Savremena’s third-year student Nikola Milosavljević used his summer break for education and his greatest love – the guitar. While his peers were relaxing on the beach or the mountains, Nikola participated in two music events – ARLEMM, a summer music event in Arilje, and the international guitar festival Forum Gitarre Wien.

Performing in front of a large audience in Arilje

Soon after he’d said goodbye to his schoolmates and started enjoying his summer break, Nikola headed to Arilje, where he took part in the 9th iteration of ARLEMM, a summer music event which took place 14 – 29 July.

Savremena’s student used his free time at the festival to converse with our leading professors and artists. He enjoyed the diverse repertoire the organisers had prepared, and attended the lectures given by the famous professor Tošić, from whom he learnt many guitar secrets.

Nikola also performed at the final concert by the guitar ensemble which marked the end of the festival. His performance provoked a great reaction from the audience.

Before returning to Belgrade, Nikola visited the Church of St. Achillius in Arilje dating from the 13th century, and made the photo he shared with us:

Surrounded by renowned artists in Vienna and a chance not to be missed

Soon afterwards, during the last week of August, Nikola went to Vienna to the international guitar festival Forum Gitarre Wien, where he was privileged to be taught by renowned professors from the Vienna and Maastricht conservatories, Álvaro Pierri and Carlo Marchione. In addition, he spent time with many professors, PhD and MA students, and other students with whom he exchanged his experiences.

The most exciting moment for the young guitarist was the performance at the magnificent Ehrbar Saal, a concert hall which welcomed many famous artists including Béla Bartók, Johannes Brahms, Gustav Mahler, Anton Rubinstein and others.

Full of impressions from these events, Nikola eagerly awaits the next opportunity to showcase his talent and develop his music skills, as well as to share his experiences with us.