Competition time: Stand a chance to win 1x double ticket to see Mario Batkovic perform at the Market Theatre.

The mesmerising melodies of internationally acclaimed accordionist, Mario Batkovic, return to South Africa after 13 years, with performances in Cape Town, Johannesburg and Swaziland. Bosnian-born and based in Switzerland, Batkovic is renowned for his innovative re-imagining of traditional accordion sounds.

With his recent album rated by Rolling Stone as one of the 20 Best Avant Albums of 2017, Batkovic’s return to South Africa will provide for an opportunity to hear the virtuosic musician’s work, as well provide for exciting partnerships with South African artists.

Batkovic leans on no particular style of music, instead connects different musical worlds distilling them into one unique concentrated sound. His playing has been described as challenging and experimental, yet maintaining a masterfully beautiful quality. He scratches every nuance out of the instrument, integrating scratches and clicks into the arrangements and making a feature of the kind of tonal scars and birthmarks which are usually eradicated from recordings and live performances.

Mario Batkovic. Photo by Hollin Jones – Southern Africa Tour 2018

With his mission to advance the sonic possibilities available to the instrument and the communication of these sounds, Batkovic embarks on a journey to collaborate with South African musicians to create new work.

Mario will be performing in Johannesburg, in the John Kani Theatre at the Market Theatre, on May 24, 2018, at 8pm.

Mario Batkovic’s Southern Africa tour is supported by The Swiss Arts Council Pro Helvetia Johannesburg.

Stand a chance to win 1x double ticket to the event by answering the following question:

What nationality is Mario Batkovic?

Please email all answers to neo@caxton.co.za before the 24^th May 2018.