Programme

J.S. Bach (1685 – 1750)                             Toccata and Fugue in D minor BWV 565

(arr. D. Gajic)

D. Scarlatti (1685 – 1757)                          Sonata in D Minor K. 1

(arr. D. Gajic)

                                                                 Sonata in F Major K. 107

V. Zolotaryov (1942 – 1975)                      Sonata no. 2                                                                       

I. Albéniz (1860 – 1909)                             Córdoba op. 242 no. 4

                                                                  Asturias (Leyenda) (from Chants d’Espagne op. 232)

Y. Dranga (b. 1957)                                    Seagull

P. Cunningham/R. Corbett                      Loch Katrine’s Lady

(b. 1960) | (b. 1999)                                                                                                                                                                                                

Djordje Gajic is a highly accomplished accordionist with a distinguished career as both a performer and educator. After beginning his musical journey in Serbia at the age of six, he later graduated from the Gnesin Russian Academy of Music in 1993 with a Master of Music degree and the prestigious Honorary Title of ‘Solo Performer’. He continued his studies at the Gnesin Russian Academy, where he was appointed Assistant to the esteemed Professor Yuri Dranga.

Djordje has garnered numerous accolades, becoming a laureate of several prestigious international accordion competitions. As a soloist, Djordje has performed with renowned orchestras and ensembles such as the Russian State Symphony Orchestra under Yvgeny Svetlanov, the Royal Scottish National Orchestra (RSNO), BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra (BBC SSO) and Scottish Chamber Orchestra (SCO) at prestigious events like the BBC Proms at the Royal Albert Hall, London. His recitals have taken him across Europe and to countries including the USA, Australia, China, Russia, Bahrain and Tunisia. His duo AD Libitum, with violinist Andrea Gajic has been praised for its dynamic and nuanced performances.

Djordje’s artistry has been lauded for its ‘passion, brilliance, and supreme intelligence’, as well as his ‘pyrotechnical virtuosity, intelligent phrasing, and dazzling interpretation’. His performances consistently captivate audiences and critics alike, cementing his reputation as one of the leading figures in classical accordion performance. In addition to his performing career Djordje is an influential educator. He is a Professor at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland where he founded the classical accordion department. His impact extends beyond Scotland as he regularly gives master classes throughout the UK, Europe, US and China. He is also a sought-after adjudicator at international competitions across Europe, China and Russia. Djordje played a key role in designing the accordion syllabus for Trinity College, London and leads the International Accordion Summer School at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.

Djordje holds a PhD from the University of St Andrews and was awarded a Professorship by the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland for his achievements in pedagogy and performance.