Ratko & Radiša Teofilović

The brass bands familiar from Emir Kusturica’s films and the »Balkan Beats« DJ movement brought exuberant, high-energy party music and dazzling instrumental virtuosity to Central Europe. At the same time, they tended to overshadow the rich tradition of intimate and deeply expressive vocal music found in the south-east of the continent. These traditions draw equally on Orthodox church music, mythology and epic poetry. Among the foremost masters of Serbian polyphony are the twin brothers Ratko and Radiša Teofilović.

Since the 1990s, they have been researching, revitalising and reimagining this musical heritage, expanding the repertoire to include songs from North Macedonia, Croatia and Kosovo. Their speciality is diaphony, a form of two-part singing that is now recognised as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Their musical treasury spans more than 200 years and includes spiritual songs, nature-inspired melodies and love songs. The brothers are joined by Nebojša Jovan Živković on marimba. For more than 30 years, the exceptional percussionist has appeared on stages around the world with his own compositions and alongside leading international orchestras.