Dejan Jovanovic Quintet: featuring Oana Cătălina Chițu

Born in Serbia and living in Berlin for over 20 years, accordionist Dejan Jovanović presents, with his quintet, an extraordinary musical project that transcends boundaries and opens up new sonic 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, lively, and highly emotional sound: driving rhythms, lyrical melodies, and virtuoso improvisations merge into a unique musical experience that is both moving and captivating.

Most of the compositions and arrangements are by Dejan Jovanović himself, who combines his classical training on the accordion with his cultural roots. The result is music that builds bridges—between East and West, tradition and modernity, structure and improvisation.

For this special project, he has brought together outstanding musicians from the Berlin and international scenes.

As a special guest, 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 2, this extraordinary ensemble invites you to a concert evening at the ufaFabrik—full of joy in playing, musical diversity, and moving encounters between cultures and soundscapes.

The musicians:

Dejan Jovanović – accordion, composition

Accordionist, composer, and arranger from Serbia, based in Berlin for over 20 years. His music blends Balkan and Roma traditions with jazz, classical music, and contemporary improvisation. He composes for solo instruments, chamber music, orchestra, choir, as well as film and theater, and moves with ease 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 blends folk roots with modern expressiveness.

Daniel Stawinski – Piano

The Berlin-based pianist moves between jazz and Latin American and African influences. Influenced by Alexander von Schlippenbach and Aki Takase, among others, he is active internationally as a musician, arranger, and lecturer.

Wladimir Karparov – Saxophone

The Sofia-born saxophonist blends jazz with Bulgarian folklore. He is in high demand internationally and known for his energetic projects and several solo releases.

Igor Spallati – Double Bass

The Italian bassist, trained at the Jazzinstitut Berlin, impresses with his stylistic openness, tonal depth, and great musical flexibility in international projects.

Bodek Janke – Drums & Percussion

Coming from a Polish-Russian family of musicians, he is one of Europe’s most versatile percussionists. His unique blend of drum set, tabla, and global rhythmic traditions makes him a one-of-a-kind artist on the international scene.