All-Star Finale

A native of Belgrade, Serbia, cellist Igor Cetkovic enjoys a career as a soloist, chamber musician, orchestra member, and educator. Igor has served with orchestras across Europe and the United States, including the Bergen Philharmonic, Stavanger Symphony Orchestra, the Belgrade Philharmonic Orchestra, and as principal cellist of the Serbian chamber orchestra, The St. George Strings. Igor has appeared as a guest soloist with the Kalamazoo Symphony, Saginaw Bay Symphony, Wichita Falls Symphony, Yugoslav Army Orchestra, the St. George Strings, and in solo and chamber music recitals all over the world. Igor’s performance career has allowed him to play in many of Europe’s greatest halls, including Alte Oper in Frankfurt, Barbican Center in London, and KKL-Luzern Concert Hall. An avid fan of modern music, Igor has also played with some of Serbia’s biggest pop stars. Igor finished his doctoral studies at Michigan State University, studying under the renowned Suren Bagratuni. He also holds degrees from Stavanger University, University of Belgrade and Central Michigan University. Igor’s other principal teachers include his father Relja Cetkovic, Sandra Belic, Liv Opdal and Jamie Fiste.

Currently, Igor is an artist-in-residence and principal cellist of the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra, principal cello of the West Michigan Symphony, and the cellist for the Burdick-Thorne String Quartet. In addition to his performing schedule, Igor enjoys teaching both college and high-school students, and is current cello faculty for the Hope College, and has given masterclasses at the Grand Valley State University, Western Michigan University, Flint Institute of Music and for MASTA (Michigan chapter of American String Teachers Association). Igor is also co-founder and artistic director of the Michigan Princess Classical Concert Series in Grand Ledge, Mi, inviting musicians from all over the world to perform little-known chamber works.

Sponsored by David & Darcy Dye