SERBIAN SPOTLIGHT: Snježana Pavićević Artist Interview
What have you learned from playing solo piccolo in the Belgrade Philharmonic?
I've learned the importance of teamwork and how even the smallest part of the team is crucial for the final result. Playing the piccolo flute has also made me feel fearless and confident because this is a position where you can never "hide." Even when you're not playing explicit solo parts, you're always there, at the top of the orchestra, giving it the final "glance." That gives you a lot of power, but also means a huge responsibility. So the best lesson I’ve learned in this position is that if you want power, you have to be able to take responsibility and trust yourself.
What has been your role at the Serbian Flute Association? How did this come about?
I am currently the president of the Serbian Flute Association, a position I've held since 2020. I accepted the proposal from my professor's daughter (also a flutist) as I am one of his last students, and our Association was named after him. It was a great honor, and at the same time, there are so many expectations—from the community, but first of all, from myself. I am not the kind of person who would accept "the title" just for the record; I can only accept the title if I am willing to do my best. I am so happy that our Association is now an internationally recognized community.
When and how did you start the Piccolo Festival? Who are your guest artists this year, etc.?
I started the "Belgrade Piccolo Weekend" project in 2021. I wanted to create a unique event dedicated to the instrument that determined my whole professional life, and it is the only event of this kind in this part of Europe. My guests have included some of the best international piccolo artists and pedagogues: Jean-Louis Beaumadier, Gudrun Hinze, Peter Verhoyen, Nicola Mazzanti, Matjaž Debeljak. For the next edition, my guests are Francesco Viola and Haika Lübcke. During the Belgrade Piccolo Weekend, we have masterclasses, concert recitals, chamber concerts, workshops, and exhibitions.
What is the most exciting thing in your life right now?
Besides the 3rd edition of the Belgrade Piccolo Weekend, I am so excited about my US and Canada tour in October 2024. I will be giving masterclasses and playing concerts in New York, Boston, Washington, and Toronto. I am so grateful to my Burkart family and the Serbian Ministry of Culture for their support.
What are you completely bored with right now?
I am really bored with paperwork, administration (but it is part of any organizational job), and the permanent lack of financial support for the events I am organizing.
What is keeping you busy these days?
I am busy practicing some new piccolo music by Serbian composers that will be premiered at the Belgrade Piccolo Weekend. Some of these pieces I will also perform on my tour, and I am so excited to present something new to our music world.
On a scale from one to ten, how organized are you?
Professionally, I could say almost 10 (10-), but privately a bit less—let’s say 7-8.
One habit you wish you could break?
Ahhhh... eating too many sweets...
If you had a superpower, what would it be?
To stop all the people whose words or actions cause damage to other people’s lives, to our environment/planet, and to life in general.
What is one thing you wish you knew at 19?
I wish I knew that nobody will trust you and nobody will respect you if you don't respect yourself first. And when you do—then you don't need anyone's confirmation or acceptance.
What is your Spirit Animal?
According to some psychological and astrological tests, my spirit animal is an OWL! It symbolizes wisdom, clear vision, insight, independence, and a connection to the deeper aspects of life and the universe...
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