Serbian Artists in UK
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Born in Belgrade, Serbia Education: The Purcell School of Music (London, 1992-1999) The Royal Academy of Music (London, 1999-2003 - BMus) The Royal Academy of Music (London, 2003-2005 - MMus) Viktor Bijelovic has already accumulated considerable experience on the concert platform both as a solo pianist as well as a chamber musician, with concerts in Germany, Greece, Italy, France, Malaysia, Yugoslavia and well as Britain, and making several TV and radio appearances. Viktor is a First Prize Winner of several prestigious international competitions: Milosz Magin Piano Competition in Paris (1990), Young Pianists Piano Competition in Stressa (1991), Piano Festival in Novi Sad (1991), Piano Competition in Senta (1992), Piano Duo Competition of Serbia (1992), Harold Craxton Prize RAM (2004). He has performed in many important venues, including Sadler's Wells with The Pina Bausch Wuppertal Tanztheater; The Salle Gaveau Concert Hall in Paris, The Kolarac Concert Hall in Belgrade, as well as being invited to perform at The Buckingham Palace - to mark the occasion of Prince Charles's 50th Birthday Celebration. As well as performing regularly in London, the South of England and Belgrade, Viktor is also a keen piano teacher and a dedicated chamber-musician. In 2002, he became the founder of the prize-winning Bijelovic Trio, consisting of piano, clarinet and cello, now under new management, and with future concerts planned in both the UK and abroad. Contact: www.viktorbijelovic.com, vbijelovic@yahoo.com |
Stefan Ciric was born in 1986 in Belgrade, Yugoslavia. After commencing his piano studies at the age of 6, remarkable early progress led to success in several national and international competitions (Italy, France). As well as concerts and television appearances in Yugoslavia, he has already toured as soloist outside of his country, notably in Amsterdam, Utrecht and London. His orchestral engagements include concerts with the Stanislav Bini?ki Symphony, Belgrade Philharmonic Orchestra and London Soloists Chamber Orchestra. Stefan studied at the Mokranjac High School of Music with Bozena Griner, and subsequently with Mirjana Suica-Babic at the Music Faculty of the University of Arts in Belgrade, having held scholarships of the Yugoslav State Foundation. Since 2001, Stefan Ciric has consulted privately with Sulamita Aronovsky in London, continued at the Purcell School and in 2004 was offered a scholarship to study with her at the Royal Academy of Music in London. In 2003, Stefan won top prize and audience prize in the Cant� International Piano & Orchestra Competition, Italy. His performances in Sala Verdi, Milan and the South Bank, London were received to great critical acclaim and he returned to Italy for a recital tour in 2004 which brought further enthusiastic response. Recent concerts include Mozart Concerto K.488 at St. Martin-in-the-Fields, London which prompted glowing reviews, recitals at Hurstwood Music Series and a return recital at Kolarac Concert Hall in Belgrade. |
Born in Kanjiza, Serbia Education: MMus Degree in Performance Studies from Trinity College of Music, London Postgraduate Advanced Diploma in Singing from Trinity, with Distinction Postgraduate Certificate in Singing from Trinity Diploma in Singing from Trinity Degree in Music from the Faculty of Music, University of Arts, Belgrade Gordana has appeared on Yugoslav National TV and radio and won First Prize in the Orpheus Laureates Solo Singing Competition. In UK she has sung in venues and festivals such as The Royal Festival Hall, Fairfield Hall, St John’s Smith Sq, St Martins- in- the Field and Brighton Festival. Gordana has also performed with Philharmonia Youth Orchestra and conductors James Gaddarn, Andrea Quinn, and Philip Ledger. She has been interviewed by Radio Free Europe regarding her own recital with philosophical and challenging context “The War Through the Centuries”. Her opera roles include Poppea, Despina, Belinda, Micaela, Nero, Kate Pinkerton etc. She has toured recently the USA with Columbia Artist Management’s Production of Puccini’s Madam Butterfly. Alongside her operatic career, Gordana Kostic also has extensive Lieder and Oratorio repertoire and her concert appearances include several visits to Spain, Israel, USA and Hungary. Recently she has performed with Julius Drake in Serbia & Montenegro. Her future engagements will include the concert in Hampton Court House, St John’s Smith Sq, Serbia and Montenegro and opera excerpts with Thurrock Choral Society. Contact: gocakos@yahoo.com |
