Elementary Music School ‘Predrag Milošević’ in Knjaževac was founded on November 19, 1980. Since September 1, 2003, the school has been relocated to its current address. It is situated in the strict center of the city, in the immediate vicinity of the House of Culture and the Music Publishing House ‘Nota’. The school possesses 11 smaller rooms for individual instrumental lessons, one slightly larger room for group lessons in solfeggio and theory, and a 102m² concert hall for internal and public classes.
HISTORY
The legacy of systematic music education in Knjaževac dates back to the academic year 1956/66 when, within the Workers’ University, it started with 18 students spread across Accordion, Violin, and Piano departments, as an extension of the ‘Stevan Stojanović Mokranjac’ Music School from Zaječar, and lasted until 1976. The Elementary Music School in Knjaževac was founded on November 19, 1980. On September 21,1994, the school was named ŠOMO ‘Predrag Milošević’ in honor of the prominent composer, pianist, and conductor from Knjaževac. In September 2003, the school was relocated to Kej Veljko Vlahović, its current location.
PREDRAG MILOŠEVIĆ
Predrag Milošević was born on February 4th 1904, in Knjaževac. He was part of a large generation of Serbian musicians who completed their studies in Prague. Predrag Milosevic was a composer, conductor, pianist, pedagogue, and music-social worker. Between 1922 and 1924, he continued his studies in Munich, and graduated in Composition in 1926 at the State Conservatory in Prague. Subsequently, he completed Piano studies in 1928, and Conducting in 1931. His comprehensive musical education concluded with the Master School of Composition in 1930. From 1932 to 1941, he held the role of Conductor for the First Belgrade Singing Society. Simultaneously, he was the Conductor of the Belgrade Opera, and was also a Piano Professor at the Music School, which he later led as its Director. His academic journey led him to become an Assistant Professor in theoretical subjects at the Music Academy in 1938, later advancing to became a Professor of composition and conducting. Between 1960 and 1967, he served as the Dean of the institution.
His opus includes: a Symphonietta, String Quartet, Sonatina and a small suite for piano, several choirs and solo songs, as well as music for theater plays. These works are characterized by an objective approach to musical matter, clarity, and transparency of form and texture.
