Young accordion virtuoso Đorđe Perić from Bijeljina has achieved a remarkable and historic double victory at one of the most prestigious international music festivals in the United States.
He triumphed in two categories at the 83rd ATG Festival, held in Chicago from July 16 to 20, organized by the American Accordionists’ Association. This is the world’s oldest accordion festival, with a tradition spanning over eight decades, gathering top artists, educators, and young talents in classical accordion.
At this most significant global event of its kind, Đorđe was declared the winner in both the junior category (up to 18 years) and the senior category (up to 32 years)—despite being only 15 years old.
What makes his success even more impressive is the fact that he was the only representative from the Balkans and one of the very few from Europe who had the opportunity to compete at this prestigious festival.
Being invited to the ATG Festival alone is considered an honor—winning two categories is a true feat.
Among competitors from the U.S., Germany, Canada, and Chile, Đorđe outshined older and more experienced musicians, impressing the international jury with his technical precision, musical maturity, and expressive interpretation.
This double victory is not only a personal triumph for Đorđe but also a great honor for Bijeljina, Republika Srpska, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, as noted by members of Perić’s family.
He has shown that top-tier results and international recognition can emerge from smaller communities—when talent, dedication, and strong family support come together.
A special role in this achievement belongs to his family, without whose support none of this would have been possible—especially his father, Professor Slaviša Perić, who has been Đorđe’s mentor, life guide, and artistic coach from the very beginning.
Their dedication, teamwork, and shared vision are shaping the path of an extraordinary young artist.
Beyond the competition, the festival featured workshops, masterclasses, and joint performances, bringing together renowned accordionists from around the world.
Among them, Đorđe Perić stood out as one of the most promising young artists of today, leaving a lasting impression and inspiring generations to come.
Source: Glas Srpske
