he has repeatedly won, this latest one is special for the fact that he won in a country that does not recognize its country.

"For me, this award is extremely important and very special. I have been fortunate to win various awards during my journey, but each award has its own weight and history. This award has an even greater meaning, it is an appreciation of the representation I have made to Kosovo and Spain in Europe. The fact that I have been declared the exclusive winner of this title makes it even more special for me," she said in a response to KOHĖN.

It has been expressed that he sees this achievement as an opportunity to open new avenues of cooperation between Kosovo and Spain in the field of art and culture.

"To be honest, I have always worked with a very clear goal: that through my activity here in Spain, I promote Kosovo in the most dignified way, even if sometimes this may seem like a big dream, I strongly believe that through art and culture I can influence the rapprochement of countries and the path towards a step towards Spain recognizing Kosovo as an independent and democratic state! This is my effort!", said the pianist from Mitrovica in a written response.

Her journey to this competition is not accidental. Last year she was the winner of the competition. She herself explained the process and the importance of this edition.

"The event was organized by the 'World International Piano Association Spain', which operates at a global level and organizes competitions with very high artistic standards. I was the winner of this competition last year, in a competitive process with several rounds, where each phase requires a maximum level of preparation and interpretation," said Ibrahimi, also indicating the peculiarities of this competition.

"But what makes this moment even more special for me is the fact that this competition honors successful artists with titles every year! After a very intense period of concerts and success on European stages, proudly representing Kosovo in Spain, the organizers decided that for 2026 I will be the winner of this award!", she said.

He emphasized that the international competition had participants from different countries around the world and that the competition there is always stronger.

In her repertoire, she always chooses challenging works. This time with those of the piano genius, Frédéric Chopin, a choice that speaks of her sensitivity and artistic depth.

"At the gala evening, before receiving the award, I was exclusively presented with works by Frédéric Chopin, a composer who has a very deep artistic and emotional meaning for me. The choice was completely mine. As for the award, it is not only related to this single performance at the gala. It is an appreciation that comes as a result of all my artistic activity, concerts, competitions and engagements on European stages, as well as representing Kosovo and Spain," Ibrahimi said.

Her talent has been praised by critics, although she says that the biggest criticism of her is the one she gives herself, pushing her to work even harder.

"As always, for me, criticism is a very important part of artistic growth. I am constantly building a very strong critical sense of myself, which helps me develop and reach ever higher levels. As for the evaluations I have received, they have been extremely positive and very encouraging. Top-level piano professors and important figures in music have appreciated my talent, interpretation, artistic sensitivity and my dominance on stage," said the pianist, who started playing music early, when at the age of 9 she began her first piano lessons at the "Tefta Tashko" music school in Mitrovica.

In this direction, he perfected his piano skills by studying at the Faculty of Arts in the class of Professor Alberta Troni. Her successes started from her first stage appearances, starting from national to international competitions. In 2018 and 2019, Ibrahimi is the winner of the first prizes in the "Ars Kosova Music Competition" and "Special Prize Masterclass Ana Capri" in Italy.

In Belgrade, he won second prize in the “International Piano Competition”. In 2020, in August, he also participated in the “Clavis” festival, which was organized by Russia and Germany in Bavaria, Germany. He performed virtually, where he also won two prizes for participation, which, among the pianists, only twenty international pianists who would also participate in the “International Piano Competition Costa-Festa 2021”, which was held in Torrevieja, Spain, had won. From there, he was also selected to participate in the concert and master class as part of the “Bavaria Festival 2021” in Fussen, Germany.

Not long after, two months later, she triumphed at the “Grand Prize Virtuoso 2020” in Bonn, Germany in the “Senior” category. In December 2020, she was also the first place winner at the “International Music Competition Moscow”. She had triumphed, leaving behind competitors from all over the world. She had also started 2021 with success. She had been preceded by the victory at the “Grand Prize Virtuoso London 2021”, where she had performed at the “Royal Albert Hall” – one of the most prestigious halls in the world. She was also awarded first place at the “International Music Competition Moscow”, in Russia. She has also been awarded prizes at “The Nordic Piano Competition – Northen Lights” in Sweden, at the “International Moscow Music Symphony Competition”, “Chopin Piano Fest Special Prize”, in Pristina, the “International Music Fantasy Competition” organized by UNESCO and many others.

And her experience in Spain, beyond artistic success, also takes on a human and cultural dimension.

"To be honest, I feel at home in Spain. Despite the fact that Spain has not yet recognized Kosovo, I have personally always felt a very sincere welcome. The public and the artistic community have appreciated me immensely! In every concert, in addition to my performance, I also carry with me a part of Kosovo, something that I feel deeply and that I try to convey through music and communication with the public," said pianist Melisa Ibrahimi.

According to her, art has the power to offer places and people.

"In my own way, through my music and activities, I am trying to build bridges between Kosovo and Spain, and so far it is going well! In fact, I think we have never been closer to creating a stronger cultural connection between Spain and Kosovo. There is a will, there is an interest to further develop this connection, of course to take this further, institutional support is also needed, and I hope this happens," she said.

As her career continues to climb on a steady international trajectory, she remains on the move.

"Yes, I am currently in a very dynamic phase of my artistic career. I am preparing for several international concerts and will soon perform in places I have never been before, which for me is a very important and exciting step. These invitations are a very natural continuation of my work and dedication, and of course every successful performance opens new doors for future projects and collaborations," she said in the end.

With dignity, elegance and vision on stage, Melisa Ibrahimi is making the narrative of Kosovo heard, felt and respected, through the piano keyboard.