Branimir Slokar
Born in Maribor, Slovenia, Slokar decided on a music career after winning first prize at the 7th Yugoslav Music Competition in Zagreb.
In 1969 he completed his studies at the Ljubljana Academy of Music with distinction and went on to study at the Paris Conservatoire, where he later won first prize. He went on to win many other prizes and distinctions, including the 23rd ARD International Music Competition in Munich in 1974.
After performing as a solo trombonist in renowned orchestras, he decided in 1980 to pursue his soloist career and has since performed all over the world. In addition to his solo career, Slokar is regularly invited to teach master classes in Europe, USA, and Japan.
He founded the Slokar Trombone Quartet, which also performs throughout the world. His numerous recordings and radio and television performances have contributed to his world-wide fame. He was also a member of the Jury at international competitions in Munich and Geneva.
"...he is very simply one of the most competent trombone soloists of our time. The performances of Leopold Mozart and the Albrechtsberger Concerts are, in a word, marvellous. The apparent ease with which the soloist handles this difficult instrument is a thing of beauty. Slokar's tone is rich, controlled and versatile; sweet and effortless in the upper register and resonant and clear in the lower..." American Review