Europe Symphony

Srđan Bulatović, Darko Nikčević and the Boka Bay Symphony Orchestra

The guitar duo Srđan Bulatović (dr. of classical guitar) and Marko Nikčević (flamenco guitarist and MS of audio technology) gained international recognition owing to their exceptional virtuosity and dynamic performances, including two famous concerts at Carnegie Hall (New York) in 2016 and 2017. Their unique musical expression combines the rhythm of the Balkans with the Mediterranean’s beauty and Orient’s mysticism, the primary stepping stone being the Montenegrin traditional heritage. They have been performing worldwide for 35 years, and what is characteristic of their compositions is the diversity of style, techniques and expression.

Not only did they release albums for the well-known international labels such as Naxos and Navona Records, but their music has been broadcasted on the most prominent radio stations such as BBC Radio 3 and others across Europe and America.

Europe Symphony

Europe Symphony is a contemporary large-format symphonic work that relies on the traditional symphonic sound of European classical music, enriched by expressive as well as modern melodies. The composition sails through a variety of music areas through five perspectives,  that  way making classical forms of art blend with the author’s personal language. What is characteristic of the work are one-of-a-kind rhythmic patterns, the inspiration for which was the local tradition in which  the heritage of the  Balkans is recognizable, in addition to some  new orchestral takes  on everything,   making us practically hear every sound in a different color. The music in question represents an obvious relationship between structure and expression, the tension and dynamics being built through carefully crafted thematic units. Europe Symphony is a sort of a clash of tradition and modern expression, everything shaped through an authorial voice reflecting the diversity and rhythm of Europe and its parts.

 

Oro

Oro is a concert piece intended for two guitars and   a symphony orchestra, inspired by the Montenegrin traditional heritage and its unique sense of community. The work draws its inspiration from the energy and symbolism of the traditional folk dance- representing it as an expression of collective strength, rhythm and mutual connection. The base of a composition is a strong rhythmic current combined with the dynamic connection between the guitar and the orchestra, solo instruments not being dominant but each and every part of the piece having equal participation in the creation of one common musical whole. Through a contemporary compositional approach, traditional elements are transferred into an unique concert setting, retaining their authenticity.

Oro is one powerful, energetic and self-explanatory piece that brings to the audience the spirit of the tradition and all that through modern expression, while at the same time promising an instant surge of emotions.

 

The Boka Bay Symphony Orchestra is an artistic ensemble founded in Boka Kotorska with the aim of affirming symphonic music in the region, as well as bringing together the most promising and outstanding musicians from Montenegro and beyond. The core of the orchestra represents the reliance on the rich cultural heritage of Kotor, Tivat and Herceg Novi- the towns in Boka Kotorska with a long history of music tradition which is also immensely significant. The orchestra brings together in one place the instrumentalists from different generations- ranging from the already established artists and pedagogues to young talents- thus encouraging the international exchange of knowledge and experiences, while at the same time further establishing the cultural life of Boka Kotorska. When talking about its artistic activity, the orchestra performs under the guidance of the prominent composer and conductor Mladen Tarbuk, with every step ensuring the high artistic level and consistency in interpretations.

 

The orchestra’s goal is to develop into a recognizable cultural brand of the region, with the hope that the quality of its art, professionalism and continuity of work would contribute to the international affirmation of Boka Kotorska and Montenegro.