UE composers from Serbia

The works of Serbian composer Božo Banović include dozens of chamber, orchestral and vocal pieces, which have been performed in several European countries, South African Republic, Australia and the USA, by renowned orchestras, soloists and ensembles.

He was born on 27 June 1963 in Loznica, Serbia, and started playing piano and composing music at the early age. He graduated at the composition department of the Faculty of Music Art in Belgrade, studying with professors Rajko Maksimović and Vlastimir Trajković.

He teaches in a music school and performs as the collaborative pianist.

Igor Andrić, born in 1996 in Kragujevac, Serbia, was first drawn to music at an early age. He began playing the piano at 6 and sang in a choir, where he found his passion for singing. As he delved into the theory and history of music, it became clear that his true call was in composition. He graduated Bachelor and Master Studies under the guidance of renowned Serbian composer and professor Isidora Žebeljan at the Faculty of Music in Belgrade, where he graduated as the top student of his generation. 

His compositions have been performed by various Serbian ensembles such as the Chamber Orchestra Šlezinger, Ensemble Metamorphosis, Collegium Musicum Choir, and the Symphony Orchestra of Radio Television Serbia, but also Treppenhaus Orchestra from Germany and many others. Andrić became a protégé of the Viennese publishing house Universal Edition in 2021.

In commemoration of the eightieth anniversary of a tragic event in Kragujevac, Andrić composed "Usnula Pisma" (Asleep Letters) for bass, mixed choir, and orchestra, incorporating the last letters of the victims of the Second World War. This piece was featured at the official Festival "OKTOH" in Kragujevac.

His composition "Parhelion" is featured on the album "Tragovi" ("Traces"), performed by the Serbian cellist Nemanja Stankovic. Additionally, his "Svatovska pesma" ("Nuptial Song") arranged for two pianos was recorded by the VooDoo Duo and is included on their album "Otkrovenja" ("Revelations"). Furthermore, his project "Spiritual Journey," which took place in 2022, received support from the European Capital of Culture Novi Sad and premiered in September of that year.

Andrić's talent has been recognized through numerous accolades, such as an award at the IC2019 Hong Kong Composing Competition for his piece Piano Trio No. 1 and winnng contest for his work Triple Goddess, premiered by the Ljubljana International Orchestra, suported by the EU Project "Sounds of Change". In 2023 Andrićs Concerto for two Pianos and Orchestra was performed by the Turkmenistan State Orchestra at the Jungerkunstler Festival in Bayreuth.

Igor Andrić's musical style is a fusion of Balkan tradition and European Music of 20th Century, blending Byzantine elements with modern compositional techniques. His compositions feature intricate rhythmic patterns, modal harmonies, and melodic motifs inspired by the diverse musical tapestry of the Balkan region. Through his music, Andrić captures the essence of cultural narratives and historical events, evoking the solemnity of ancient rituals and celebrating the vibrancy of folk dances. With an innovative approach to composition, Andrić enriches the contemporary music landscape, honoring the legacy of Balkan musical heritage while contributing to the ongoing evolution of European musical expression.

In addition to his compositional work, Igor has also pursued studies in solo singing, further expanding his musical horizons and artistic abilities. 

Currently, Andrić serves as an assistant at the University of Arts in Belgrade in the Composition department.