Ljubinka Kulisic

Black Mountain College Museum Arts Center

Experience the captivating artistry of Ljubinka Kulisic, an acclaimed accordion virtuoso, as she brings to life the innovative compositions of John Cage and John Zorn. The program features three seminal works by Cage: "Dream," originally composed for Merce Cunningham’s choreography, which envelops listeners in its haunting and ethereal atmosphere; "Souvenir," a solo organ piece that showcases Cage’s unique approach to the instrument; and "Cheap Imitation I and II," inspired by Erik Satie’s "Socrate" and notable for its use of the I Ching to create rhythmic patterns. Additionally, the performance includes Zorn’s "Road Runner," a thrilling, cartoon-inspired solo accordion piece that captures the frenetic energy of its namesake through rapid jump cuts and dynamic changes.

Ljubinka Kulisic, born and raised in Bosnia and Herzegovina, has a repertoire that spans from early baroque adaptations to contemporary compositions. Her extensive training includes a Bachelor and Master of Arts in Music Performance from the University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland in Lugano. Kulisic has performed across Europe, Canada, and the United States, participating in prestigious festivals and collaborating with renowned musicians. Her interpretations of works by Cage, Zorn, and others have been lauded as extraordinary and virtuosic by major publications. With a deep commitment to music education, Kulisic has also shared her expertise as a teaching assistant at the University of Toronto, guiding graduate students in contemporary music literature and techniques.

Performance: Ljubinka Kulisic