Biography

Photos: Kristina Miljkovic

Isidora Žebeljan was perhaps the most internationally acclaimed contemporary-classical Serbian composer. She was also one of the most prominent Serbian composers of film and theatre music, having composed forty theatre productions, and was awarded the Sterija Award three times.

Isidora's works were commissioned by important international institutions and festivals including the Berlin Philharmonic Foundation, Venice Biennale, London's Genesis Foundation, and the Eduard van Beinum Foundation. She composed works for leading ensembles such as Wiener Symphoniker, The Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Brodsky Quartet and Berlin Philharmonic Octet. Her compositions have been performed internationally by ensembles including the BBC Symphony Orchestra, Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra and Janáček Philharmonic Orchestra.

Isidora was the first woman to become a Professor of Composition at the Belgrade Academy of Music. Isidora was also a member of the Serbian Academy of Science and Arts and, in 2012, was elected as a member of the World Academy of Art and Sciences (WAAS). In 2014, Isidora received the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean Award for her achievements in art.

“Isidora Žebeljan’s music struck me immediately as something original, fresh, and above all emotionally expressive: a rare commodity, but an essential one for interesting theatrical storytelling.” Sir David Pountney CBE

“Her music spins off impetuously, unpredictably, with an unshackled verve” Gramophone

“A genuinely original voice and truly impressive talent…Her professionalism and craft are amazing, and her original
talent is of the first order” John Manger

“Fans of contemporary music, take note.” Classical Today