A unique concert this evening is a solo recital by virtuoso accordionist Djordje Gajic. After mesmerizing the audience yesterday in duo formation with his violinist wife Andrea, Djordje will this evening perform works by Scarlatti, Zolotaryov, Albéniz, Villa-Lobos, Repnikov, Lecuona, and Rossini.

The accordion is not a common instrument on our islands outside the use of it in the folk music environment. This is a wonderful opportunity to experience the instrument as a classical one, with some of the works on the programme that are exclusively written for it apart from others that have been transcribed from the original to suit the tone and dynamics of the accordion.

Djordje Gajic started his musical studies at the age of six in Serbia. He graduated with honours from the Russian Academy of Music in 1993, furthering his studies at the legendary Gnessin Academy of Music, after which he was appointed Assistant to Prof. Yuri Dranga. Djordje is the recipient of numerous international competitions, notably, the Grand Prix, France, in 1987, and the Tropheo Mondiale CMA, in 1988.  Most recently, he featured on the BBC Radio 3 programme In Tune. He has performed with the Russian State Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Yvgeny Svetlanov, with the BBC Symphony Orchestra, the Scottish Symphony Orchestra, and others. He has also given solo recitals all over Europe and since settling in Britain, has toured the major cities extensively and regularly participates in important festivals, namely, in Dartington, Norwich, Salisbury and Birmingham. Djordje is Professor of Accordion at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and at St Mary’s Music School, Edinburgh.

This evenings’ concert, which starts at 8pm, will take place in a new venue, namely, the lovely hall at the Bishop’s Palace in Republic Street. H.L. Bishop Mario Grech offered the venue in appreciation of the prestige and reputation that VIAF enjoys and we are extremely grateful for his generosity.

Come and enjoy this unique experience!!