Marc first studied violin with his father, violinist Philippe Djokic, one of Canada’s great soloists and a pupil of the master Ivan Galamian. Marc continued his studies in the United States under the tutelage of David Russell at Cleveland Institute of Music’s Young Artist Program, Donald Weilerstein at the New England Conservatory, and Jaime Laredo at Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music. Marc made his first orchestra debut at 14, won the Governor General’s Millennium Award at 20, and at 23 was featured on Bravo! television series, The Classical Now.
A native of Halifax, Nova Scotia, Marc Djokic is known for his powerful and virtuosic performances. His engaging, anecdotal and down-to-earth approach has made him a fan favourite of audiences. Praised by La Presse for his « rhythmic sense, natural phrasing and for his precise sound ». Marc is able to reach out to a diverse audience through his range of repertoire, new concert formats and collaborations. With the support of Canada Council for the Arts, the Ontario Arts Council and Mécénat Musica, Marc has commissioned Canadian compositions for solo violin, string trio, marimba and violin and two guitars and violin.
Winner of Quebec’s Prix Opus and Canada Council’s Instrument Bank among numerous other prizes, Marc performs frequently as soloist with Canada’s top orchestras and in chamber music festivals across North America. He has performed as soloist with orchestras such as the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, the Quebec Symphony Orchestra and The National Arts Centre Orchestra. He performed with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra as part of his Bowfire debut, and was a guest concertmaster for the McGill Chamber Orchestra in Montreal. His concerts have been frequently broadcast by CBC Radio and « Espace Musique ». From the « Jeunesses Musicales » tour to Debut Atlantic , Marc has toured several times throughout Canada.
Highlights of the coming 2017-2018 seasons, Marc will be performing Tartini Devil’s Trill Sonata with Ensemble Caprice, the Sibelius violin concerto with the PEI Symphony, the Philip Glass Four Seasons violin concerto with the Sudbury Symphony Orchestra, the Shostakovich No.1 violin concerto with the Kindred Spirits Symphony and the Mendelssohn with Oakville Symphony. Marc’s Trio Tangere will be on tour in the USA in June 2018; a highlight concert will be held in Louisville, Kentucky.
From 2015 to 2017 the classical music channel NONCERTO produced more than 45 music videos featuring Marc and his collaborations, reaching viewers from over 100 countries. This multi-year project aims to promote classical music through new media in Canada and beyond, culminating with the release of Extreme Locations music videos for Canada’s 150th celebration in 2017. These videos can be watched on his Youtube channel, Marc Djokic|Canadian Violinist.
Always enthusiastic to share insights on violin performance and technique, Marc also teaches masterclasses at universities and summer music festivals; he has recently taught at Toronto University, Concordia University and Scotia Festival of Music.
Marc performs on a rare Guarnerius violin from 1740, a Carl Becker from 1927 and a Hannibal Fagnola from 1922, and he is particular about choosing the right violin for his performance and the occasion!