St John’s Smith Square, London (2020)
Pristina (2021)
As one of the leading pianists dedicated to New Music, Branka Parlić performs the music of minimalist and postminimalist composers from the second half of the 20th century, and the 21st century. With over five million views on YouTube, her performances of Philip Glass, Erik Satie, Gavin Bryars, Lou Harrison, John Cage, Steve Martland, Michael Nyman, Arvo Pärt, Graham Fitkin, Howard Skempton, Jacob ter Veldhuis and others, are making Ms. Parlić a synonym for New Music.
Upon graduation from the Piano department of the Faculty of Music at the University of Arts in Belgrade where she studied under Professor Olga Mihailović in 1979, Branka further refined her skills under the tutelage of the renowned Professor Pierre Sancan at the International Summer Music Academy in Nice, France.
During her studies, she became a member of the renowned Ensemble for Different New Music (ADNM) from Belgrade whose repertoire is dedicated to minimalism and post- minimalism.
Since 1980s, she is devoted to promoting and performing the music of the French composer Erik Satie, as well as minimalist and postminimalist composers of the 20th and 21st centuries.
Undertaking the presentation of Philip Glass’ iconic cycle “Metamorphosis” is widely considered one of the most formidable challenges in contemporary minimalism, akin to Branka Parlić's groundbreaking interpretation of Erik Satie’s ''Gnossiennes'' in the 1980s.
The album/vinyl which she recorded in 1986 and released in 1988, called “Initiés”, consisted entirely of Erik Satie's piano pieces was the very first album to feature Satie's music in Yugoslavia.
Later on Radio 021 published both old and new recordings of Branka’s performances of Satie’s works, on a CD titled Initiés ’88 – Initiés ’99.
She recorded solo piano works by Philip Glass on the CD Metamorphosis which was released in Belgrade in 2006.
Upon graduation from the Piano department of the Faculty of Music at the University of Arts in Belgrade where she studied under Professor Olga Mihailović in 1979, Branka further refined her skills under the tutelage of the renowned Professor Pierre Sancan at the International Summer Music Academy in Nice, France.
During her studies, she became a member of the renowned Ensemble for Different New Music (ADNM) from Belgrade whose repertoire is dedicated to minimalism and post- minimalism.
Since 1980s, she is devoted to promoting and performing the music of the French composer Erik Satie, as well as minimalist and postminimalist composers of the 20th and 21st centuries.
Undertaking the presentation of Philip Glass’ iconic cycle “Metamorphosis” is widely considered one of the most formidable challenges in contemporary minimalism, akin to Branka Parlić's groundbreaking interpretation of Erik Satie’s ''Gnossiennes'' in the 1980s.
The album/vinyl which she recorded in 1986 and released in 1988, called “Initiés”, consisted entirely of Erik Satie's piano pieces was the very first album to feature Satie's music in Yugoslavia.
Later on Radio 021 published both old and new recordings of Branka’s performances of Satie’s works, on a CD titled Initiés ’88 – Initiés ’99.
She recorded solo piano works by Philip Glass on the CD Metamorphosis which was released in Belgrade in 2006.
Besides the solo piano repertoire, Branka Parlić also performs music made for films, often performing live music with the broadcasting of original silent films, or with appropriate video works and visualizations.
These include the film Entr'acte (music by Erik Satie, directed by René Clair) and film music of Michael Nyman, Philip Glass, Nino Rota.
During 2011, she performed a series of concerts dedicated to the Centenary of the birth of film music composer Nino Rota.
Her vinyl record "Satie & Beyond" recorded in Harmonie Center Leeuwarden was released in January 2014, both in the Netherlands and Serbia, presenting music by Erik Satie, Graham Fitkin, Jeroen van Veen and Philip Glass.
In November 2013 she presented this programme in two concerts in England including London's Royal Festival Hall and Liverpool.
Her double vinyl Initiés 2017 was released in 2019.
She received Silver Medal from Global Music Awards in 2020 for this album.
Music performed by Branka Parlić was often used in theatre plays, films, video works and performances.
Her music and concert videos has also been regularly broadcasted on the major regional Radio and Television channels as well as on the British C Music TV. She also had a pleasure to perform live at BBC Radio 3.
