Saray Iluminado play new interpretations of Sevdah from Bosnia and Herzegovina and Jewish Sephardic music from the Balkans. Formed in 2013, Saray Iluminado has progressed swiftly to become one of Melbourne's most original world music ensembles. The core of this group is Nela Trifkovic's intimate knowledge of Sevdah and Bosnian and Herzegovinian cultural customs and traditions.
In 2015 the members of Saray Iluminado were recipients of the Graduate Mentorships Program funded by the State Government, the Victorian College of the Arts and Melbourne Conservatorium of Music. This grant enabled the group to record their first album of traditional Sevdah and Sephardic repertoire, and pursue the development and performance of Nela Trifkovic's new song cycle "The Song Boat."
On 24 April, Saray Iluminado and the haBiBis will come together for a unique program at the Open Studio in Northcote. This Sunday, April 17, Nela will visit the Global Village to talk about the music of her ensemble and the forthcoming performance: 5-7 pm.