“Kosta is a gifted musician, distinguished by his emotional intelligence and rich imagination. His deep interest in musical alchemy and constant search for quintessence make him a thoughtful interpreter whose performances leave a lasting impression on the audience.” – Polina Leschenko, concert pianist

“His deep analytical work on the ‘Speaking Pianist’ not only helped me explore the aesthetic world of Frederic Rzewski, but also reshaped my understanding of it.” – Lukas Geniušas, concert pianist

“The emotional vulnerability and connection one feels when he plays are as intense as they are gentle, carried through the colours he draws from the piano.” – Stefan Weiler, concert pianist

“Inspired and free playing, revealing high virtuosity, a beautiful tone and a finely sculpted musical flow.” – Radoš Mitrović, music critic

Kosta Jakić is a Belgian pianist of Yugoslav origin whose work is characterized by poetic sensitivity, intellectual curiosity, and a distinctive exploration of the expressive possibilities of the piano. Rooted in the tradition of the Russian piano school while guided by an individual artistic vision, his performances seek to reveal the emotional depth and philosophical dimension of the repertoire, creating programs that bridge the worlds of Romantic lyricism and contemporary experimentation.

Praised by Polina Leschenko for his emotional intelligence and rich imagination, Jakić approaches the piano as a kind of sound laboratory, constantly searching for tonal colour and musical essence. Critics have noted his inspired and free playing, highlighting a tender yet powerful sound, clear stratification of musical voices, and a finely sculpted musical flow that allows him to move naturally between lyricism and virtuosity.

Alongside core repertoire by composers such as Franz Liszt, Frédéric Chopin, Alexander Scriabin and Ludwig van Beethoven, Jakić has developed a particular affinity for the music of the American composer Frederic Rzewski. His interpretation of Rzewski’s De Profundis, based on the prison writings of Oscar Wilde, has been praised for its expressive intensity and theatrical authority, navigating the work’s complex dramaturgy while bringing vividly to life the narrative of suffering and resilience contained within the score.

Jakić’s artistic relationship with Rzewski was shaped through a series of conversations and interviews with the composer, which profoundly influenced his musical thinking and repertoire. This shared interest also led to a collaboration with the internationally acclaimed pianist Lukas Geniušas, with whom he performed in Belgrade in a program exploring the genre of the ‘Speaking Pianist,’ a form that expands the traditional role of the performer through the integration of speech and theatrical gesture.

Beyond the concert stage, Jakić is engaged in artistic and research projects exploring the role of music in contexts marked by historical trauma and confinement. His collaboration with the Holocaust survivor and jazz pianist Simon Gronowski became the subject of the documentary “Life Is Impossible Without Music,” directed by Ivan Put. The film, presented at the Festival of Tolerance Zadar in 2025, reflects on the intergenerational dialogue between the two musicians and on the role of music as a space for remembrance, resilience, and human connection.

Born in Belgium, Jakić began studying piano at the age of three with Jeanne De Guthener. At twelve he continued his training with Sergey Leschenko before joining the class of Polina Leschenko at the Royal Conservatory of Antwerp, where he completed both his master’s degree in 2021 and postgraduate studies in 2023. Throughout his development he has worked with numerous distinguished musicians including Sergey Edelmann, Sergio Tiempo, Till Fellner, Maciej Pikulski, Eric Tawaststjerna, Bruce Brubaker and Piet Kuijken.

In 2024 the cellist, improviser and composer Sergio Castrillión dedicated his composition “Muscle Memory” to Jakić. Alongside his artistic career, he is the co-initiator and vice-president of the Belgian Doctoral Symphony Orchestra, an ensemble bringing together musicians from academic and research communities.