Slobodan Trkulja, the founder of modern Balkan traditional music, composer, singer, and producer, has announced his participation in the international music competition Intervision’25.
At the age of 11, Slobodan Trkulja taught himself to play the clarinet and later mastered over 15 musical instruments. A graduate of the Amsterdam Conservatory, he holds a Master’s degree in Music with highest honors in jazz, saxophone, and musical composition.
In 1997, he formed a band that has since become a cultural treasure and a national hallmark. The music of Balkanopolis draws inspiration from traditional Balkan melodies and rhythms, ancient Byzantine chants, and archaic throat singing. The group’s name reflects its concept: Balkanopolis — a fusion of Balkan (a geographic and cultural space) and polis (city, civilization). It is a “city of sounds” where the past and future converge.
Balkanopolis places special emphasis on the visual aspect of its performances — theatrical staging, ethnic costumes, and lighting effects create an immersive journey through the Balkan cultural code.
As the frontman and founder of Balkanopolis, Slobodan has collaborated and performed with renowned symphony and jazz orchestras, including the Grammy-winning Metropole Orchestra and the Dutch Phion Orkest. In January 2023, he made his television debut in China, appearing at CCTV’s New Year’s Gala, where he performed the Serbian folk song “Tamo Daleko” alongside world-famous pianist Lang Lang. The show was broadcast live on 1,000 TV channels across 173 countries, amassing a staggering 16 billion views.
Slobodan holds the honorary title of Cultural Ambassador of Serbia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He is actively involved in educational initiatives, conducting masterclasses, lectures, and concerts for young audiences. Slobodan firmly believes that preserving and reinterpreting traditions must begin with education.