The fiery pair of Almir Meskovic and Daniel Lazar triumphed in UPBEAT’s public vote for Best New Talent: the platform’s annual accolade of rising stars in the world scene. Marrying classical training, Balkan heritage, Nordic influences and lots of imagination, the accordion-violin duo keep on conquering new territory, bagging the UPBEAT trophy for 2025.
Now based in Norway, Bosnian and Serbian by birth, Almir Meskovic and Daniel Lazar first met at the Oslo Academy of Music. This is where their friendship and joint musical journey began, exploring Balkan heritage with over 20 years of classical training behind them. They create a signature blend, mixing Mozart, gypsy melodies and Norwegian folk with warmth and virtuosity. After many successful tours, UPBEAT’s prize will carry them further to Czech Music Crossroads Festival in Ostrava, as well as a gig and professional video recording at a Sofar Sounds Budapest event.
