My short musical story

I am a Macedonian-Swedish classically trained clarinetist in Sweden, the USA and my native Macedonia (Blago J on Spotify and all streaming platforms). I love pushing the boundaries of the clarinet, blending the sensibility of the Western classical clarinet sound and classical phrasing with the folk music from my native Macedonia. Influenced by a wide range of musical genres, my performances deliver a deeply expressive and artistic concert experience.

I hold a Bachelor's degree in classical music performance from Lund University – Malmö Academy of Music (2008), and a Performance Diploma from the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University (2012). My academic journey also includes a year of study at Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan (2008–2009) and another at DePaul University in Chicago (2012–2013).

Now based in Malmö, Sweden, I have performed in nearly 15 opera productions at Malmö Opera, each lasting around four months, and have collaborated with leading cultural institutions, including a full-season contract at Stockholm City Theater for the 2019/2020 production of Fiddler on the Roof, starring Pia Johansson and Dan Ekborg. I have taught in the folk music departments at Lund University and Gothenburg University, both in Sweden, for two years each. From 2012 to 2014, I served on the faculty of The New Music School in Chicago, USA. In the autumn of 2025, I led classical music masterclasses at the Universities of Sarajevo and University of Banja Luka, passing on the artistic and technical knowledge shaped by my years of study and professional experience in the USA and Sweden, and also held a three-day workshop in Sarajevo, delving deeply into the music from my albums.

Guided by curiosity, a love for travel, and a free-spirited approach to life, I bring a cosmopolitan touch to my work, always grounded by a deep awareness of my musical voice, emotional needs, and care for our society.

Awards and Recognition

My artistry has been honored with several prestigious awards. In June 2022, I received a €14,000 Punktstipendium from the Swedish Arts Grants Committee. Earlier achievements include First Prize at the Barnett Foundation Clarinet Competition in Chicago (2008), with a $9,000 award. During my studies at Lund University in Sweden (2004–2008), I was granted multiple merit scholarships totaling €9,500.
My studies at DePaul University, Michigan State University, and the Chicago College of Performing Arts were also supported by full-tuition scholarships.