Milica Jovanović Artist Interview
Milica Jovanović was born in Belgrade, Serbia. Doctoral student at the Academy of Arts in Novi Sad in the class of prof. Laure Levai Aksin. She completed her master's degree and basic academic flute studies at the Faculty of Music in Belgrade in the class of prof. Ljubiša Jovanović, in the brass section, with a final grade of 10. Milica won the 'Dostitej Obradović' awards, Fund for Young Talents of the Republic of Serbia two years in a row, for 2021 and 2022. Milica Jovanović is the laureate of the competition and winner of the Yamaha scholarship, as well as the winner of Gran - Pri-a, at the festival of Slovenian music with a maximum of 100 points, 2020. Since 2023, Milica has become an external collaborator of the Zagreb Quartet+ founded in 1919 and a member of the Synergia ensemble founded in 1997. Since 2022, Milica is also a member of the PR Association of Flutists of Serbia.
At the eleventh Anton Eberst International Competition, Milica won the third-first prize. In her entire academic career, Milica won a total of twenty-nine (29) first prizes and four (4) second prizes at national and international flute student competitions. During her student career, Milica attended master workshops of fourteen eminent flute pedagogues. In 2016, she was selected for the European exchange of students in the Erasmus+ project in Madrid, Belgrade and Malta, where she played as a soloist and member of a chamber ensemble. In the same year, she toured with the music school 'Josip Slavenski' in Solingen, Germany, in the chamber workshop project Austauschprojekte zwischen der Musikschule in Solingen und der in Belgrad, with final concerts in Bonn, Solingen and Cologne. In December 2022, Milica had her resital, held in the hall of Adventistic Orthodox Church and, as a performer, she was a part of the fundraising event in the White Palace, organized by BSCC (British Serbian Chamber of Commerce) together with DSBA (Dutch Serbian Business Association), HRH Crown Prince Alexander and Crown Princess Katherine.
Currently, Milica is a flute teacher in the primary music school 'Vladimir Djordjević' and an external collaborator in the position of first and second flute in the artistic ensemble of the Ministry of Defense, 'Stanislav Binički and the Flute Choir, 'Flautino Lola Klasik.'' Together with that ensemble, she performed is on a concert tour in Qingdao, China; at the Belgrade Flute Festival, AKUD Lola Ivo Ribar, Dorćol Platz, Kolarac ceremonial hall at the BEMUS and BUNT Festivals.
Growing up in Serbia, I have always felt a deep connection to the rich tapestry of our traditional music. Being immersed in the ethno melodies from a young age, they have become an intrinsic part of my soul. This music is more than just sound to me; it represents the essence of our cultural heritage and identity. I’ve always been passionate about traditional music, and I firmly believe in the importance of preserving and nurturing this aspect of our heritage. By doing so, I honor our history and ensure that future generations can experience the unique beauty and profound significance of our ethno music.
The notation in Serbian ethno music is relatively simple to read and explain. However, the main challenge and complexity lie in the execution of ornaments. The style of playing these ornaments varies significantly across different regions of the country, affecting the melody and overall interpretation. In essence, while the notation and the written ornaments are consistent, the actual performance and the resulting melody depend heavily on the regional stylistic nuances. However, the true complexity arises in the interpretation and execution of the ornaments. These stylistic elements are performed differently across various regions of Serbia, with some areas featuring fewer ornaments and others showcasing distinct variations. Professional ethno musicians often use simplified scores without detailed ornamentation, relying on their extensive experience and listening skills to intuitively know where to place the ornaments. Mastery of this practice requires significant experience and a deep familiarity with the regional styles and nuances of the music. Examples are in attachment. Mostly thrills are played on semitone but, up and down, which is specific, and there are also thrills on full-tone, up and down, and that is the main difference in ornamentation in classical and ethno music.
Can you give us 5 career highlights?
Associate External Member of the Zagreb String Quartet (2023): I had the privilege of being an associate external member of the esteemed Zagreb String Quartet, contributing to their performances and enriching my collaborative experience.
GRAN PRI Award at the Slovenian Music Competition (2020): I was honored to receive the GRAN PRI award for winning the entire Slovenian music competition, which included a prestigious performance opportunity and travel to Moscow.
Yamaha Competition Winner and Scholarship Recipient (2022): I won the Yamaha competition, which came with a significant scholarship, further supporting my musical education and development.
