Strings
Cello
Valentina Ignjic
Availability
1 hour lessons
45 minute lessons
30 minute lessons
Serbian cellist Valentina Ignjić enjoys a dynamic and versatile career as a soloist, chamber musician, orchestral performer, and educator. She began her musical journey at the age of 10 in her hometown of Belgrade, Serbia. From the start, Valentina was inspired by her teachers, who nurtured her passion for music and guided her toward achieving her aspirations. Through years of dedication and hard work, she has established herself as a concert cellist, performing extensively across Europe and the United States.
Valentina earned her Bachelor of Arts in Music Performance from the University of Novi Sad under Prof. Imre Kalman, whose own teachers included André Navarra and Arto Noras. She was awarded a full scholarship to study with Prof. Wendy Warner at Columbus State University, where she benefited from the legacy of Mstislav Rostropovich. Valentina furthered her studies at Roosevelt University (Chicago College of Performing Arts) under Prof. Richard Hirschl, a member of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and a student of Leonard Rose. She completed her Doctor of Musical Arts degree at the University of Georgia in 2022, studying with Dr. David Starkweather and winning the 2020 Concerto Competition.
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Valentina made her concerto debut performing Tchaikovsky’s Variations on a Rococo Theme with the Academy Symphonic Orchestra. Her solo recitals have taken her to Serbia, Hungary, Germany, Montenegro, and the U.S. states of Georgia and Illinois. She has participated in masterclasses with world-renowned cellists and musicians, including Yo-Yo Ma, Mischa Maisky, Johannes Moser, Roberto Díaz, Maria Kliegel, and Matt Haimovitz, among others.
Valentina’s dedication to excellence has been recognized in numerous competitions. Her accolades include the MTNA State Competition (2011, Alternate, USA), first place at the “Mokranjcev Memorial Festival” (2005, Serbia), and awards at the State Contests in Belgrade (2000, 2002, 2004).
Chamber music and orchestral performance have always been a significant part of Valentina’s career. She has performed in prestigious venues such as the Berlin Philharmonic Hall and the Lübeck Kongresshalle in Germany as Co-Principal Cellist with the Deutsch-Skandinavische Jugend-Philharmonie. She has also played with the Belgrade Philharmonic Orchestra, Montenegro Philharmonic Orchestra, “Art Link” Baroque String Orchestra, “Dušan Skovran” Chamber Orchestra, and LaGrange Symphony Orchestra.
Today, Valentina Ignjić brings her extensive experience and passion for music to her students, inspiring the next generation of cellists through her teaching and performances.
