
In the next two weeks, at the Ivo Tijardović Concert Hall in the Croatian House Split, we can meet two exceptional pianists, completely dedicated to the piano, who speak to completely different aesthetics. Hila Kulik, which comes from the heart of New York, brings jazz imbued with swing, soul and lyrical improvisations, while Antonio Di Cristofano delights with the most famous and pleasant classical compositions of romanticism, which in the piano canon enjoy the status of golden pieces that are easy to listen to.
November 29th | Hila Kulik trio
Israeli pianist, composer and arranger Hila Kulik performs with his trio, which includes bassist Josh Ginsburg and a drummer Marc-Michel, bringing music from her debut album More Than a Change (2023, MishMash). The album, recorded in New York, brings together modern jazz and the classical tradition of improvisation and has been praised for its freshness, elegance and emotional depth.
At the concert, she will perform songs from the album, including her original compositions and covers of classics such as Wonder's You overjoyed te Wonderful World. The audience can thus expect a wide dynamic range — from gently written melodic lines to energetic, rhythmically vibrant passages. Kulik combines jazz, swing, soul and Latin rhythms, with discreet hints of classical music, the influence of Chopin and the functionality of funk elements. Her performances are characterized by melodicity, dynamics and a refined sense of lyricism, and she leads the audience through music that carries a universal message of freedom and connection between cultures.
December 4 | Antonio Di Cristofano, piano
Italian pianist Antonio Di Cristofano delights with his interpretations of classical masters of Romanticism, and for his Split recital he has chosen a real treat for lovers of piano literature. The program includes Schumann's Arabesque in C major, Brahms' Ballades op. 10, Rachmaninoff's Elegy and Prelude, Liszt's suggestive Obermann Valley, and Chopin's monumental Polonaise-fantasy op. 61.
These are works that enjoy the status of golden compositions in the piano canon – universally beloved, widely accepted and easily listened to, while at the same time allowing the performers to demonstrate the full breadth of artistic expression. Cristofano's performances combine technical precision, melodic line and deep emotional expressiveness, leading the audience through the beauty and intimacy of piano music and moments of pure musical poetry.




