Menu
Jelena Kuljić and Oliver Steidle are a dynamic musical duo that stands out for their innovative approach and impressive musical chemistry. With a fascinating mixture of spoken word, experimental electronic music and improvisational elements, they have conquered a firm place in the contemporary music scene. Together, Kuljić and Steidle explore new sonic realms in “Wallungen” and create a unique fusion of different styles. Their creative approach and impressive technique make them a duo that is actively shaping the future of music.
Jelena Kuljić, born in Serbia in 1976, graduated in jazz singing from the Jazz Institute Berlin in 2008. As a musician, she plays in various projects such as KUU! (ACTmusic), Z-Country Paradise (Z-Paradise Records), Fasil (ECM) and performs at international jazz festivals including Moers Festival, Elbjazz, Copenhagen Jazzfestival and Natjazz Bergen. In 2022 she was nominated for the German Jazz Award as Vocal of the Year and received the JTI Award.
As a performer, she worked primarily with director David Marton and took part in his productions of “Wozzeck” (Volksbühne Berlin, 2007), “Das wohltemperierte Klavier” (Schaubühne Berlin, 2012), “Harmonia Caelestis” (Burgtheater Vienna, 2008) and “Das Schottenstück” (Volksbühne Berlin, 2013), among others. She worked with director Constanza Macras (Dorky Park) on “Forest: The Nature of Crisis” (2013) and “On Fire” (2015). Jelena Kuljić has been a permanent ensemble member of the Münchner Kammerspiele since 2015/16.
Oliver Steidle is the founder and namesake of the free jazz combo “SoKo Steidle”, has been playing in the band “Der Rote Bereich” since 2002 and is also active in numerous formations as a composer, idea generator and sideman: “Defibrilator feat. Peter Brötzmann”, “Klima Kalima”, “Rowk Music”, “Tama Trio” with Aki Takase, Philipp Gropper’s “Philm”, “ddAa”, ILOG (duo with Ignaz Schick), Off the Record (with Ronny Graupe). He is also the leader/composer for his bands “Oliwood” and Oli Steidle & the Killing Popes. Musically, he moves between improvisation, jazz and new music. He was involved in projects with Michael Wertmüller and the Ensemble Courage at the Maerz Musik Festival 2011, as well as in concerts with Tomasz Stanko, Peter Brötzmann and many others.
He can be heard on over 70 CD recordings. “Oliver Steidle is one of the most sought-after jazz drummers in Europe.” – Andreas Müller (Deutschlandfunk about Oliver Steidle).