Born in Belgrade, Serbia Education: BMus at Academy of Music in Belgrade with highest distinction Postgraduate Course at the Royal Academy of Music in London with Paul Lewis and Colin Stone Prize-winner of many awards, Mina received a special bursary from the Serbian Ministry of Science, ‘Mokranjac Prize’ for outstanding achievement, Newby Trust Educational Grant, Craxton Memorial Trust Award, Sir Richard Stapeley Educational Trust Award… Mina established her career regularly appearing in recital, as a chamber musician and concerto soloist at musical venues and festivals throughout Europe. She performed at the 30th Belgrade Music Festival (BEMUS) - ex-Yugoslavia’s most prestigious festival, recorded for Serbian National Radio and TV (RTS) and has given many RTS live broadcasts. Her international engagements have included concerts in Bulgaria, France, Norway, Portugal, Spain, UK, ex-Yugoslavia. Mina is also an experienced chamber musician with a particular interest in working with string players. She regularly performs with Miletic Piano Quartet and SW7 Chamber Group. She is currently preparing her PhD thesis on ‘Interpretation of impressionistic music for piano’. Mina is also the Secretary of the Beethoven Piano Society of Europe. ‘Memorable performance of Debussy and Scarlatti’, Piano Magazine ‘Mature playing – good style, good sound, good musician’, Alberto Portugheis ‘Mina’s playing has visionary quality that can be quite enthralling’, Christopher Elton Contact: www.minamiletic.co.uk, minamiletic@hotmail.com |
Born in Kragujevac, Serbia in 1984 Education: Kragujevac Music High School Royal Academy of Music in 2002 with Owen Murray Milos is a First Prizewinner of International Competitions in Germany, France, Italy and Denmark, second Prizewinner of the Arrasate International Competition in Spain, widely regarded as the most prestigious competition in the accordion calendar. Milos gave recitals in Serbia, Russia, Slovenia, UK. He played at the Royal Academy of Music Magnus Lindberg Profile concert in Canterbury, Royal Academy of Music / London University Senate House concert series and made his London debut in the Park Lane Concert series in the Royal Festival Hall Purcell Room when he has commissioned new piece by Anthony Gilbert called "Rose Luisante". Milos was a finalist at the Friends of the Royal Academy of Music Wigmore Award 2004. He gave an interview and live performance on Radio BBC 3, programme "In Tune", as Sean Rafferty's guest. Recent performances include Berio Festival in London 2004, Oxford Chamber Music Festival 2004, recital in International Cheltenham Festival of Music, Nomus and Belef Festivals in Serbia same year. Concert at the University of London - Foundation Day, an award ceremony attended by HRH The Princess Royal, recital at the Wigmore Hall with Royal String Quartet in June and concert at the Grad Teatar Festival in Montenegro in August 2005. ..."already a virtuoso" David Murray, The Financial Times; ..."a hurricane of imaginative invention" Hilary Finch, The Times; ..."Mr Milivojevic's mastery�rapturous ovation" Geoffrey Smith, Country Life Contact: milosmusic@hotmail.com |
Born in Belgrade, Serbia Education: Master Degree of Music Academy in Belgrade PG Certificate of London College of Music Maya performed throughout former Yugoslavia, Italy, Cyprus, France and England. She appeared at Belgrade Summer Festival “BELEF”, Summer Festival “Beethoven Meets the Hispanic World”, “Abbey Fest” – Merton Abbey Mills in London . Maya is a Prizewinner of four National Prizes, International Piano Competition in Udine (Italy), “Holmes” and Postgraduate Prizes at London College of Music, Gwyneth George Violin and Piano Beethoven Competition, in London. She recorded for various Radio and TV Programmes and released CD (Piano Duet ‘BG GB’). Maya’s performing career has extended through her interest in bringing music and artists of different countries together. She is acting as Co-Founder