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Dimitrije Vasiljevic
From his native Serbia, where he was a member of prominent jazz ensembles and performed extensively throughout Europe, Dimitrije’s journey has taken him to Berklee College of Music in Boston where he received a number of prestigious awards including the Jazz Performance Award and Piano Department Achievement Award. Dimitrije then completed his master's degree in Jazz Performance at NYU where he was also an adjunct professor of jazz. Currently, he is pursuing studies for a Doctor of Musical Arts degree at the Jazz Division of the University of Illinois School of Music.
Dimitrije is performing extensively at renowned jazz clubs and concert halls in New York City and in spring 2014, he had a very successful debut at Carnegie Hall, as well as concerts in United Nations and Kennedy Center in Washington, DC. In April 2013, he released his debut album as a leader "The Path of Silvan" consisting entirely of his original compositions. Prior to moving to New York City, Dimitrije has headlined performances at many jazz venues and festivals in Europe among which are the Norrtelje Jazzdagar (Sweden), the Miskolc and the Bohem Jazz Festivals (Hungary), the Gmunden Festival (Austria) and the Montreux Jazz Festival (Switzerland), where in 2008 he was selected as one of twelve finalists to compete at the prestigious "Montreux Solo Jazz Piano Competition” – and won both third jury prize and the audience prize. Dimitrije performed with the jazz greats such as Joe Lovano, Chris Potter, Marko Djordjevic, Klemens Marktl and Brad Shepik.
Dimitrije Vasiljević's music can be described as an original music mixture that incorporates modern jazz and traditional Balkan music resulting in a perfect synthesis of modern jazz and world music. Drawing on mythology and the past for his inspiration, Dimitrije seamlessly combines his talents as pianist, composer and arranger to create his original musical expression and contemporary sound.
Awards
"Montreux Solo Jazz Piano Competition" 2008 - third jury prize and the audience prize.
Tags
Dimitrije Vasiljević: Metaphor
by Chris M. Slawecki
The second solo piano release by composer, pianist and Serbian native Dimitrije Vasiljević, Metaphor seems to embody the very best of the European (Eastern and Western) and American classical and jazz piano traditions. With his austere yet light approach to melody and rhythm, Vasiljević reflects both emerging pianists such as Eldar Djangirov and more longstanding stalwarts such as Keith Jarrett. In fact, Vasiljević studied under the same jazz piano professor who instructed Jarrett, Joe Zawinul and Chick Corea ...
read moreCD Release: Dimitrije Vasiljevic's "Metaphor"
Source:
Danijela Milic/LeitmotivArts
Dimitrije Vasiljevic's new album Metaphor has been released in the United States on July 22, 2014 and is now available on iTunes, Amazon, CD Baby and Google Play stores. Metaphor is a contemporary jazz solo piano album influenced by classical music aesthetics and a touch of Balkan traditions. Compelling original compositions radiate a vivid blend of artistic virtuosity and a delicate music thought which send the listener on a musical journey filled with varying emotions. French pianist Jean-Michel Pilc praises ...
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Dimitrije Vasiljevic Performed At The Kennedy Center As Part Of The European Month Of Culture
Source:
Danijela Milic/LeitmotivArts
Serbian pianist and composer Dimitrije Vasiljevic held a solo piano concert on May 12, 2014 at the the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC. This event was part of a series of concerts held at the Millennium stage in celebration of the European Month of Culture" in which artists from many European countries participated. Vasiljevic performed his original compositions Ellipsis", Ditto", Ocean Express" and Wardenclyffe". He also premiered his latest piano composition Sacré-Cœur", introducing it in the program with words broken ...
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Dimitrije Vasiljevic To Perform At The Kennedy Center As Part Of The European Month Of Culture
Source:
Danijela Milic/LeitmotivArts
On the occasion of the European Month of Culture, pianist and composer Dimitrije Vasiljevic will perform in Washington, D.C. in a solo piano concert presented by the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in collaboration with the Embassy of Serbia in the United States and LeitmotivArts. Vasiljevic will perform his original compositions from his upcoming solo piano album as well as works of some well-known American jazz masters in his own arrangements. Prior to moving to the United ...
