I didn't always know I wanted to be a musician. As a matter of fact, cello was not even my first choice!
Even though I come from a family of musicians I didn't spend a lot of time making music. Until one day in second grade the whole class was taken on a field trip to a music school where we also had our hearing abilities tested. I scored the highest and so the principal approached me and asked me a question: “Do you want to play an instrument?” - bravely, I said yes!
The next day I came down to the music school and I remember being in a big room surrounded by all kinds of instruments. This was the time to pick one and I chose trumpet! I can imagine my parents weren't happy with it so I had to choose again. My second choice was violin! The principal hands me the violin, I try to play it, but since I was a big boy at the time my dad says: “Oh that's too small for you. Give him something bigger.” - and so I ended up with the cello! We haven't separated since.
Biography
Mislav Brajković, known on social media as KingsString, is an exceptional and gifted cellist whose musical accomplishments have garnered numerous accolades and prestigious awards.
His remarkable successes in music have earned him the "Knowledge Oscar" from the Ministry of Croatia a staggering four times, a testament to his extraordinary talent and dedication to his craft.
Mislav's numerous awards and accolades speak to his mastery of the cello and his passion for music. He has won top prizes at international competitions such as the CARSA Competition, Antonio Janigro International Competition, CIMA competition, and Rudolf Matz International Competition. He has also received recognition for his chamber music performances, including a first prize at the Fidelio competition, Croatian state chamber music competition and a golden cup for first place at the international Ars Nova competition in Trieste. Mislav's artistry has been further recognized with the Zoltan Kodaly Award from the ISA International Summer Academy.
A sought-after performer, Mislav has graced the stages of some of the world's most prestigious concert halls and festivals. He has participated in renowned events such as the Styrian Chamber Music Festival, Festival Loisiarte, ISA Festival, Cello Biennale Amsterdam, Dubrovnik Summer Festival, and Osor musical evenings.
As a founder and member of the "Doreen Quartet," "Xylos Trio," and "Xylos Duo," Mislav regularly performs with these ensembles, showcasing his exceptional musicianship and virtuosity.
Mislav completed his studies at Zagreb University of Music in Croatia where he was awarded the "Dean award" for the academic year 2012/2013. He then pursued his postgraduate degree in Cello Solo with prof. Reinhard Latzko and in chamber music with prof. Dr. h. c. Johannes Meissl at the prestigious University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna, where he successfully graduated.
Mislav's talents have earned him the opportunity to work with many renowned artists in the music industry. He has performed in venues such as Wiener Musikverein, Wiener Konzerthaus, Muziekgebouw and Bimhuis Amsterdam, Lisinski concert hall, Muth concert hall, and ORF Radiokulturhaus, captivating audiences with his remarkable musicianship and artistry.
