LADOM Ensemble

LADOM Ensemble combines piano, cello, accordion, and percussion in a unique blend of acoustic chamber and world music that is passionate, sophisticated, and wild. Their all-original repertoire incorporates inspirations from Argentinean tango, Serbian folk and dance traditions, Persian classical repertoire, as well as music from the Classical (Bach, Prokofiev), and progressive rock worlds (Radiohead). Ladom doesn’t pretend to represent any one tradition, but rather expresses an authentically Canadian fusion. Ladom’s musical identity is combined from many sources and reflects a beautiful new world with a Western classical toolset. “Elegant and contemplative… rocking and fiery!” - Errol Nazareth, CBC

JELENA MILOJEVIC

JELENA MILOJEVIC is one of the most accomplished classical accordionists in the world. She started her formal education in Croatia and continued in Serbia, where she is now completing her Doctoral degree. A versatile musician with an extensive performing history, she has played concerts in Europe, North America and Asia as a soloist, chamber musician and a soloist with various orchestras. She performed in some of the most prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall and Berlin Philharmonie. Jelena is the winner of some of the most prestigious international accordion competitions, including the CMA World Trophy, International Competition in Castelfidardo (Italy) etc. Since 2020, she is teaching accordion at the University of Victoria.

BERGMANN DUO

BERGMANN DUO, internationally recognized piano ensemble, have been praised for “having keyboard skills of the first order with impeccable musicianship” (The Calgary Herald) and have recorded numerous CDs for the Arktos, Koch International, Brilliant Classics, Naxos and ARS labels. Their dynamic and energetic performances of uniquely eclectic programmes have inspired audiences for more than two decades. Elizabeth and Marcel Bergmann played recitals and concerts with orchestras all over the world. In addition to their performing careers, they enjoy teaching, acting as Directors at the Langley Community Music School and serving as lecturers and jury members of International competitions.

BERTRAM LEVY

BERTRAM LEVY, legendary American bandoneonist, has been immersed in classical and modern forms of Argentine tango for the last 30 years. He studied the bandoneon with Rodolfo Daluisio in Buenos Aires at the Conservatorio de Manuel de Falla for 12 years and has been the musical director of the premier Seattle tango ensemble,Tangoheart since 1999. His latest passion is a fresh Northern American re-imagination of Canaro’s music in the style of the stride which he calls Stride Tango Americano, which he will present with the amazing Victoria based guitarist Aaron Watson.

SANDRA NACCACHE AND JORGE LOPEZ

SANDRA NACCACHE AND JORGE LOPEZ are highly accomplished and experienced sought out artists. Based in Buenos Aires and Montreal, they began their collaboration in 2016 and now dance full time together. They have worked internationally, teaching and performing Argentine Tango in Milongas, festivals, shows and exclusive top-of-the line cruise lines. Charismatic and authentic, Jorge and Sandra possess a panoply of knowledge and have developed a solid student base worldwide. Their teaching method is impeccable, structured and catered to help their students grow efficiently. Filmed in Buenos Aires, Jorge and Sandra have worked as dancers and choreographers on the famous Chinese reality series “Sisters Over Flowers” and have been invited to dance in several TV shows, musical comedies and movies.

NIKOLAY BINE

NIKOLAY BINE has been playing accordion since the age of 6. He studied at the St. Petersburg State Conservatory and has already won many prestigious competitions including: first place in the Trophée Mondial in 2014 (Lithuania) and in 2017, placed third at the Internationaler Akkordeonwettbewerb Klingenthal (Germany), Coupe Mondial and Citta di Castelfidardo (Italy), and Trophee Mondial (France). Nikolay has performed with world-famous jazz musicians such as Chick Corea, David Binney and Simone Zanchini. He has toured as a soloist and with his jazz ensemble “Four ever band,” participating in many international festivals.

BOZHINOV-BURNYEAT DUO

BOZHINOV-BURNYEAT DUO is an eclectic ensemble which presents a perfectly crafted mix of Irish/Scottish and Balkan music. Kosta Bozhinov (accordion) is classically trained musician, originally from Bulgaria with a strong passion for Balkan rhythms, improvisation, and cross-genre collaboration. In addition to recording soundtracks for major movie productions and award-winning video games, Kosta has appeared as soloist with every major symphony orchestra in Western Canada. Michael Burnyeat is an award winning fiddler and multi-instrumentalist from Vancouver. Two-time BC Fiddle Champion and the founder of the UBC Fiddle Club, Michael plays with numerous Celtic, Folk, and Country bands in Vancouver and across the lower mainland.

GIL DYNASTY BAND

GIL DYNASTY BAND, is a fiery Vallenato group representing the joy of the Colombian folklore. Vallenato music was born in the small city of Valledupar, Colombia, but has now reached other parts of the world. Javier Gil and Andres Gil with their band, proudly share the sounds of their hometown with the nostalgia and emotions that defines Vallenato. Coming from a long line of musicians, they carry these Latin and Colombian flavours in their blood.

NAOMI HARRIS

NAOMI HARRIS, is a Japanese–American accordionist, a prize winner at the international accordion competitions in Japan, Canada and USA. Although very young, she successfully represented US at one of the most prestigious accordion competitions in the world, CMA Trophee Mondiale in Lithuania, back in 2014.

ADAM JONATHAN CON

ADAM JONATHAN CON, is an Associate Professor at UVic School of Music and is the Acting Associate Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts. A passionate accordion advocate and player, he significantly contributed to the establishing of the Accordion Program at UVic School of Music.

DAVID HAMANN

DAVID HAMANN, talented American accordionist, is now pursuing his Masters Degree at the University of Victoria School of Music Accordion Program. He has performed as a soloist and in the Martin Music Accordion Orchestra as part of the AFNA music festival. As a member of the accordion orchestra he performed once in the White House