of “Sounds of the Balkans”, a series of concert presenting music from South-Eastern Europe, with ultimate goal to make bridges between east and west and encourage artists of different origins to work together. Since launching concert in 1998, kindly hosted by Yugoslav Embassy in London, various events have been presented, including Charity Concert “Children for Children”, “Sounds from South-Eastern and Central Europe” in Swiss Embassy in London. Maya has been regularly invited to join numerous events as Artistic Director. Maya is a Committee member of The Serbian Council of Great Britain and The Beethoven Piano Society of Europe. Contact: maya@arthome.freeserve.co.uk |
Born in 1983 in Kragujevac, Serbia Education: Miloje Milojevic School of Music, Serbia with Vesna Djurdjevic, Radomir Tomic and Radenka Ristic The National Conservatory of Music in Marseilles with Professor Zan-Mark Fabiano The Royal Academy of Music from 2004 with Professor Owen Murray Zivorad has been offered the place at the Miloje Milojevic School of Music to study a classical accordion at the age of six. Although the school usually accepts students from the age of nine, he has been acclaimed as the most promising student even at the early age. Zivorad entered many national and international competitions in Italy, France and Germany where he was awarded top honours. He also has worked with acclaimed accordionists such as Elzbet Mozer, Jacque Morne and Matti Rantanen. In 2002 as first year student in Marseilles, Zivorad received 'd'unanimite' - a superior level award and was invited to play at a concert in the Napoleon Palace in Marseilles. He also won a top prize in the 'Gala Trophy of Reine Quilici' which was followed by a special charity concert at the Theatre De la Criee. Zivorad is recognized as one of the Academy's leading classical accordionist. Contact: www.zigduo.com |
Born in Vrsac, Yugoslavia Education: Teaching and performing course from Bratislava State Conservatoire Postgraduate Diploma in Performance and Licentiate Trinity College London Fellowship Trinity College London since July 2002 Although classically trained Viktor has been actively engaged in jazz, improvisation and world music scene. He recently went to Barbados where he played Russian music and has established contact with the Barbados Youth Orchestra. Viktor has performed in this country at Dartington, Glastonbury, Big Green Gathering, Brighton Komedia, Royal Albert Hall, Wigmore Hall, Queen Elisabeth Hall and Royal Festival HAll etc. He also teaches music and holds regular jazz workshops in the UK and has started an educational project in his native homeland. Contact: obsust@yahoo.co.uk |
Born in Valjevo, Serbia Education: Ivana Petrak Vujic studied theory of music and violin at Music Academy in Bratislava. She has already gained considerable experience in the field of organizing cultural and art events such as concerts, exhibitions, film festivals and book promotions. For the last several years she has worked at the Embassy of Serbia in Slovak Republic where she has prepared various cultural events to promote Serbian culture. During that time she has had the opportunity to co-operate with famous Serbian artists as: Sava Stojkov, Toma Suhecki, Vasil Hadzimanov Band, Yugoslav Drama Theatre. Ivana has been responsible for raising money for a number of charitable causes organised by the Embassy of Serbia alone and in collaboration with other organizations. After having moved to London Ivana became involved in several projects promoting South-Eastern European culture in aim to cultivate the connections between East and West and also Ivana has encouraged artists of different ethnic background to perform successfully together. |
