Mimika Orchestra is a progressive, avant-garde, concept jazz-world ensemble formed in London (UK) in 2010 by the Croatian multi-instrumentalist/composer Mak Murtić and vocalist Maja Rivić. Currently based in Zagreb (Croatia), Murtić ́s original compositions for the ensemble are strongly influenced by the Balkan folk traditions, using their specific modalities and rhythms in a contemporary jazz expression. Through music and stage appearance alike, every project explores a different theme. The pieces are conceptually and stylistically bound by a narrative highlighted by costumes and performance. So far, Murtić has introduced the audiences with a utopian society on Mars, a prehistoric migration from Africa into the world and a pagan Slavic funeral ceremony. Mimika takes pride in being one of the rare ensembles in the jazz world which takes a strong stance on issues such as social justice, human collaboration and unity. They strive to make these values apparent in the musical language and the staged show alike, creating an atmosphere of an ancient tribal gathering and connection.
Mimika is currently performing their new album, Altur Mur, yet to be released on the orchestra’s label Rika Muzika and the previous album Divinities of the Earth and the Waters. Both albums connect in a specific set of contemporary views of local Balkan myths and traditions in an immersive staged show evoking lost and hidden worlds.
Members:
Mak Marko Murtić, conductor
Maja Rivić, voice
Anabela Barić, voice
Anamarija Žugić, voice
Nika Bauman, flute
Jelena Ilčić, oboe
Marko Lucijan Hrašćanec, sop/alt saxophone
Vojkan Jocić, tenor saxophone
Marko Gudelj, baritone saxophone
Zvonimir Bajević, trumpet
Valdemar Kušan, trumpet
Mate Picukarić, trumpet
Matija Mlakar, trombone
Miron Hauser, trombone
Jurica Rukljić, tuba
Hrvoje Galler, piano/synth
Josip Šustić, el./classical guitar
Viktor Slamnig, el. bass
Nenad Kovačić, percussion
Mario Petrinjak, drums
Mimika played at the London Jazz Festivals 2012/14/15, Love Supreme Jazz Festival 2014 (Winners of the Jazz FM Discovery Competition), Latitude Festival, Olympic & Paralympic Festivals, and renowned London venues such as The Vortex Jazz Club, Bussey Building/CLF Art Cafe, Foyles, Union Chapel, and Courtyard Theatre. Mimika orchestra also held a two year residency at the Spice of Life jazz club in Soho, central London. Mimika has performed in all the major venues in Croatia, Montenegro and Slovenia including multiple performances in the Vintage Industrial Bar, Kino Šiška Ljubljana (feat. renowned New Wave artist Darko Rundek), Museum of Contemporary Arts, Zagreb (feat. the renowned Sevdah musician Damir Imamović), club Vinyl, Velvet Festival, Crossover Festival, club KSET, Kino Tuškanac, Kaštel Frankopan, Jazz is Back Festival Grožnjan, Pallach Rijeka (international migrants’ day), LAstovo Otok Glazbe festival, Festival Slobodne Glazbe, Bale Open Jazz Festival, Kino Slavica Dubrovnik, Lazareti Dubrovnik, Kontesa Zagreb, VIP club Zagreb and has collaborated on projects in Serbia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Albania, the US and internationally. Mimika’s compositions have been performed as part of the One Beat and One Beat Balkans project where Murtić is one of the facilitators and organisers alongside US’s Bang on a Can / Found Sound Nation. They have also been featured on BBC radio, Jazz FM, Soho Radio, Worldwide FM and other major radio stations across Europe. In 2020, Mimika was chosen to represent Rijeka, the European Capital of Culture where they performed in two separate programmes (on the island Krk and Rijeka) and made music for a short film Inkorničata. In 2020 Mimika also presented Croatia in the Art’s Birthday programme for the European Broadcasting Union where the concert was streamed on national radio stations throughout EU and other European countries.
Guests (according to project):
Damir Imamović, voice
Darko Rundek, voice
Filip Novosel, tamburica
Rob Milne, bass clarinet, tenor sax, flute
Thodoris Ziarkas, greek lyra, doublebass
Tile Gichigi Lipere , electronics
Mario Bočić , clarinet
Hiwote Tadesse, viola