Maja Radovanlija - Minneapolis Guitar Quartet

Serbia / USA

concert

Minneapolis Guitar Quartet
Thursday, March 12th | 21:00
Belgrade Youth Center
master classes
Friday, March 13th
and sunday, March 15th
jury
category III
Saturday 14th of March - finals category III i IV

Serbian-born Maja Radovanlija has performed extensively as an international solo and chamber musician, touring Serbia, Bulgaria, Slovenia, Macedonia, Greece, Tunisia, Switzerland and other European countries. She joined the Minneapolis Guitar Quartet in 2012, bringing an eclectic musical background including performances with Mu Daiko Japanese Theater and improvised concerts with guitarist/composer Alex Lubet, as well as participating in workshops led by famous jazz musician Vojin Draskoci. Maja was awarded First Prize at the International Competition in Kjustendil, Bulgaria, and Second Prize at the Petar Konjovic International Competition in Belgade. She completed her bachelor’s degree at the University of Belgrade as a student of Prof. Srdjan Tosic. Maja came to the United States to study at Indiana University’s School of Music where she received both her master’s and doctoral degrees under Ernesto Bitetti, as well as to study early music with lutenist Nigel North. Maja won Second Prize at I.U.’s Latin American music competition, and in 2011 was appointed to the guitar faculty at the University of Minnesota - School of Music.

With artistry and musical mastery, the Minneapolis Guitar Quartet has made its case as “one of the major guitar ensembles in the world” (Soundboard Magazine) since its formation in 1986. The foursome’s equally high skill level highlights unbroken, interwoven clarity of lines, distinct voicing and laser-like purity. “More than a guitar quartet, more than superb musicians, and more than a great chamber group” says composer Daniel Roumain. “They are ambassadors of sound, style and substance.” One of the few guitar ensembles performing the majority of its repertoire from memory, the Minneapolis Guitar Quartet (Joseph Hagedorn, Maja Radovanlija, Ben Kunkel and Wade Oden) presents original works and commissions as well as its own arrangements of music by composers such as Ginastera, Debussy and Maria Kalaniemi.