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United Nations Celebrated The International Jazz Day With Rhythms Of Balkans, Samba And Bossa Nova
Source:
Danijela Milic/LeitmotivArts
The annual International Jazz Day was celebrated at the United Nations Headquarters in New York with a concert of Dimitrije Vasiljević, award-winning jazz pianist and composer from Serbia. April 30th was first introduced in 2011 by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), on the initiative of one the jazz greats, pianist and composer Herbie Hancock, and has become a global tradition ever since. Vasiljević enthusiastically accepted the invitation from the United Nations and in the best way ...
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Dimitrije Vasiljevic Solo Piano Debut Concert In Carnegie Hall
Source:
Danijela Milic/LeitmotivArts
Dimitrije Vasiljevic masterful jazz pianist showcases engaging and meditative compositions in his solo debut at Carnegie Hall in jny: New York on March 24, 2014 at 8pm. Vasiljevic is an award-winning (Montreux Jazz Festival), New York-based jazz pianist and composer whose iridescent and captivating music” (All About Jazz) weaves Balkan motifs into the subtle flavors of European jazz. Hailing from Serbia, this Berklee College of Music and NYU Steinhardt graduate is rapidly garnering international acclaim for his virtuosity and emotionally ...
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Dimitrije Vasiljevic Quartet Performs At The Iconic Metropolitan Room In NYC
Source:
Danijela Milic/LeitmotivArts
Fresh off holding a sold-out solo piano concert in October, Dimitrije Vasiljevic will again join forces with his jazz quartet for a performance at the iconic Metropolitan Room in New York City on November 11, 2013. Dimitrije Vasiljevic is a New York-based award-winning pianist and composer who has been hailed by jazz masters as one of the most promising names in the jazz world, combining the gentle flavor of European jazz with Balkan motives. Jean-Michel Pilc, an accomplished pianist and ...
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Dimitrije Vasiljevic To Perform Solo Piano Concert at Tenri Cultural Institute on Oct 11
Source:
Danijela Milic/LeitmotivArts
Dimitrije Vasiljevic, New-York based award-winning pianist, will hold a solo piano concert on October 11, 2013 at 8pm at Tenri Cultural Institute of New York. This jazz concert will include Vasiljevic’s own compositions as well as several original arrangements of songs by Thelonious Monk, Duke Ellington and Miles Davis. Dimitrije Vasiljevic is performing extensively at renowned jazz clubs in New York City and had a successful release performance of his debut album The Path of Silvan at club Drom in ...
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Dimitrije Vasiljevic, Pianist And Composer, Promotes His Debut Album In NYC
Source:
Danijela Milic/LeitmotivArts
Dimitrije Vasiljevic debut album as a leader, The Path of Silvan is set for release on September 24th at jny: New York City's club DROM. This album consists entirely of original compositions. Cover song Silvans' Dance which was AllAboutJazz.com featured as download of the day in August 2013 was the #1 downloaded song for the entire month of August. Praised by many jazz masters such as Jean-Michel Pilc, Laszlo Gardony, Brad Shepik, Andy Milne and others, this album is receiving ...
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New York-Based Jazz Pianist Dimitrije Vasiljevic's Debut Album, "The Path Of Silvan" Now Available
Source:
Danijela Milic/LeitmotivArts
In April 2013, Dimitrije Vasiljevic released his debut album as a leader, The Path of Silvan, consisting entirely of his original compositions. Silvans are said to be mythical creatures who led ancient Serbian knights from the darkness to the light. This album represents a fine mixture of modern jazz and Serbian traditional music from the Balkans. A gentle flavor of European Jazz added to it resulted in creating marvellous and intricate musical landscapes full of exotic rhythms and sophisticated harmony. ...
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"Dimitrije's music occupies a unique space somewhere between the classical piano tradition and jazz. Whatever you want to label this music, it's beautiful, full of bright melodies and strong rhythms, and his command over the piano is astounding." Chris Potter
"Astonishing virtuosity, unique personality and straight to your heart sensibility. Dimitrije has it all and is a new force to reckon with. I am a fan." Jean-Michel Pilc
"Possessing tremendous command and control of the piano, Dimitrije Vasiljevic has forged a strong, unique and personal musical identity. Dimitrije is definitely a contemporary pianist to watch out for!" Martin Bejerano
Primary Instrument
Piano
Location
New York City
Credentials/Background
Adjunct Professor at New York University. Private lessons, all levels.
Photos
Music
Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson
Ellipsis
From: MetaphorBy Dimitrije Vasiljevic
Silvans' Dance
From: The Path of SilvanBy Dimitrije Vasiljevic