Marija Ilic

Marija Ilic serves as an Adjunct Professor of Music at Vassar College since 2018 and concurrently holds the position of artistic director for the More Than Music concert series at Concordia Conservatory. A Serbian-born pianist acclaimed by The New York Times for her "quiet intensity" and poetic interpretations, she maintains an active international performance career spanning classical repertoire and 20th/21st-century compositions.

Her academic credentials include:

• Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) in Piano Performance from Rutgers University, specializing in J.S. Bach's The Art of Fugue
• Master of Music (MM) from Mannes College of Music
• Bachelor of Music (BM) from the University of Belgrade Music Academy

Ilic's artistic focus bridges historical and contemporary practices, with significant expertise in J.S. Bach's keyboard works and collaborations with living composers including William Bolcom, George Crumb, and Meredith Monk. Her performance practice uniquely integrates solo recitals, chamber music, harpsichord repertoire from the 17th century onward, and new-music premieres, reflecting her commitment to both preserving classical traditions and advancing contemporary expression.

She maintains longstanding artistic partnerships as founding principal pianist of Christopher Caines Dance Company, member of Dan Joseph Ensemble, and collaborative duo partner with pianist Milica Jelaca Jovanovic. These ensembles have presented her work at major venues including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, 92nd Street Y, and international festivals across Europe.