Umag(o) Classica: Katja Markotić & Alejandro Cordova

Katja Markotić, mezzo-soprano, completed her studies in solo singing and Lied interpretation at the Hochschule für Musik und darstellende Kunst in Graz, and subsequently refined her skills in Vienna. As a concert singer, she successfully interprets a wide range of styles, from Baroque to contemporary music. A special place in her vocal artistry is dedicated to the persistent effort to revive lesser-known and neglected Croatian vocal heritage. Katja Markotić is also frequently present on international stages and achieved notable success at the XXX "Cervantino" International Festival in Mexico, with a final performance at the Palacio de Bellas Artes (Mexico City). She lives and works as a freelance artist in Zagreb and is the artistic director of the Rovinj Summer Festival.

Alejandro Córdova is one of the most important young Mexican representatives of classical guitar at both national and international levels. Born in Córdoba (Mexico) in 1986, he began studying guitar as a student of Professor Jesus Peña and continued his guitar studies at the "Facultad de Musica de la Universidad Veracruzana" under renowned professors such as Consuelo Bolio, Massimo Gatta, and Alfredo Sanchez. He further refined his skills in Pordenone and earned his master's degree at the "Jacopo Tomadini" Conservatory in Udine, under the guidance of Professor Stefano Viola. His talent has been recognized by numerous music critics, and he has given numerous solo concerts in Europe, the United States, and Central America. He has won numerous first prizes in over thirty international guitar competitions.