SOUNDS OF SERBIA COME TO HAWAII

Serbia Around the Piano World

Embarking the audience on a journey through the international sounds the concert titled Serbia Around the Piano World offered a true cultural exchange to the fans of classical music in Hawaii on November 15, 2019. The soloist, a renowned New York based Serbian pianist, Jasna Popović presented brilliant performance of the classical contemporary pieces and arrangements of Tajčević, Mokranjac, Bogojevich, Despić, Krstajić, Cruixent, Barcelo, Pruzhansky and Porto. Popović concert included authentic local pieces such as “Picture an Illusion” of a Hawaiian contemporary composer Jon Magnussen, also present in the audience. It seemed that “Andalusa and Cadenza,” of a Spanish composer Oriol Cruixent filled with the playful energy and sound of flamenco, was the highlight of the night. Nevertheless, it was the sweet sound of “Macedonia Tranquility” and brilliant classical arrangement of “Kolo” that made the Hawaii Serbian audience evoke nostalgic feelings and draw the most comments after the concert.

“I wanted to present the musical heritage of Serbia in the international context, and I think that many people are stunned by its beauty and complexity,” said Popović while explaining her idea for the project Serbia Around the Piano World. “I posted on Facebook that composers are welcome to send their short compositions, which I was going to play for the first time in New York. In no time musicians from all over the world started contacting me, and not just from Italy or France, but also from the countries where piano is not a major instrument such as Andorra, Angola or Nigeria. One beautiful piano piece came from Hawaii, the Jon Magnussen’s one.” She said this project expanded her perspective and introduced her to creative people around the World, while in return she presented the beauty and complexity of Serbia’s sound to the global audience.

Jasna Popović was the first Serbian piano soloist performing in the Hawaiian Islands. “Hawaii is truly fascinating place. Perfect weather throughout the year, stunning beaches, emerald green mountains, delicious local “poke” (raw fish mixed with spices), and authentic local culture,” said Popović while describing what she enjoyed in the islands. “The power of live music is undeniable. I was stunned to see the nostalgic feelings and pure emotions evoked among the local Serbs in Hawaii. I could feel the true hospitality throughout my short visit. I’ll be back to play.”

The concert in Hawaii was organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia – The Office for Cooperation with the Diaspora, and with the local Hawaii’s Serbian community.

Jasna Popovic Biography

This generation of classical music performers has recognized Popovic as a pioneer in advancing the creation of contemporary solo and chamber works while being rooted in the traditions of the past. She has performed, promoted and organized concerts for composers and musicians in some of the world’s most prestigious venues, playing a significant role in introducing both classical and new compositions to the public and a younger audience.

Jasna Popovic attended prestigious Hochschule für Musik in Munich, Germany. She has won numerous awards, most recent in 2019 when she received the Award for Extraordinary Achievement from the Society of Foreign Consuls of New York City for the contribution in connecting New York City and her home-country. Her concert career took her to Weill Recital Hall/Zankel/Stern Perlman Auditorium at Carnegie Hall, the United Nations, Kennedy Center in Washington, DC;  Kolarac Hall in Belgrade; and other major venues throughout Europe, Asia, and South America.

November 15, 2019

Honolulu, Hawaii

Text: Milomir Ognjanović

Pictures: Doris Miocinović & Milomir Ognjanović