You might soon be dancing the night away to the music of Balkango, thanks to the immaculate playing of bandoneónist Aleksandar Nikolic. Alex Vella Gregory finds out more.
Two world-famous musicians will join on stage at the Hotel Phoenicia with two similar, but diverse, instruments, the bandoneon and the accordion. Aleksandar Nikolic (on the bandoneon) and Petar Maric (on the accordion) will present a programme of classical and contemporary music that ranges from Bach to Ástor Piazzolla. I asked Nikolic what the audience can expect.
How did you start your musical training?
I studied in Belgrade and Slovakia, where I graduated in classical accordion studies. I started playing the authentic tango bandoneon 10 years ago and I’m still the only bandoneon player in my country.
My interest in tango music, particularly the music of Astor Piazzolla, inspired me to set up Beltango quintet. This was 15 years ago, and today it is considered to be one of the best tango orchestras in the world.
Beltango performed in Malta last February at the Manoel Theatre. Tell us more about this ensemble.
I consider Beltango to be my main musical activity, although I also perform in other projects that highlight the tango and bandoneon.
This year I served as music director for the Balkan premiere of the tango opera Maria de Buenos Aires, written by Piazzolla.
I am also actively engaged with, and compose modern tango music, which I like to call Balkango and which is becoming increasingly popular around the world.
Is the accordion a popular instrument in Serbia? Or is it obsolete?
There is almost no household in Serbia that does not own at least one small accordion. It is usually played by traditional and folk musicians and this is why there are many young accordionists in the country. However, the Argentine bandoneon is still a rarity.
Accordion, bandoneon, concertina... what is the difference between these instruments?
The accordion is the most advanced from this family of free-reed instruments, and it has continued evolving over the past 100 years. On the other hand, the concertina and bandoneon have remained virtually unchanged from the 19th century. All three instruments have a single universal system for producing sound, but there are varying mechanisms, buttons and tunings available.
You will be performing with accordionist Petar Maric . How do you know each other? Have you worked together before?
Petar Maric is currently one of the world’s best young accordionists. His performances are characterised by great charisma, great virtuosity and musicality. As a young professor, I had the pleasure to teach Petar from his early childhood. For the past 15 years we have been cooperating as a professor and student, winning some of the world’s greatest awards along the way.
What is on the programme for your Malta concert?
We will present music from different genres and eras, which, of course, will culminate in a tango. There will be recognisable motifs from France, Italy, Spain, Brazil and Portugal.
What is the future of the accordion? Is it a dying instrument?
Compared to other classical instruments, the accordion is a relatively young instrument. Nowadays there are new technical solutions that allow a lot of experimentation with this instrument and it is becoming very popular with classical and pop musicians. Electronic sounds also give the instrument a new dimension.
What are your future plans and projects?
This concert is part of a big European tour which the Beltango quintet is currently doing.
It will cover 11 countries, playing at renowned festivals and concert venues including Santorini, Paris, Zurich, Konstanz, Rovinj and Budapest. The tour will end in mid-October and after that I will start preparations for the Belgrade Tango Festival.
Apart from that I am working on a new CD by the Beltango quintet called Balkan Milonga Loca, which will be released early next year.
Rythms of Cocertinas will take place on Saturday and Sunday at the Grand Ballroom, Hotel Phoenicia, Floriana.
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