Marc Djokic
violin
Winner of the 2020 ECMA Classical Recording of the Year, the 2017-2018 Mécénat Musica Prix Goyer and a Prix Opus from the Conseil québécois de la musique, Marc Djokic is one of Canada’s most prolific violinists. He was named concertmaster of l’Orchestre classique de Montreal in 2018. In summer 2019 Marc Djokic will be embarking on his second European tour with solo recitals, chamber music concerts and masterclasses. His debut album, Solo Seven, garnered glowing reviews upon its release in 2018, and his newest collaborative album “André Mathieu – musique de chambre” will be released on May 3, 2019.
Marc first studied violin with his father, violinist Philippe Djokic, one of Canada’s great soloists and a pupil of the master Ivan Galamian. Marc continued his studies in the United States under the tutelage of David Russell at Cleveland Institute of Music’s Young Artist Program, Donald Weilerstein at the New England Conservatory, and Jaime Laredo at Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music. Marc made his first orchestra debut at 14, won the Governor General’s Millennium Award at 20, and at 23 was featured on Bravo! television series, The Classical Now.
A native of Halifax, Nova Scotia, Marc Djokic is known for his powerful and virtuosic performances. His engaging, anecdotal and down-to-earth approach has made him a fan favourite of audiences. Praised for his “rhythmic sense and natural phrasing” by La Presse, Marc is able to reach out to a diverse audience through his range of repertoire, new concert formats and collaborations. With the support of Canada Council for the Arts, the Ontario Arts Council and Mécénat Musica, Marc has commissioned numerous Canadian compositions for solo violin, string trio, marimba and violin, two guitars and violin and an upcoming multi-movement work for ensemble, choir and children’s choir.
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. He has been invited as soloist with such prestigious orchestras as the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, the National Arts Centre Orchestra and Quebec Symphony Orchestra. He appeared with the Calgary Philharmonic as part of his Bowfire debut, and recently performed Philip Glass’ ‘American Four Seasons’ with the Sudbury Symphony Orchestra. Marc will be at Domaine Forget in July 2018 to present a program of music by François Dompierre with the McGill Chamber Orchestra.
Marc’s past performances with leading musicians of the world stage include concerts with Beverley Johnston, James Ehnes, Jamie Parker, Measha Brueggergosman, Charles Richard-Hamelin, Isabel Bayrakdarian, Denise Djokic, David Jalbert and Thorwald Jorgensen. Marc’s longtime collaborations include Trio Tangere, Bev & Marc duo, Air Strings and Keys, Djokic-Leblanc duo, and Art Crush. His concerts have been frequently broadcast by CBC Radio Canada, Espace Musique, Ici Musique. From BC Touring to Jeunesses Musicales and Debut Atlantic, Marc has toured several times throughout Canada.
CAMMAC Music Centre named Marc Djokic as their first Artist-in-Residence for the 2017-2019 seasons, a role that will include teaching, performances, research and the commissioning of a work to be premiered at CAMMAC. In July 2018, Marc and CAMMAC will be co-sponsoring and launching its inaugural Composers Callout competition.
Marc was a founding member of the Morpheus Ensemble (Fréderic Lambert, Chloë Dominguez, Paul Stewart) which was Quartet-in-Residence from 2010 to 2013 at la Chapelle historique du Bon-Pasteur in Montreal. He was Musician-in-Residence of the St. Cecilia Concert Series in Halifax from 2009 to 2010.
From 2015 to 2017 the classical music channel Mécénat Musica Videos produced more than 45 music videos featuring Marc and his collaborations, reaching viewers from over 100 countries. This multi-year project aims to promote classical music through new media in Canada and beyond, and was made possible by the Mécénat Musica foundation. These videos can be watched in the playlist Marc Djokic Mécénat Musica videoclips. Other recent videos can viewed here.
Always enthusiastic to share insights on violin performance and technique, Marc also teaches masterclasses at universities and summer music festivals; he has recently taught at the University of Toronto, Concordia University and Scotia Festival of Music.
Marc performs on a rare Guarnerius violin from 1740, a Carl Becker from 1927 and a Hannibal Fagnola from 1922, and is particular about choosing the right violin for the occasion!
Marc grew up in a large musical family; his sister is cellist Denise Djokic, mother is pianist Lynn Stodola and father, violinist Philippe Djokic. His aunt Michelle Djokic, uncles Pierre Djokic and Alexandre Djokic are all musicians, as well as brother-in-law Nelson Lee. Marc resides in Montreal with his wife, visual artist Avery Zhao-Djokic.
Marc gratefully acknowledges the support of the Canada Council for the Arts.