Željana Jerić is recognized as an accomplished young classical guitarist, emerging as one of the most promising talents of her generation. Her artistry, blending passion with refined skill, leaves a lasting impact on audiences through her interpretations of diverse repertoire spanning from early music to the 21st century. Željana’s unique touch, marked by expressiveness and high technical skill, creates a notable combination that defines her artistic distinctiveness.
Setting the stage for a promising career, she secured over 40 first prizes and 15 “Grand Prix” awards across Europe from her early years onward. She made a breakthrough debut at the age of 14 by claiming the first prize in the up-to-23 years category at the “Enrico Mercatali” International Guitar competition in Gorizia, Italy. This marked the beginning of a series of successes, culminating symbolically in 2023 when, at the age of 23, she triumphed in the no- age-limit category of the same competition, securing the 2nd prize and 1st audience prize. Among her notable victories are absolute first prizes at international competitions such as the “Rago Competition” in Germany, “Balle Valle” in Croatia, “Zruč nad Sazavou” in the Czech Republic, and many others.
As a recipient of the prestigious “Excellence Scholarship” given by Zürich University of Arts, Željana stands among a select few musicians recognized for her outstanding achievements and contributions to her university. She has also been chosen as a recipient of three “Oscars of knowledge” by the Ministry of Science and Education in Croatia, awarded to multiple state competition winners. Her musical prowess extends internationally, with solo concerts in Croatia, the Czech Republic, Italy, and Switzerland. Additionally, she actively collaborates in duo formations with guitar, cello, flute, and violin.
In July 2023 at Academia Chigiana, she excelled under the guidance of the legendary Maestro Oscar Ghiglia, former student of Segovia. Her strong artistic personality shown through the week of concerts and lessons, captured the attention of the renowned professor Ghiglia. Acknowledging her talent, they awarded the Croatian/Swiss guitarist a scholarship, affirming her commitment to musical excellence and ongoing artistic development.
Born in Croatia in the year of 2000, Željana began playing guitar at the age of 9. She pursued her musical education under the Prof. Neno Munitić until the age of 18. In 2019, she moved to Switzerland (Zürich) to study in the class of Prof. Anders Miolin, where she obtained her Bachelor of Arts. Currently, in the second year of the Soloist Master Programme at Zürich University of the Arts, she continues her educational journey under the expert guidance of Prof. Vojin Kocić. She actively participated in masterclasses with renowned guitarists such as Zoran Dukić, Pavel Steidl, Carlo Marchione, Hubert Käppel, Judicaël Perroy, Paolo Pegoraro and many others.