Today we’d like to introduce you to Vedrana Subotic.
Hi Vedrana, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
I am a professional musician – a classically trained pianist, originally from Croatia, born in Montenegro in the beautiful city of Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
I lived in Belgrade during my early years and education, and moved to the US at the age of 19, after winning the former Yugoslavia’s National Piano Competition. After completing a doctorate in music from Indiana University, I moved to Salt Lake City with my family. I am a Professor of Piano at the University of Utah and direct the Intermezzo Concert Series.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There have been a few bumps on the road – the civil war in the former Yugoslavia for example. I suddenly found myself a citizen of a country that no longer existed.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in the classical piano – performing and teaching. I frequently perform as a soloist and collaborator on the local concert series. I travel internationally and perform and teach at International Festivals and with arts organizations around the world. I especially enjoy traveling to Europe with my piano students and sharing with them my love of European arts and culture as part of special topic courses I teach every year – this summer, we are going to Prague!
I love creating unique collaborative opportunities between the performing artists and the community and sharing the joy of music making. I am passionate about education too. Every year, I work with the local teachers as a lecturer and clinician, and present talks, seminars, and masterclasses for the community. Last year I organized a three-day Liszt Festival and a performance of the entire Well-Tempered Clavier by Johann Sebastian with the U of U students, faculty, guest artists, and children and youth from the piano community – this was so popular, we are having another multi-disciplinary Bach concert this year, on March 31. This year also, there will be a Spanish Piano Music Festival from March 13-17 dedicated to the legacy of the legendary Spanish pianist Alicia de Larrocha.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
The Covid-19 crisis certainly confirmed the importance of perseverance, kindness, and integrity. I trust in science, cherish my family, and believe in gratitude and joy.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.vedranasubotic.com
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@VedranaSubotic
- Other: www.intermezzomusic.org
Image Credits
Brittany Palmer
