Cellomania is the movement conceived and created 1991 by Valter Dešpalj, former violoncellist and soloist, and current conductor and professor. Since then, these violoncellists have had numerous concerts around Europe, and the Festival’s audience had the opportunity to enjoy their sound in 2000, 2003 and 2005.
Ensemble members are previous and current V. Dešpalj’s students, and award winners of respectable international music competitions.
Giovanni Sollima, recognized Italian violoncellist, is known for his unique fusions of the classical music and rock and jazz music, interpreted by many renowned soloists and orchestras. Sollima performed at the prestigious stages of European cities, as well as Japan, USA and Canada. Aquilarco is considered to be the highlight of his abundant discography.
Exquisitly talented and educated, Croatian violoncellist Monika Leskovar has won the International award Čajkovski in Japan at the age of 14! Leskovar cooperated with eminent musicians, among which are Moscow Philharmonic Orchestra and conductors Valerije Gergijev, Krzysztof Penderecki and others.
This season Festival's audience enjoyed compositions of Johann Sebastian Bach, Franz Schubert, David  Popper, Igor  Kuljerić, Giovanni Sollima and Alfredo Piatti.