BALKAN SYMPHONICS is a bold and original project in which Sandy Lopičić’s arrangements of Balkan traditional melodies are reimagined in a grand symphonic orchestration.
In Sandy Lopičić’s masterful arrangements, the cool, jazzy groove of his 13-piece big band Sandy Lopičić Superstvarmerges seamlessly with the majestic power of an 80-piece symphony orchestra — creating an electrifying sound that sweeps audiences off their feet and into the vibrant world of Balkan music.
The program journeys through traditional songs from Serbia, Macedonia, Bosnia, Romania, Bulgaria, Türkiye, and Romani traditions from across the region in striking new arrangements.
The first half showcases the symphony orchestra on its own, performing works by Balkan composers of their own choosing, alongside Franz Liszt’s dazzling Gypsy Fantasy, with Sandy Lopičić as piano soloist.
In the second half, Sandy Lopičić Superstvar steps into the spotlight for a set of its own while the symphony orchestra is already in place behind the curtain. As the curtain rises, the orchestra joins the band, and together they ignite the stage with six or seven spectacular arrangements of Balkanbeat music — a powerful fusion of jazz, folk, and symphonic brilliance.
This thrilling and unforgettable concert embraces both purely classical repertoire and Balkan music — performed separately and then united in a grand finale
After a triumphant debut at Opera Graz in Austria, the project returned for a repeat performance and later thrilled audiences in Bonn, Germany, with the Beethoven Orchester.
“These musicians from the Balkans perform their repertoire with a lot of humour:
a marvellous alternative to Emir Kustrica's No Smoking Orchestra!”
Le Monde
a marvellous alternative to Emir Kustrica's No Smoking Orchestra!”
Le Monde
