Mayra Hess's student, Stephen Kovacevich gained worldwide recognition with his intensive and energetic concert performances and his remarkable and extensive discography. His recordings of Beethoven’s Sonatas critics mark as of the best interpretations of highest quality, just as performances of A. Brendel, E. Giljels and M. Pollini. “In the time when the interpretations of Beethoven have become standardized, Kovacevich nurtures free spirit, giving the deeply intimate personal vision”, Boston Globe published. Adored by the Festival’s audience and himself being in love with the City of Dubrovnik, Kovacevich will give master class for the piano students on August 1. On this way the Dubrovnik Summer Festival continues with the educational program for young talented artists. Johannes Klumpp is conductor and music director of Gelsenkirchen Opera.  Multiple awards winner, Klumpp is one of the most talented members of the young generation of German conductors.
At the Evening Dedicated to Ludwig van Beethoven at the Rector’s Palace, artists performed Overture to Egmont, composed for the premiere of the Goethe’s play Egmont, Piano Concerto No. 4 in G major and Symphony No. 2 in D major, for which Berlioz said: “All about this Symphony is noble, energetic and sublime”. Commenting its final part, Berlioz was short: “The finale is simply the work of a – genius.”