Since 2004, the British television channel Classic FM TV has been airing a video work titled "Chaos," created by Charles Stewart, featuring Branka Parlić's performance of Erik Satie's Gnossienne No.1.
Additionally, the same channel has been broadcasting a recording of Parlić's concert performance of Philip Glass' Metamorphosis No.2 since 2005.
In 2011, the award-winning British television channel C Music TV began airing videos of two of Branka's concert performances: Philip Glass' Opening and Arvo Pärt's Spiegel im Spiegel, with the latter becoming a highlight of videos in January and March 2011.
Branka Parlić has performed as a soloist in all countries in ex-Yugoslavia as well as in many countries in Europe.
The artist regularly performs around Europe in solo recitals and various music and film festivals as well.
She has worked as a piano teacher at the Academy of Arts in Novi Sad (Serbia) until her retirement in 2022.
She is the Artistic Director of the concert serial New Ears for New Music.
These include the film Entr'acte (music by Erik Satie, directed by René Clair) and film music of Michael Nyman, Philip Glass, Nino Rota.
During 2011, she performed a series of concerts dedicated to the Centenary of the birth of film music composer Nino Rota.
Her vinyl record "Satie & Beyond" recorded in Harmonie Center Leeuwarden was released in January 2014, both in the Netherlands and Serbia, presenting music by Erik Satie, Graham Fitkin, Jeroen van Veen and Philip Glass.
In November 2013 she presented this programme in two concerts in England including London's Royal Festival Hall and Liverpool.
Her double vinyl Initiés 2017 was released in 2019.
She received Silver Medal from Global Music Awards in 2020 for this album.
Music performed by Branka Parlić was often used in theatre plays, films, video works and performances.
Her music and concert videos has also been regularly broadcasted on the major regional Radio and Television channels as well as on the British C Music TV. She also had a pleasure to perform live at BBC Radio 3.
Since 2004, the British television channel Classic FM TV has been airing a video work titled "Chaos," created by Charles Stewart, featuring Branka Parlić's performance of Erik Satie's Gnossienne No.1.
Additionally, the same channel has been broadcasting a recording of Parlić's concert performance of Philip Glass' Metamorphosis No.2 since 2005.
In 2011, the award-winning British television channel C Music TV began airing videos of two of Branka's concert performances: Philip Glass' Opening and Arvo Pärt's Spiegel im Spiegel, with the latter becoming a highlight of videos in January and March 2011.
Branka Parlić has performed as a soloist in all countries in ex-Yugoslavia as well as in many countries in Europe.
The artist regularly performs around Europe in solo recitals and various music and film festivals as well.
She has worked as a piano teacher at the Academy of Arts in Novi Sad (Serbia) until her retirement in 2022.
She is the Artistic Director of the concert serial New Ears for New Music.
In addition to her accomplishments as a performer and interpreter, Branka Parlić has also distinguished herself as an educator and mentor. She often holds lectures and seminars on New Music worldwide, sharing her expertise and passion for contemporary classical music with aspiring musicians of all ages and backgrounds.
Her concerts have a specific visual identity, with special attention paid to the light design and visualizations, further showcasing her versatility and innovative spirit.
PAST PERFORMANCES:
Austria, Croatia, Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, North Macedonia, Montenegro, the Netherlands, Serbia, Slovenia, Switzerland, and the UK.
FESTIVALS of NOTE:
Music Biennale Zagreb, Gandusiana Festival and Motovun Film Festival (Croatia), Theatre City – Budva (Montenegro), Skopje Summer Festival and Bitolj Festival (Macedonia), NoMUS Festival, Ring Ring Festival, Film Scenario Festival and Exit Festival (Serbia) and many more.
Her concerts have a specific visual identity, with special attention paid to the light design and visualizations, further showcasing her versatility and innovative spirit.
PAST PERFORMANCES:
Austria, Croatia, Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, North Macedonia, Montenegro, the Netherlands, Serbia, Slovenia, Switzerland, and the UK.
FESTIVALS of NOTE:
Music Biennale Zagreb, Gandusiana Festival and Motovun Film Festival (Croatia), Theatre City – Budva (Montenegro), Skopje Summer Festival and Bitolj Festival (Macedonia), NoMUS Festival, Ring Ring Festival, Film Scenario Festival and Exit Festival (Serbia) and many more.
