Dejan Jovanovic Quintett - feat. Oana Cătălina Chițu
Cool part instead of "squeeze box": The accordion is the instrument of the year 2026. "A versatile sound wonder between tradition and modern music culture," as noted by the selecting State Music Council of Berlin. The concert evening of the Dejan Jovanović Quintett at ufaFabrik impressively demonstrates how versatile, lively, and surprisingly contemporary the accordion can sound about 200 years after its invention.
The accordionist Dejan Jovanović, born in Serbia and living in Berlin for over 20 years, presents an extraordinary musical project with his quintet that transcends boundaries and opens new sound spaces. Here, the deep traditions of Balkan and Roma music meet the freedom of jazz and the sonic expansiveness of classical music.
The result is an intense, vibrant, and highly emotional sound: driving rhythms, lyrical melodies, and virtuosic improvisations merge into a unique musical experience that touches and captivates alike.
Most compositions and arrangements are by Dejan Jovanović himself, who combines his classical training on the accordion with his cultural roots. This creates music that builds bridges – between East and West, tradition and modernity, structure and improvisation.
For this special project, he has gathered outstanding musicians from the Berlin and international scenes. As a special guest, the Romanian singer Oana Cătălina Chițu adds an extra emotional dimension to the evening. With her expressive voice and songs from various regions of the Balkans, she brings authentic depth and great musical intensity to the stage.
On October 2nd, this extraordinary ensemble invites you to a concert evening at ufaFabrik – full of joy in playing, musical diversity, and touching encounters between cultures and sound worlds.
The musicians:
Dejan Jovanović – Accordion, Composition
Accordionist, composer, and arranger from Serbia, living in Berlin for over 20 years. His music connects Balkan and Roma traditions with jazz, classical music, and contemporary improvisation. He composes for solo, chamber music, orchestra, choir, as well as film and theater, and moves confidently between composed structure and free musical development.
Oana Cătălina Chițu – Vocals
The Romanian singer is known for her intense stage presence and her authentic interpretations of traditional Balkan songs. Her voice combines folkloric roots with modern expressiveness.
Daniel Stawinski – Piano
The Berlin pianist moves between jazz and Latin American and African influences. Influenced by Alexander von Schlippenbach and Aki Takase, he is active internationally as a musician, arranger, and lecturer.
Wladimir Karparov – Saxophone
The saxophonist from Sofia combines jazz with Bulgarian folklore. He is internationally sought after and known for his energetic projects and several of his own releases.
Igor Spallati – Double Bass
The Italian bassist, trained at the Jazz Institute Berlin, impresses with stylistic openness, sonic depth, and great musical flexibility in international projects.
Bodek Janke – Drums & Percussion
Coming from a Polish-Russian family of musicians, he is among the most versatile percussionists in Europe. His unique combination of drum set, tabla, and global rhythmic traditions makes him internationally unique.
Photo: Jan Miklosek
Box office opens at 19:00
Hallo, ich bin Maya.
