Born: September 24, 1972, Skopje - Macedonia

Web info: 
http://www.dukeb.com
http://www.mp3.com/dukeb

Email: dukeb@dukeb.com

He comes from a family with a musical tradition, his father is a pop-composer in Macedonia during the 70’s, 80’s and also working in the 90’s but only instrumental, orchestral music. Duke started playing piano when he was 5, and he composes music since he was 15. He formed his first band in 1987 and recorded his first two songs for the national TV that same year. In 1989 he formed his Jazz band and was one of the performers in Jazz bars in Skopje.

In 1992 he entered Medical University, which does not mean that he forgot his music. His first success was in 1995 when his songs won two music awards on the Skopje Festival.

In 1995 together with his father he finished and published his first project "Memories" , for the national publishing house, which was the reason for two TV shows recorded for MRTV. This same year his song is awarded 3rd place on Skopje festival. Also in 1995, one of his classical music pieces for string quintet was played in the hall of the Music University in Skopje. After that he went in Switzerland, where he gained a remarkable experience while working with Kalipo Grill in Basel.

On the Skopje festival in 1997, he presented a song In interpretation of Kaliopi and won the second award. For the first time , he appears on the international song festival "Makfest" and international children festival "Kalinka".

1997 is also the year when he starts working on his first solo project " Trip to Macedonia".

And 1998 is the most successful year for him. First, he graduated from the Medical University and recently he finished his first project in ethno-ambient style , together with the queen of Romany song , Mrs.Esma Redzepova. The project is expected to be published at the beginning of 1999.

Duke is continuing his cooperation with Mrs.Esma and is finishing his project " Trip to Macedonia" .

After the project "Esma's Dream" and the music for the choreodrama "Test", Duke moved to Boston. The studies and work with Dr. Richard Boulanger, renowned professor in Music Synthesis, brought a new vision and different esthetical approach. Great artists like Esma Redzepova, Bob Moses, Chihiro Yamanaka, Dr.Boulanger perform his original compositions all around the world.

After the tour in France with the electro-acoustic band Live Ambiance, he is preparing new material that will be out towards the end of 2001.

Duke was recognized with many awards and grants for his outstanding musicianship, such as Joseph Zawinul Award by Berklee College of Music.To listen to his works click here.