SELECTED REVIEWS:
..It seems that Branka Parlić - who devoted herself to this genre with ultimate dedication - has been awarded for building perfectly polished style during the years. She has succeed in what was the most difficult to achieve – to become artist, one of the rarest, who in every era acts with same distinguishing quality - kind of One-Man Army. Branka Parlić is One – Man Army herself and that’s impressive and impresses on all fronts.
Djordje Matić , Novosti, Zagreb/Croatia
...Unreserved suggestiveness of performance, unobtrusive and intelligent creativity and a high level of interpretative sensibility are only some distinctive pianistic qualities of Branka Parlić, one of the more prominent promoters of contemporary 20th and 21st century music in Eastern Europe.
Nuša Hauser, Voice of Istria/ Croatia
... Branka Parlić plays these compositions (Satie, van Veen, Fitkin, Glass) with dedication and with excellent control of the rhythm. It was a beautiful rendition of the various works. Especially when Branka Parlic played Glass one could notice how much pleasure she has in playing works of this composer. When she played Mad Rush it was like being in a kind of a waterfall.
Herman van der Made Leeuwarden, the Netherlands
... Branka Parlić enchanted the audience in Rovigno/Croatia.
Eleonora Brezovečki La voce del Popolo
… In magnificent tranquility, without a bit of nervousness, feeding one full - blooded, unbroken flow, Branka Parlic arranged rare and delicate audio pleasure for audience in a Big Hall in SKC in Belgrade…
Zorica Kojić Danas, Belgrade
...Therefore this was altogether one exceptional spiritual moment in which power of simple sense is overtaken by the tools of artistic delight. That’s why thrilled auditorium has focused all its essence in salutation to this delicately nourished artistic love without interest.
Festival Ring- Ring, Zorica Kojić Danas, Belgrade
... The outstanding pianist from Novi Sad made the formants palpable with taste and incomparable naturalness.
... These changes between Branka Parlić and Amacord Quartet allow scintillate: with the earnestness of a musician, with sparks and tonal delicacy, with the result that two delightful encores were inevitable.
Franz Zamazal ONachrichten, Linz/Austria
… Phillip Glass’s compositions for solo piano, Branka Parlić has played focused and restrained, rich in spectrum of sublime piano’s tone timbre and dynamic shades…
Borislav Hložan Dnevnik
… Parlić shows an exquisite touch in her interpretation of the piece, paying great attention to the varying dynamics and pace throughout. This approach enables her to produce a recording which is both heartfelt and academic in its precision. For many reasons it is an essential recording by an exceptional player.
All About Jazz
… Inspiring performance with a strong feeling that artist and instrument are inseparable. Piano is like one of her organs, physiologically and by her choice. Needless to say a word, just listen to.
Mileta Okiljević, Plastelin
Recalled for an encore, Branka Parlić served up more dark chocolate with a caramel finish, in Satie's Gnossienne No4, and all too soon this exploration of the genre, was over.
Joe Coventry, http://www.catalystmedia.org.uk/index.html
Congratulations to Branka Parlić, whose performance on YouTube became the first Philip Glass related video on Youtube to hit the 1,000,000 hit mark!
Glass Notes, philipglass.com
… Even though I have few CDs of Satie’s music, Branka Parlic’s way of playing is my favorite… Sound initiation is as well important as physical… “Time Regained” as Marcel Proust once said.
Gorčin Stojanović Blic, Belgrade
...Unreserved suggestiveness of performance, unobtrusive and intelligent creativity and a high level of interpretative sensibility are only some distinctive pianistic qualities of Branka Parlić, one of the more prominent promoters of contemporary 20th and 21st century music in Eastern Europe.
Nuša Hauser, Voice of Istria/ Croatia
… lucid, pure, convincing interpretation of Satie’s pieces…
Tijana Jovović, Vijesti , Podgorica/ Montenegro
Re. Ensemble for Different Music
Branka Parlic has performed my piano works for many years and has brought back to life works that I had set aside, which was not for any artistic reason, just for the fact that the nature of my own ensemble moved away from a keyboard orientation to one featuring strings. She has been in touch many times over the years, and I have heard her play some of my solo music very beautifully in London.
