Marc Djokic Joins the MCO as Concertmaster

June 21, 2018, Montreal, QC – The McGill Chamber Orchestra (MCO) and Artistic Director Boris Brott are pleased to welcome Marc Djokic as the orchestra’s new concertmaster.

Praised by La Presse for his “rhythmic sense and natural phrasing,” Marc Djokic is winner of the prestigious 2017-2018 Mécénat Musica Prix Goyer. A native of Halifax, Djokic is known for his powerful and virtuosic performances, as well as an engaging and down-to-earth approach that has made him an audience favourite across the country and beyond.

“I’ve long been an admirer of Marc Djokic’s solo career and his expertise in chamber music,” comments Boris Brott, “We look forward to working with him in this new capacity as concertmaster.”

Djokic comments: “It is my great privilege to embark on this new adventure with Maestro Boris Brott and the McGill Chamber Orchestra, with its amazing history of over 75 years. I’m looking forward to the wonderful season ahead with colleagues in the orchestra and invited guests.”

Marc Djokic first studied violin with his father, violinist Philippe Djokic, one of Canada’s great soloists and a pupil of the master Ivan Galamian. He continued his studies under the tutelage of David Russell at Cleveland Institute of Music’s Young Artist Program, Donald Weilerstein at the New England Conservatory, and with Jaime Laredo at Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music. Marc made his orchestral debut at 14 and won the Governor General’s Millennium Award at age 20. With the support of the Canada Council for the Arts, the Ontario Arts Council, and Mécénat Musica, Marc has commissioned numerous Canadian compositions. A past recipient of Canada Council’s Instrument Bank among numerous other prizes, Marc appears frequently as soloist with Canada’s top orchestras and in chamber music festivals across North America. Long-time collaborations include Trio Tangere, Bev & Marc duo, Air Strings and Keys, Djokic-Leblanc duo, and Art Crush. Marc performs on a rare Guarnerius violin from 1740, a Carl Becker from 1927, and a Hannibal Fagnola from 1922.  His debut album will be released on the ATMA Classique label in September 2018.

Founded in 1939 by composer and conductor Alexander Brott and cellist and general manager Lotte Brott, the MCO (McGill Chamber Orchestra) is one of Canada’s most established ensembles. Since 2000, the MCO has been under the Artistic Direction of conductor Boris Brott, one of Canada’s most internationally renowned conductors. The orchestra is a vibrant ensemble consisting of some of the best professional musicians in Montreal and presents concerts throughout the year in the city’s finest halls.  The MCO will celebrate its 80^th Anniversary in the 2019/2020 season.

Marc Djokic will be the violin soloist with the MCO for the programme “Dompierre at the Movies,” featuring François Dompierre as host, taking place on July 15, at the Domaine Forget festival. The programme will also open the MCO season in Montreal, at Salle Bourgie on September 22, conducted by Boris Brott.

For the full programming of MCO’s 2018/2019 season, “The Best of Our Own,” including concerts featuring Julie Boulianne, Stéphane Tetreault, Alexandre da Costa, and many others, please see: orchestre.ca