What happens when two exceptional musicians from different corners of the world come together to explore the boundless possibilities of music? You get the Vesna Duo, a partnership that blends culture, artistic innovation, and a passion for collaboration. Pianist Dr. Liana Pailodze Harron and percussionist Dr. Ksenija Komljenović, both deeply committed to their craft and connected to their cultural roots, have created a musical synergy that resonates with audiences.
Liana, a gifted pianist originally from The Republic of Georgia, began playing the piano at an early age. Her journey wasn’t propelled by early competitions or widespread recognition, but rather by an unwavering passion for music.
“It was a gradual process,” she reflects. “Growing up during several wars, I didn’t have access to the typical opportunities that could push my career forward. However, I had a strong sense of what I wanted in life from an early age, and that was playing piano.”
At just seven years old, Liana was accepted into a specialized music school for gifted children, where she was expected to perform solos and concertos twice a year. It was in this environment that her love for music began to crystallize, shaping her career trajectory as a performer and educator.
Ksenija, on the other hand, hails from Serbia and has carved a trailblazing path in percussion. As the first woman from Serbia to earn a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Percussion, she has faced numerous challenges, particularly due to limited access to resources.
“Growing up, we had very few instruments available,” she explains. “The first time I had access to a proper five-octave marimba—the instrument I feel the strongest connection with—was when I was nearly 22 and living in Illinois.”
Despite these challenges, Ksenija learned to actively seek opportunities out through auditions, rather than waiting for said opportunities to come to her. Ksenija’s determination led her to seek these opportunities abroad, finding ways to break down barriers and create the space for her artistic growth.
Their paths crossed in 2020, during a time when the world was facing an unprecedented pause. A planned performance at Carnegie Hall with a mutual friend fell through, and it was then that Ksenija received a call from Liana.
“She told me two things: we needed to be friends, and we should use this unexpected time to do something completely wild—something we’d never have the chance to attempt under normal circumstances.”
Ksenija, as a composer and arranger, was asked if she could arrange a piece that would be nearly impossible to pull off. Thus, The Rite of Spring for Marimba and Piano was born.
Check out Vesna Duo’s spectacular performance of this piece here:
What followed was the formation of the Vesna Duo, named after the Slavic word for a goddess associated with youth and springtime in early Slavic mythology. For Liana and Ksenija, their collaboration has felt like a natural extension of their individual artistic identities.
“I think we’re very similar actually,” says Ksenija. “...So we blend seamlessly…It felt like I’d found a soul sister, and making music with her became effortless and magical from that moment on.”
And that seamless connection is evident in their performances. One of their most cherished experiences was performing The Rite of Spring in Spring of 2024 with dancers at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA), under the choreography of Britt Gonzales. Ksenija shared how she and Liana memorize all of their repertoire, leading to their flexibility in being able to engage and interact with the dancers for this particular performance.
“The energy between us and the dancers was so fluid. We could interact with them as the performance unfolded, and it became an immersive experience,” Ksenija remembered.
Both Liana and Ksenija are known for their wide-ranging repertoires, spanning classical and contemporary works. When it comes to choosing music for the Duo, their approach is simple; they pick pieces that move them.
“We both enjoy all genres of music,” says Liana. “We choose a piece that moves us, no matter what style it is in.”
Ksenija’s compositions, particularly those drawing on Slavic and Balkan influences, add another layer of richness to the duo’s work.
“This is highly subjective, but I'd say there is poetry, nostalgia, melancholy, and intensity in Balkan music. I think my cultural background shaped me to primarily infuse music with those four elements,” Ksenija describes.
This connection to her roots is also reflected in Ksenija’s compositions. Works like Slavdom draw on the history and cultural experiences of her ancestors.
“My curiosity has shifted towards the musical experiences of everyday people,” she says. “Our region is small, and our culture isn’t spread as widely as others…What I create is born from what I’ve longed to see in the world. If no one else has brought it to life, then I suppose it’s up to me to do so.”
Beyond their artistry, both musicians are passionate educators, instilling in their students the same love for music and commitment to excellence that has shaped their own careers.
“I am candid with my students about all facets of performing,” says Ksenija. I share my experiences with them, especially if there ever is a lesson to be learned.”
When asked about advice for young musicians aspiring to pursue careers in chamber music, Ksenija speaks for both her and Liana;
“Find people you love working with, play the music you love, and be interested in the topics of finance, negotiation, marketing, and business.”
Looking ahead, the Vesna Duo is excited about their future projects, including a series of upcoming singles they plan to release soon.
“I want us to continue having fun and playing the music we love,” says Ksenija. “As Leonard Cohen said, poetry is just the evidence of life. If your life is burning well, poetry is just the ash. The same thing applies to music.”
Liana spoke on the most rewarding aspect of her musical journey so far; “weaving stories together and sharing them with the audiences.”
As Vesna Duo continues to evolve and make their mark on the music world, their commitment to creativity, collaboration, and cultural exchange remains at the heart of everything they do. Whether they’re playing a timeless masterpiece or a newly commissioned work, Liana and Ksenija’s performances are an invitation to join them on a shared musical adventure—one that’s as rich, dynamic, and inspiring as the duo itself.
P.S. Here are some fun facts about Vesna Duo!
Favorite performance memory: Performing The Rite of Spring with dancers at UNCSA.
Ksenija’s current musical obsession: 21st Century Symphony live album by Raye.
Liana’s current musical obsession: Icelandic composer Ólafur Arnalds
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Article by Emma Bijelić
Emma Bijelić is currently a junior at the Mead Witter School of Music, the University of Wisconsin-Madison pursuing a Bachelor’s in Communications and Music Composition with an emphasis in Flute Studies. She studied flute performance under Dr. Conor Nelson for a portion of her undergrad, and now studies composition under the leadership of Dr. Laura Elise Schwendinger. In addition to her work with LunART, Emma enjoys volunteering at animal shelters, crocheting, learning new music, and nerding out about film.
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