Born in Kiev, Ukraine (ex-Soviet Union) Education: Moscow Conservatoire with Prof. P.V. Messner. Post graduate studies at Music Academy in Belgrade with Prof. I. Lasko Master Degree in Music (Performance Studies) at City University in London with James Gibb. Marina launched her solo piano career at the very early age. As a child prodigy she made her debut at the age of eight at the major concert hall in Belgrade followed by her first appearance on the National Television and Radio. Since then she was winning on many competitions and festivals for young musicians on the national level consecutively for 9 years that led to many tours and performances across Yugoslavia. After winning the Yugoslavian National Competition for Young Pianist in 1978 as a result she was given a state scholarship to the Moscow Conservatoire in USSR where she was educated further. Aftter graduation having moved back to Belgrade she became involved in different musical projects including chamber music, orchestral concerts, working with opera singers and promoting contemporary music. Having moved to London in 1989 she continued teaching and piano performance career playing across the UK and Europe. Marina established herself as an organizer and promoter of many musical events helping young artists to further their careers. Furthermore, she also joined the International Society for the Study of Tension in Performance (ISSTIP) closely working with Professor Carola Grindea. Marina was also a founder of New European Music & Arts Movement (NEMAM) with an aim to promote the alliance of various form of arts.Her remarkable work has been widely noticed both internationally and in the British press including The Times. Contact: marina@pstoykovich.fsnet.co.uk |
Born in Belgrade, Serbia Education: Graduated at Faculty of Filology, Belgrade and painting at Belgrade Faculty of Fine Arts Camden Arts Centre and Cambellwell School of Arts, London. Dragana Mikovic, a winner of many awards for paintings, has been exhibiting at various group exhibitions, had three one-woman shows in former Yugoslavia and is a member of a few art-colonies. Since moving to London she had eight exhibitions. Dragana has been also involved in charity work to include Princess Katherine's Charity 'Children Victims of War in Yugoslavia' and has donated her paintings for Serbian Ortodox Church in London. |
Nicholas Cobic was born in Belgrade (Serbia) in 1975. He now lives in London where he writes poetry and essays. He works for the Serbian radio station RTS Belgrade 1 as the cultural correspondent, as well as being a regular writer for a number of magazines and periodicals. He has won two prestigious prizes for poetry in his native Serbia, including the Best Young Poet. The works of Nicholas Cobic have been published in many magazines and anthologies, and aired on many UK radio programmes. Nicholas Cobic writes exclusively in the Serbian language, but translates his work into English. |
Born in Belgrade, Serbia Education: Berklee College of Music in Boston, U.S.A. Rastko first started to play the trumpet and later classical percussion. As he was growing up the range of music played in the family home was great: everything from classical and jazz to rock and punk to traditional Armenian and Serbian folk song. Perhaps it is no surprise then that when he started playing drums and percussion he did not confine himself to one particular style. In 1993 he moves to Boston, U.S.A. and it was during his stay there that he started collaborating with such diverse artists as Vardan Ovsepian, afro-pop group Lovewhip, the avant-garde Balvanyos Ensemble, the Ethiopian reggae band Mebreq and the Romanian pan-flute virtuoso Damian. Rastko has been living in London since 2000 performing with various jazz groups and working on pop and world music projects including the pan- Balkan Mukka, the brass band Balkanatics and currently, the hotly tipped Polly Paulusma. Contact: rastko@fairadsl.co.uk |
Born in 1985 in Belgrade, Serbia Education: "Kornelije Stankovic" Music School in Belgrade Royal College of Music, London with Nelly Akopian-Tamarina Masterclasses with Peter Feuchtwanger. Milena Veselinovic has started piano lessons at the age of five. She gave her first concert at the age of seven and has been performing regularly ever since. Her concert engagements have taken her across Europe, specially mentioning highly critically acclaimed performances in France, Italy, Germany and England, and her American debut is scheduled for July 2006 (Boston). Milena won prizes in many competitions of which the highlights include second prize in the Nikolai Rubinstein Competition in Paris, which she won despite of being the youngest contestant and first prize with maximum points and absolute winner of the Chopin Festival in Belgrade which gave her the opportunity to