SERBIAN SPOTLIGHT: Milena Jančurić

Milena Jančurić, a flutist, earned her degree in classical music performance from the Faculty of Music in Belgrade in 2010 and continued her studies at Berklee College of Music, graduating in 2013. She has collaborated with prominent musicians and embraced both classical and improvisational music. Milena's diverse career includes performing with various groups and releasing her debut album, Shapes and Stories, in 2021 with A.MA Records.

Can you give us 5 career highlights?

Over the years, I’ve been incredibly fortunate to learn from some of the most amazing musicians, perform at majestic music events and festivals worldwide, and collaborate with inspiring people. Reflecting on my career highlights, I would say that stepping out of my comfort zone to create my original music stands out the most. Composing, arranging, producing, playing, and recording my ideas has been a truly transformative experience.

How about 3 pivotal moments that were essential to creating the artist that you've become?

Singing in the kids' choir as a child ignited my love for music and set the foundation for my journey. During high school, joining the jazz band was a transformative experience; it challenged me to improvise and deepened my passion for jazz. Finally, after graduating from the Faculty of Music in Belgrade, receiving a scholarship to study jazz and improvised music at Berklee College of Music was a crucial milestone that greatly influenced my artistic development.

What do you like best about performing?

Playing music and improvising is what I truly love. It's an intimate experience that first allows me to connect with myself, then with the talented colleagues I perform alongside, and ultimately with the audience. Each performance is a unique opportunity to forge a deep connection and share something meaningful. Jazz and improvised music are where I truly thrive. They give me the freedom to listen deeply, create spontaneously, and build a shared sound with others in the moment.

CD releases?

Milena Jancuric “Shapes and Stories” for A.MA Records 2021. (Bari, Italy) and “Collage of Moments” alongside Haruka Yabuno and Ehud Ettun in 2016. (Israel).

As a band member or a guest artist, I've had the opportunity to collaborate with a diverse range of ensembles, including Nicola Conte's “Umoja”, Aleksandar Dujin Orchestra's “Zvuci kao boje”, Ana Ćurčin's “Scene”,  Sanja Markovic's “Ascension”, Lazar Novkov and Frame Orchestra's “Story”  among many others.

What does your schedule look like for the next 6 months? 

I’m excited to share that in September, I’ll be featured on two new releases by exceptional artists: Edigio Rondinone’s “OOPARTS” from Italy and Raid Kyu’s “Lost and Found” from Serbia.

My schedule is often packed with performances both within and outside of Serbia. I also take great pleasure in teaching as an educator and working as a studio musician. Currently, as an active performer, I am involved with several ensembles, including the Vega Nova Quartet (where we play music by Brazilian composers), Ana Ćurčin Trio (also known as Tri Lepe), and the Aleksandar Dujin Orchestra. Additionally, I am working on new music and preparing upcoming concerts with the Milena Jancuric Quintet.

What are your goals personally?  Professionally?

Personally and professionally, my goal is to never stop learning. I strive to continually develop my sound and broaden my knowledge by embracing new technologies and innovative ideas. I aim to meet every challenge head-on and build the best version of myself.

What inspires you the most in life?

I find my greatest inspiration in nature, particularly in the sounds it produces. My family, friends, and the musicians I collaborate with also play a significant role in inspiring me. Additionally, I draw creative energy from art and the intricate patterns of geometry.

What has been your professional greatest challenge?

I am a classically trained flutist with years of dedicated study in classical music, culminating in my graduation from the Faculty of Music in Belgrade in flute performance. Despite this strong classical foundation, I was always drawn to exploring other musical styles. My experience with a high school jazz band fueled my passion for jazz and improvised music. Transitioning into this new genre was both a challenge and a joy. A significant milestone in this journey was receiving a scholarship to Berklee College of Music, where I had the privilege of collaborating with exceptional musicians and mentors who played a crucial role in helping me navigate and build a career in diverse musical realms.

What has been your personal greatest challenge?

My personal greatest and most beautiful challenge is motherhood.

Who were your music mentors?  and what did you learn from them?

I am deeply grateful to the incredible mentors and teachers who have guided me throughout my school years and professional music career. Their influence has instilled in me a profound love for music, a passion for learning and exploration, and unwavering support that has shaped me into the artist I am today. They are:

Aleksandra Horvat, Ljubiša Jovanović, Matt Marvuglio (flute) Fernando Brandao (ensemble)

Mitch Hupers (improvisation) and Scott Free (jazz composition)

I've been fortunate to learn a lot about music and life from some of the most incredible musicians I've had the privilege to work with:

Aleksandar Dujin (pianist and composer), Danilo Perez and Marco Pignataro (Berklee Global Jazz Institute)
Ehud Ettun (bassist and composer), Milan Jančurić (producer and my dearest brother).

Can you give us 5 quirky, secret, fun, (don't think too much about this) hobbies or passions? 

I love being a mother, as a mom to a toddler with a busy work schedule, I don't have much free time for hobbies. However, I love going for long walks and enjoy collecting cake recipes :) 

What 3 things would you offer as advice for a young flutist?

Your sound is your voice. Always strive to discover your unique sound. Explore all the possibilities that your instrument offers, and even look beyond them. Embrace the journey of finding your true expression, and never stop pushing the boundaries of your creativity.

---