Participant in the Flute Festival Qingdao in China (2019): I had the opportunity to perform with the Flute Choir at the Flute Festival Qingdao in China, showcasing our talents on an international stage.
Music School Award for Most Successful Faculty as a Teacher: I was recognized with a music school award for being the most successful teacher for 2022/2023 a testament to my dedication and effectiveness as a music teacher.
What do you like best about performing?
What I like best in performing is the ability to connect deeply with both the music and the audience. The process of bringing a piece to life and sharing that experience in real time is incredibly fulfilling. I thrive on the dynamic exchange between myself and the audience, as well as the opportunity to explore the emotional and expressive range of the flute. Each performance offers a unique opportunity for artistic expression and personal growth, making every moment on stage both exciting and rewarding.
What are your goals personally? Professionally?
Professionally: My goal is to become a renowned artist, performing classical music on an international stage while staying true to my authentic style and sharing our traditional music with a global audience. I aim to collaborate with distinguished flutists on various projects and present my PhD research through masterclasses, contributing to the field and inspiring others. Personally: I aspire to maintain good health, happiness, and a sense of calm while spending quality time with my family, who are the most important part of my life. Additionally, I look forward to traveling around the world, enriching my experiences and broadening my horizons.
What inspires you the most in life?
What inspires me most in life is the beauty and power of music itself. The ability of music to express emotions, tell stories, and connect people across cultures is truly remarkable. Additionally, I am inspired by the dedication and creativity of other musicians and artists who push boundaries and innovate within their fields. Fashion also inspires me, as it represents another form of art and self-expression that parallels the creativity and artistry in music. On a personal level, my family’s support and the experiences gained from traveling and exploring new cultures also greatly inspire me, fueling my passion for both my art and personal growth.
What has been your professional greatest challenge?
My greatest professional challenge has been creating a meaningful symbiosis between ethno and classical music. Balancing these distinct styles and presenting them cohesively has required both creativity and a deep understanding of each genre. Additionally, performing standard classical repertoire while maintaining authenticity in phrasing and interpretation has been a significant challenge. Striving to remain true to my artistic vision while adhering to the traditions of classical music demands constant refinement and thoughtful exploration. Music is not mathematics!
What has been your personal greatest challenge?
My greatest personal challenge has been to articulate and promote the fusion of classical music with other genres, convincing my colleagues and audience of its potential. Additionally, exploring the intersection between classical music and fashion presented a unique challenge. Identifying the parallels between these two artistic fields and demonstrating how they inform and enhance each other has been a significant part of my personal growth. This connection has provided valuable insights and has deeply influenced my approach to music and creativity.
Who were your music mentors? and what did you learn from them?
My primary mentor during my PhD studies is Laura Levai Aksin, a professor at the Academy of Arts in Novi Sad. From Laura, I acquired a deep understanding of various styles and periods in classical music. Her expertise in nuances of phrasing, technical techniques, and tone exercises significantly enriched my skills, and I greatly admire her both as a pedagog and a performer. For my master’s studies, I was guided by Ljubisa Jovanovic at the Faculty of Music Arts in Belgrade. He provided valuable instruction on technical precision and discipline, which were crucial to my development as a musician. His rigorous approach to music contributed greatly to my growth and understanding of the art form.
Can you give us 5 quirky, secret, fun, (don't think too much about this) hobbies or passions?
Sport: I am passionate about various sports, which help me maintain physical fitness and balance in my life.
Adrenaline Activities: I thrive on adrenaline-pumping activities, which provide excitement and a sense of adventure.
Modeling: I enjoy modeling as it offers a creative outlet and a unique way to express myself through fashion and art.
Reading: Reading is a favorite pastime of mine, allowing me to explore different worlds, ideas, and perspectives.
Dance: Dance is both a physical and emotional outlet for me, and it enhances my overall well-being and creativity.
What 3 things would you offer as advice for a young flutist?
Stay True to Your Authenticity, embrace your unique voice and style. Authenticity in your work will set you apart and resonate more deeply with your audience.
Commit to Continuous Learning, always be open to learning and growing. Seek out new experiences, take lessons, and be receptive to feedback. This will help you refine your skills and broaden your artistic horizons
Build Strong Connections, cultivate relationships with mentors, peers, and professionals in your field. Networking and collaborating with others can provide valuable opportunities and support throughout your career.