Vladimir Nikolov is a composer whose works cover a wide range of musical languages and genres, using backgrounds in classical music and jazz as point of departure. He has been ‘behind the scenes’ of worldwide orchestral projects as arranger for some time now, while also frequently performing as conductor and guitarist with renowned soloists and ensembles. As a composer and arranger, Vladimir worked with ensembles such as the Metropole Orchestra, Brussels Philharmonic, Berlin Art Orchestra, Belgrade Philharmonic, Orchestra Jazz della Sardegna, Barga Jazz Orchestra, Jazz Orchestra of the Concertgebouw. Among the collaborative artists, he worked with: John Clayton, Randy Brecker, Conrad Herwig, Ronnie Cuber, Vince Mendoza, Chaka Khan, Gino Vannelli, Andy Narell, Sertab Erener, to name but a few. Many of these projects were recorded and published through major record labels and performed in major concert halls throughout Europe. He was born 1979 and raised in Skopje, Macedonia. He started music at the age of 14, beginning with the guitar. Soon after, he enrolled in classical guitar studies, graduating with an original composition. Deeply inspired by private lessons and the mentorship of Ilija Pejovski, Vladimir began cross-over composing and arranging. After departing for the Netherlands in the autumn of 2002, he started jazz composition and arranging studies with Jurre Haanstra, at the Conservatory of Amsterdam, Netherlands.He finished his Master’s studies in 2005 with focus on writing for large ensembles. His composition portfolio includes works for piano, guitar, chamber ensembles, Big Band and Symphony Orchestra. He’s often part of film projects as orchestrator and musician, among which Oscar winner “The Artist” (FR), “Clear History” (US) and “Punk’s Not Dead” (MK). He also worked as a teacher at the Conservatory of Amsterdam (Netherlands), University “Goce Delčev” in Štip and ESRA, Skopje (Macedonia). He presently teaches harmony, arranging and Big Band (jazz studies) at the University of Arts in Belgrade (Serbia).