The Ensemble for Different Music is a much more ambitious project involving, as it does, multiple keyboards – a genre that I have loved for over 40 years. I was delighted to be able to join them for their concert in Liverpool recently where I heard performances of great refinement, real musicality and commitment. Their playing had the unusual combination precision and warmth and showed real insight.
I am happy to give this recommendation to whoever may need it. I can’t overstate my admiration for what they do.
Gavin Bryars
Billesdon December 25, 2023
..It seems that Branka Parlić - who devoted herself to this genre with ultimate dedication - has been awarded for building perfectly polished style during the years. She has succeed in what was the most difficult to achieve – to become artist, one of the rarest, who in every era acts with same distinguishing quality - kind of One-Man Army. Branka Parlić is One – Man Army herself and that’s impressive and impresses on all fronts.
Djordje Matić , Novosti, Zagreb/Croatia
...Unreserved suggestiveness of performance, unobtrusive and intelligent creativity and a high level of interpretative sensibility are only some distinctive pianistic qualities of Branka Parlić, one of the more prominent promoters of contemporary 20th and 21st century music in Eastern Europe.
Nuša Hauser, Voice of Istria/ Croatia
... Branka Parlić plays these compositions (Satie, van Veen, Fitkin, Glass) with dedication and with excellent control of the rhythm. It was a beautiful rendition of the various works. Especially when Branka Parlic played Glass one could notice how much pleasure she has in playing works of this composer. When she played Mad Rush it was like being in a kind of a waterfall.
Herman van der Made Leeuwarden, the Netherlands
... Branka Parlić enchanted the audience in Rovigno/Croatia.
Eleonora Brezovečki La voce del Popolo
… In magnificent tranquility, without a bit of nervousness, feeding one full - blooded, unbroken flow, Branka Parlic arranged rare and delicate audio pleasure for audience in a Big Hall in SKC in Belgrade…
Zorica Kojić Danas, Belgrade
...Therefore this was altogether one exceptional spiritual moment in which power of simple sense is overtaken by the tools of artistic delight. That’s why thrilled auditorium has focused all its essence in salutation to this delicately nourished artistic love without interest.
Festival Ring- Ring, Zorica Kojić Danas, Belgrade
... The outstanding pianist from Novi Sad made the formants palpable with taste and incomparable naturalness.
... These changes between Branka Parlić and Amacord Quartet allow scintillate: with the earnestness of a musician, with sparks and tonal delicacy, with the result that two delightful encores were inevitable.
Franz Zamazal ONachrichten, Linz/Austria
… Phillip Glass’s compositions for solo piano, Branka Parlić has played focused and restrained, rich in spectrum of sublime piano’s tone timbre and dynamic shades…
Borislav Hložan Dnevnik
… Parlić shows an exquisite touch in her interpretation of the piece, paying great attention to the varying dynamics and pace throughout. This approach enables her to produce a recording which is both heartfelt and academic in its precision. For many reasons it is an essential recording by an exceptional player.
All About Jazz
… Inspiring performance with a strong feeling that artist and instrument are inseparable. Piano is like one of her organs, physiologically and by her choice. Needless to say a word, just listen to.
Mileta Okiljević, Plastelin
Recalled for an encore, Branka Parlić served up more dark chocolate with a caramel finish, in Satie's Gnossienne No4, and all too soon this exploration of the genre, was over.
Joe Coventry, http://www.catalystmedia.org.uk/index.html
Congratulations to Branka Parlić, whose performance on YouTube became the first Philip Glass related video on Youtube to hit the 1,000,000 hit mark!
Glass Notes, philipglass.com
… Even though I have few CDs of Satie’s music, Branka Parlic’s way of playing is my favorite… Sound initiation is as well important as physical… “Time Regained” as Marcel Proust once said.
Gorčin Stojanović Blic, Belgrade
...Unreserved suggestiveness of performance, unobtrusive and intelligent creativity and a high level of interpretative sensibility are only some distinctive pianistic qualities of Branka Parlić, one of the more prominent promoters of contemporary 20th and 21st century music in Eastern Europe.
