On stage with the family, the hierarchy falls

Imer Traja Brizani, a composer, university-trained musicologist, and doctoral candidate at ECPD University within an international doctoral program, has written Slovenia's first Roma musical Stekleno jabolko (The Glass Apple) and dedicated himself to journalism and pedagogy. He has also been awarded a state honor for his creative contribution to the recognition of Roma culture. Despite his numerous titles, accolades, and years of work, Brizani remains driven by his need to create. This year marks 46 years of uninterrupted artistic creation for him, while the group he leads, Amala, celebrates its 30th anniversary of activity. The milestone will be marked on August 31 at 20:30 with a concert titled Gypsy Night, part of the Ljubljana Festival. On stage at Križanke, Amala will be joined by the Big Band and the Symphonic Orchestra of RTV Slovenia, conducted by Patrik Greblo, along with several guests including Alenka Godec, Oto Pestner, Lana Trotovšek, and Bernardo Brizani. Throughout the evening, program hosts Mojca Mavec and Violeta Tomić will guide the audience, offering a glimpse into the musical heritage passed through generations and highlighting the artist who has long placed Roma music in dialogue with jazz, classical, and contemporary compositional approaches. Reflecting on the 30-year journey of Amala, Brizani says: “My creative path is a synthesis of strong intuition and deliberate musicological research. Intuition comes from childhood; my father, Uka Brizani, was a central figure in musical authority. As a composer, I made my debut at age 13, later developing my authorial concept through groups such as Amala, Brizani Project, Latino Messengers, and Brizani All Stars. Intuition brings emotional inclination, while musicology provides compositional structure and orchestral breadth.” On stage, emotional catharsis Amala, founded in 1996, has significantly shaped the space of modern Roma music in Slovenia and beyond. At Križanke, the group will connect the Big Band and the Symphonic Orchestra of RTV Slovenia. “As a composer, what excites me most is the compositional challenge of weaving together two sonically different worlds,” Brizani explains. “Integrating the lyrical polyphony of the Symphony Orchestra with the rhythmic propulsion and percussive articulation of the Big Band opens unlimited possibilities for building dramatic contrasts, which I blend into a unified sound whole through orchestration.” A significant part of this musical dialogue will involve conductor Patrik Greblo. “It’s about continuous complementation within the same creative language at the highest professional level,” Brizani adds. “I bring the compositional vision, specific rhythmic pulse, and harmonic identity, while Patrik is an exceptional conductor with a precise sense of orchestral structure. Our dialogue is ongoing enhancement, where the maestro ensures that my demanding sonic vertical fully comes alive on stage.” Brizani’s musical journey has also been shaped by collaborations with jazz greats, from whom he learned much. “They taught me that active listening is the foundation of every sonic and interpersonal interaction,” he says. “Working with authorities like Jože Privšek and Peter Erskine means entering a space where ego gives way to pure musicianship. With them, I discovered the essence of compositional economy: conveying maximum content with minimal tone.” Authentic artistic identity does not arise from comparison with surroundings but from respecting roots, knowledge, and continuous creation. His artistic work has long transcended one field alone. “The stage brings direct emotional catharsis, while journalism and pedagogy require aesthetic verification and analytical distance,” Brizani notes. “Writing allows me to break down sound phenomena into components and give them scientific value. Teaching younger generations illuminates the very foundations of musical architecture once again.” Music knows no borders The commemorative evening will also be a family gathering, as Brizani will unite multiple generations of his family on stage. “It’s a moment when the past meets the present,” he says. “Each member of my family carries a piece of our shared history, and together we create something new.” The performance promises to be a celebration of continuity, innovation, and the enduring power of music to bridge divides and forge connections across time and tradition.