Bio
Vojin Kocić, multifaceted classical guitarist, captivates audiences with his musicality, expressive playing, and profound interpretations of guitar music spanning from Renaissance era to contemporary compositions of the 21st century. Critics have bestowed upon him the title of the "Maestro of Gentle Tones," a testament to his ability to evoke delicate and nuanced emotions through his instrument (SRF, Switzerland). His technical prowess, artistic maturity and daring interpretations have inspired rave reviews, impressed competition juries, and secured invitations to collaborate with many of the esteemed orchestras, composers, conductors, and musicians.
Grammy-winning recording producer Norbert Kraft of NAXOS Records has acclaimed the "warmth and passion" in his playing, labelling him a "superb guitarist." The American Record Guide hailed him as a "born prize winner destined for a remarkable career" following his series of 20 victories in international competitions. Among these, his 2014 triumph at the "Credit Suisse Young Artist Award" not only granted him a debut at the Lucerne Festival in 2015 but also positioned him as the first guitarist ever to attain this esteemed prize.
The Serbian/Swiss guitarist made his international breakthrough in 2017 and 2018, winning the prestigiousInternational Guitar Festival and Competition in Heinsberg, Germany, and the 51st Concorso Internazionale di Chitarra Classica “Michele Pittaluga” in Alessandria, Italy. These achievements paved the way for Kocić, affording him the opportunity to produce two records within a span of a single year for the NAXOS record label, overseen by Grammy-winning recording producer Norbert Kraft. Moreover, he embarked on an extensive concert tour in 2019, performing at distinguished venues and festivals including “Guitar Virtuosi” at Tchaikovsky Hall (Moscow), the Verbier Festival (Switzerland), and “Music Olympus” at St. Petersburg Capella Hall, among others.
Released in 2019, Kocić’s debut recording opens with his captivating adaptation of Bach's 2nd Violin Partita BWV1004, a composer whose music holds a particular fascination for Kocic. Spanning from Baroque to Contemporary music, the album also includes showpieces for the guitar by Manuel Ponce, Giulio Regondi, and Marek Pasieczny that well represent Kocic’s taste. Released in the same year, Kocić’s second Naxos album reflects his desire to revive the legacy and diversity of three generations of Spanish composers - Albeniz, José, and Manén - as well as the close bond he feels with the deep Iberian musical imagination and cultural heritage. Both of those albums received critical acclaim for their technical prowess and emotive interpretations.
Reviews
"Vojin Kocić is a superb guitarist. He has been a delight to work with on our several Naxos recordings, and whether live or recorded, his warmth and passion shine through every note."
Norbert Kraft,
Grammy Winner recording producer, NAXOS Records
"Completely charming, rich in color and depth, with an almost painterly approach to interpretation, Kocic is a great musician, deftly placing sounds and colours on the flow of time. A treasure from first notes to the fade of the last sound. "
© 2020 American Record Guide
"With his achievements Vojin deserved the Diploma of Honour - never awarded before or after in my guitar class at the Academia Chigiana! It would have been beautiful if some other student were ever able to follow his example... But, even at the highest level, so far this doesn't seem to have happened yet at all!"
Maestro Oscar Ghiglia
"Guitar Recital by Vojin Kocić is an album filled with elegance, musicality, and virtuosity. Some of the greatest musical works are performed with amazing clarity and sensible musical playing. One of the best new guitar albums I’ve heard in a long time. Beautiful!"
Bradford Werner (thisisclassicalguitar.com)
"Maestro of soft tones discovered!"
Schweizer Radio und Fernsehen (SRF)
"The debut CD by Serbian guitarist Vojin Kocić (born 1990) follows his win at the 2017 Heinsberg International Guitar Competition in Germany – and what a debut it is, with music ranging from the Baroque to the present day."
The Whole Note
