Lili Maljic

Lili Maljic (Ljiljana Maljic) is a Serbian jazz vocalist and pianist whose musical journey began at the age of seven. Raised in a musical family, she was introduced to the piano by her father and grandfather, whose guidance sparked a lifelong passion for music. Growing up in this inspiring environment shaped her artistic path from an early age.

Following the release of her debut album, Lili is currently developing her second recording project, which will feature original compositions and arrangements. Inspired by the fearless creativity, rhythmic freedom, and improvisational spirit of Betty Carter, the upcoming album represents a new artistic chapter while remaining deeply rooted in the jazz tradition.

She received her first formal musical education at the Milenko Živković Primary Music School in Paraćin, Serbia, where she studied classical piano under Dragica Stanojević. During her childhood and teenage years, she received numerous awards at national and international piano competitions, including several First Prizes and Laureate distinctions at the Donne in Musica International Piano Competition in Kragujevac (2008–2010), First Prize at the National Competition in Ub (2008), and First Prize at the National Competition in Belgrade (2011).

Driven by a growing love for jazz and improvisation, Lili moved to Vienna, Austria, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Jazz Singing at the Music and Arts University of the City of Vienna (MUK), studying with renowned jazz vocalist Ines Reiger. During her years in Vienna, she established herself as an active performer on the Austrian jazz scene, collaborating with many distinguished musicians including Jim Rotondi, Oliver Kent, Mario Gonzi, Joris Dudli, Andy Middleton, Dena DeRose, Vladimir Kostadinović, Howard Curtis, Danny Ziemann, Gerhard Ornig, and Dušan Novakov, among others.

She is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Jazz Singing at the University of Music and Performing Arts Graz (KUG), studying under internationally acclaimed pianist and vocalist Dena DeRose.

In September 2025, Lili released her debut album, The Nearness of You – In Loving Memory of Jim Rotondi, a heartfelt tribute to the celebrated American trumpeter and composer who became one of her closest musical mentors. Shortly after the recording sessions were completed, Jim Rotondi unexpectedly passed away, making the album a deeply personal dedication to his artistry and legacy.

Recorded alongside an outstanding international ensemble featuring Oliver Kent (piano), Miloš Čolović (bass), Mario Gonzi (drums), and Jim Rotondi (trumpet), the album presents fresh interpretations of timeless jazz standards from the Great American Songbook. Several of the arrangements were created by Jim Rotondi himself, while others were developed collaboratively with Lili, reflecting their shared musical vision and deep artistic connection. The album was mixed and mastered in New York by Grammy Award-winning engineer David Darlington, bringing together European and American jazz traditions with warmth, elegance, and authenticity.

Known for her warm, expressive voice and lyrical storytelling, Lili combines the tradition of classic jazz with her own personal sensitivity and contemporary perspective. Drawing inspiration from the great jazz vocalists while remaining true to her own artistic identity, she continues to build an international career through performances, recordings, and collaborations with leading musicians on the European jazz scene.

Languages: Serbian, English, German.