Srdjan Beronja (born 2 July 1976, Novi Sad, Serbia) is a Serbian composer, percussionist, musicologist, producer and music director.
Srdjan is coming from a struggling working class in a war-torn country, that created an extreme environment for his tempered artistic development. Original form of education and unique approach to music made him a rare breed of musicians distinctive in the world of music art.
His early works involved a number of musicians and music groups, including rock, classical, chamber, and traditional folk music. Driven by the passion for oriental music and eastern cultures, he left his homeland after the bombing of Serbia in 1999 and socio-political changes in 2000.
In 2001 he moved to India and studied the Indian tabla in the city of Varanasi, followed by thorough music studies and research through the subcontinent. In the coming years he became a bearer of the diploma in classical Indian tabla; while his book The Art of the Indian Tabla (2008 Rupa & Co Publications, New Delhi, India) came as the result of his studies and field research. Recognised for its comprehensiveness, the book was used for lectures in music schools and academic institutions in both India and the West.
From 2001 until 2011, Srdjan lived and worked in the triangle between the Balkans, the Indian subcontinent and the Middle East, in a number of countries including India, Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt, Israel, Syria, and others. He traveled thousands of miles overland researching numerous music forms, traditional musical instruments and the cultures of these three regions. He performed and collaborated as composer and music director with musicians from various musical and cultural backgrounds. He composed, recorded and produced unique music pieces, which he later signed to renowned label ARC Music, England, UK.
In 2011 he moved to Seattle, USA. Here he founded the acoustic experimental chamber music project AUDIO. The project evolved around the idea of music being purely an auditive art: "The true path of the heart and mind driven by the molecular vibrations."
In 2014, the first part of his works was published on the CD album The Sounds of Varanasi - a unique sound journey through the holy city. The album became acclaimed for its form and original conception.
In 2016, the second part of his works was published on the CD album Sounds of the East - Music from the Balkans, India and the Middle East. The album was top rated on international charts and revered globally.
His works were also featured on CD compilations Discover Music from India, followed by Indian Vistas.
Srdjan is currently based in Seattle. He engages with musicians around the world, whose dedication to sound and music is sincere.
www.srdjanberonja.com