The twelfth international saxophone festival in Serbia, Belgrade Saxperience, was held from September 25 to 27, with Bioskop Balkan having the honor to host two exceptional performances on September 26. This festival, known for its dedication to the saxophone as a symbol of freedom and improvisation in jazz, as well as expressiveness in contemporary music, once again demonstrated the strong support and interest of the audience in such cultural events.
Phots: Miloš Pantelić
At Bioskop Balkan, the Saxophone Orchestra from the University of Music Vienna mdw and the renowned Belgian saxophonist Hans de Jong performed. The mdw orchestra connected the audience to modern musical expressions with their energy and innovative approach to the classical saxophone sound, while Hans de Jong, with his rich compositional opus and virtuosic performance, demonstrated the saxophone as an instrument that bridges generations and genres.
For us at Bioskop Balkan, this is more than a concert; it is a confirmation of the importance of such festivals for the development and promotion of art. Through its timeless and diverse interpretations, the saxophone illuminates the endless dimensions of jazz and contemporary musical directions, creating a bridge between tradition and innovation. We are proud that our venue becomes a platform for such high-quality and significant artistic encounters that give Belgrade a unique cultural energy.
Belgrade Saxperience confirms its role as a cultural brand of Belgrade, a place where music is lived in full glory, inspiring artists and the audience to discover new horizons of sound together.
Milan Savić, saxophonist and festival director underpins this by saying that over the past 12 years, Belgrade Saxperience has become more than a festival.
-It is a place where the audience discovers new sound horizons, and young musicians gain valuable experiences and contacts. The saxophone is an instrument at the crossroads of different musical worlds, from classical, through jazz, to contemporary music, and precisely this diversity gives it the power to connect people of different generations and tastes. Maintaining the continuity of the festival for 12 years is a great challenge, but precisely because of that energy and audience reaction, we believe Belgrade deserves such a specific artistic event,” said Savić, adding that his greatest success is seeing how the saxophone can awaken both joy and nostalgia and captivate both the youngest and those who have spent their whole lives in music.
We thank the partners who made it possible for this festival event at Bioskop Balkan to achieve its full artistic potential. We especially appreciate the support of the Saxophone Association of Serbia, the Instituto Cervantes, the Embassy of the Kingdom of Belgium, the Austrian Cultural Forum, as well as the companies Selmer and JLV. The Saša Marčeta Foundation also played a key role in the realization of the festival, thereby contributing to the event’s visibility and quality. This collaboration shows how the synergy of various actors can create a significant cultural experience for Belgrade and the wider audience.