perform in the most prestigious music hall in Belgrade, Kolarac. Milena has given concerts widely around Belgrade, performing many times in the Atrium of the National Museum, Ethnographic Museum, at the Eric Satie Festival in the Student Cultural Centre and a special performance for HRH Princess Jelisaveta Karadjordjevic at the former residence of Princess Ljubica. Recent performances in London include concerts at St. Peter's, Vere Street, Lee Abbey Music Hall in Kensington, the Church of St. Dunstan and a concerto debut with the Thames Philharmonia. In November Milena will play in a gala concert in the world famous Bolshoi Hall in Moscow and she will also give a performance at the legendary Tchaikovsky Central School of Music. Contact: mimives@yahoo.com |
Born in Belgrade, Serbia Education: Belgrade Music Academy with Aleksandra Ivanovic and with Gordana Jevtovic Course for opera singers at the National Theatre in Belgrade Postgraduate Studies at Trinity College of Music with Wendy Eathorne Silva has toured throughout Europe with Die Münchener Operabühne, and with Trinity College of Music she sang Berlioz’ Les Nuits d’Été and worked with Jorma Panula as the soloist in Sibelius’ Kullervo Symphony. More recent engagements have included a solo recital at St. Martin in the Fields and solo soprano in Mozart’s Requiem Mass and Haydn’s Pauken Messe. Silva is also a soloist with the Victorian and Edwardian group The Bold Balladiers. Contact: silva.mcqueen@btinternet.com |
Born in Novi Sad, Yugoslavia, and entirely self-taught. Branco began playing guitar at the age of 15 and soon found a love of jazz and Brazilian music, influenced by Joe Pass, Charlie Parker and Antonio Carlos Jobim. He has been composing since he was 18, inspired by the Sun, Jazz, Traditional Folk music of Yugoslavia, Brazilian and classical music. Branco recorded for radio and TV Novi Sad, appeared at number of jazz venues, festivals such as "The Days of Jazz in Novi Sad" and broadcast on TV. As an avid reader of the Sherlock Holmes series, he began to hanker after a different life and wider musical opportunities. In the early nineties he set off to England with little more than his guitar and has since become a fixture on the UK music scene, actively composing and performing solo, in duos and with his NEW trio featuring Leslee Booth on 6 string contra bass and a percussionist. The trio has performed at Arts Centres, - the National Theatre, the Royal Festival Hall, the Barbican Arts Centre foyers; Festivals - London Jazz and Jazz on the Streets, Birmingham International, International Guitar Festival of GB, Wirral, Bath International Guitar Festival, Ards International Guitar Festival of Co Down; clubs - Pizza Express Jazz Club and The Landmark Hotel - London, The Stables Theatre Milton Keynes, Cambridge Modern Jazz Club. Branco appeared on Sky TV "Arts World", BBC Radio 3's "In Tune" programme and is regularly featured and a favourite on Sarah Ward's show on Jazz FM/Smooth FM. Branco is also a qualified guitar teacher at Goldsmiths College, London. Four critically acclaimed albums released on Sun Recordings label. Contact: www.brancostoysin.co.uk |
Born in Topola, Serbia Education: Acting at Belgrade University for Film, TV and Theatre; Postgraduate studies at Ecole de Mime Corpor Dramatique in London Vesna has worked professionally in the most of the Belgrade theatres, in Feature films and on TV. At present Vesna is based in London where she continues her professional career in UK and abroad with the main focus on incorporating physical theatre training with the traditional Stanislavski technique. Contact: vstanojevic@yahoo.com |
Born in 1975 in Belgrade, Serbia Studied classical ballet for 15 years, from the age of 10. Worked as a professional ballet, jazz and contemporary dancer in France, Yugoslavia and the UK. Since 1999 has been working in London as an actress. Fluent in English, French and Serbian languages. |
Born in 1977 in Münster, Germany Tomovic studied acting at the prestigious Lee Strasberg Theatre Institute in New York City and was first seen on the screen in the lead role of the film Remote Control, produced by the American Film Institute which was among the finalists for a Student Academy Award in 2002. He currently lives in London. |