Nuša Hauser, Voice of Istria/ Croatia
… lucid, pure, convincing interpretation of Satie’s pieces…
Tijana Jovović, Vijesti , Podgorica/ Montenegro
Re. Ensemble for Different Music
Branka Parlic has performed my piano works for many years and has brought back to life works that I had set aside, which was not for any artistic reason, just for the fact that the nature of my own ensemble moved away from a keyboard orientation to one featuring strings. She has been in touch many times over the years, and I have heard her play some of my solo music very beautifully in London.
The Ensemble for Different Music is a much more ambitious project involving, as it does, multiple keyboards – a genre that I have loved for over 40 years. I was delighted to be able to join them for their concert in Liverpool recently where I heard performances of great refinement, real musicality and commitment. Their playing had the unusual combination precision and warmth and showed real insight.
I am happy to give this recommendation to whoever may need it. I can’t overstate my admiration for what they do.
Gavin Bryars
Billesdon December 25, 2023
PROGRAMME PROPOSALS:
Solo programme
The repertoire consisting of works by Erik Satie, Philip Glass, Gavin Bryars, Arvo Part, Jacob TV, Michael Nyman, Peteris Vasks, Graham Fitkin, Howard Skempton, Moondog.
Live-to-Film performance
Live music with the broadcasting of original silent films, or with appropriate video works and visualizations.
Three Gnossiennes (After Satie) by Gavin Brayrs for two pianos and electric guitar from 2022
Erik Satie Special
2025 will mark the 100th anniversary of Erik Satie's death. Branka Parlić regularly performs Satie's solo piano pieces, his film music "Cinema," live to film "Entr'acte," and his compositions for two pianos on a regular basis.
Branka Parlić with her Ensemble for Different New Music (ADNM) presents a programme dedicated to
Minimalism and Postminimalism
The Ensemble has been collaborating with great British composer Gavin Bryars for several years.
Gavin Bryars played his music alongside the ADNM at the concert dedicated to his 80th birthday in Liverpool in December 2023.
The programme includes several of Bryers's pieces for four pianos and two pianos with electric guitar. Since ADNM is a multi keyboard ensemble, they have on their repertoire music for 6, 4 and 2 pianos as well as for solo piano since the members of the Ensemble are also solo concert pianists.
Gavin Bryars is currently working on transcription of his famous piece "Jesus's Blood Never Failed Me Yet" for the Ensemble.
Here is his previous version with Tom Waits https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Py6a-3iKIoU
Ensemble for Different New Music will premiere it in October in Belgrade with the presence of Gavin Bryars himself within second issue of their festival Patterns& Stitches.
Solo programme
The repertoire consisting of works by Erik Satie, Philip Glass, Gavin Bryars, Arvo Part, Jacob TV, Michael Nyman, Peteris Vasks, Graham Fitkin, Howard Skempton, Moondog.
Live-to-Film performance
Live music with the broadcasting of original silent films, or with appropriate video works and visualizations.
Three Gnossiennes (After Satie) by Gavin Brayrs for two pianos and electric guitar from 2022
Erik Satie Special
2025 will mark the 100th anniversary of Erik Satie's death. Branka Parlić regularly performs Satie's solo piano pieces, his film music "Cinema," live to film "Entr'acte," and his compositions for two pianos on a regular basis.
Branka Parlić with her Ensemble for Different New Music (ADNM) presents a programme dedicated to
Minimalism and Postminimalism
The Ensemble has been collaborating with great British composer Gavin Bryars for several years.
Gavin Bryars played his music alongside the ADNM at the concert dedicated to his 80th birthday in Liverpool in December 2023.
The programme includes several of Bryers's pieces for four pianos and two pianos with electric guitar. Since ADNM is a multi keyboard ensemble, they have on their repertoire music for 6, 4 and 2 pianos as well as for solo piano since the members of the Ensemble are also solo concert pianists.
Gavin Bryars is currently working on transcription of his famous piece "Jesus's Blood Never Failed Me Yet" for the Ensemble.
Here is his previous version with Tom Waits https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Py6a-3iKIoU
Ensemble for Different New Music will premiere it in October in Belgrade with the presence of Gavin Bryars himself within second issue of their festival Patterns& Stitches.
