BIOGRAPHY
"My first contact with the flute occurred while I was returning from my ballet lesson (I attended ballet classes for eight years). While I was taking off my rigid ballet shoes in the classroom at the school of music where the classes were held, a young flute professor entered the room. It was the first time I heard those sounds that were so mesmerizing to me. My fascination with the sound and the beauty of this instrument was instantaneous —love at first sight. Those mere few minutes were enough to make me give up ballet lessons and start learning to play the flute. I cannot express the pleasure and thrill which I felt upon the first real contact with my instrument. That magic has continued all my life!"
An award-winning Serbian flutist, Dr. Iva Ugrčić, is one of the most exciting and adventurous flutists in the international pantheon. Known for her “mesmerizing performances” (The Flute View Magazine), “breathtaking perfection” (The American Prize), and “supreme expertise” (The Fanfare Music Magazine), she has garnered international acclaim. Her performances, both as a soloist and a collaborator in chamber and orchestral settings, have graced renowned stages, venues, and music festivals worldwide, such as Carnegie Hall, New World Symphony Hall, Salle Cortot, Ravinia Festival, Miami Summer Festival, and Atlantic Music Festival, among others.
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Named the "Musician of the Year for 2018" by the Well-Tempered Ear and a “Woman to Watch 2022” by BRAVA Magazine, Dr. Ugrčić enjoys a unique and versatile career as a performer, educator, speaker, entrepreneur, and music advocate. A versatile and adventurous artist, Iva resided in Serbia, Germany, and France before relocating to the United States.
After completing her Bachelor's degree at the University of Belgrade (Serbia), Dr. Ugrčić moved to Paris (France), where she received a full scholarship from the Albert Roussel Foundation. During three years in Paris, Dr. Ugrčić worked intensely with legendary flutists Pierre-Yves Artaud, Patrick Gallois, and George Alirol, earning her Diplôme Supérieur de Concertiste.
In 2014, Iva was honored with the prestigious Paul Collins Distinguished Fellowship, and in 2017, she earned her Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, studying under Professor Stephanie Jutt. Since then, Iva has won multiple solo and chamber music competitions, including the Irving Shain Competition, the James Smith Orchestra Award for excellence and leadership, the C.R.E.A.T.E. Project Competition at the 46th National Flute Association (NFA) Convention, the UW Arts Business Competition, was awarded the first prize from The American Prize for chamber music performance, the Gold Medal at the International Vienna Competition, and was a finalist for the Pro Musicis International Award in NYC.
Her most recent honors include national recognition as the winner of The American Prize in Solo Performance (Professional Division) in September 2023 and winning the Pittsburgh Chamber Society Competition in April 2025. Her performance has been praised for “amazing virtuosic technique, impeccable intonation, and gorgeous, rich tone throughout the registers.”
An energetic and passionate educator, Dr. Ugrčić currently teaches at Duquesne University and has presented workshops, masterclasses, and performances throughout the United States and Europe. She has performed and presented at multiple National Flute Association Conventions, Mid-Atlantic Flute Conference, Wisconsin Flute Festival, universities, and flute associations nationwide and internationally. She has served as an adjudicator for the NFA Young Artist Competition, the Wisconsin Flute Festival, and the Business in the Arts Competition. A committed mentor and advocate for the next generation of artists, she has been a member of the National Flute Association’s Career and Artistic Development Committee and mentored the first cohort of First-Generation Student Fellows through the organization.
As an orchestral and chamber musician, Iva has performed with the Belgrade Philharmonic Orchestra, Belgrade Symphony Orchestra, OFF French Flute Orchestra, Madison Symphony Orchestra, Madison Opera, La Crosse Symphony Orchestra, Beloit Symphony Orchestra, Dubuque Symphony Orchestra, UW-Madison Wingra Faculty Wind Quintet, Caroga Chamber Music Collective, LunART Chamber Music Collective, among others.
Dr. Ugrčić is also a dedicated champion of new music, frequently collaborating with composers to expand the flute repertoire. In the 2024/25 concert season, she is partnering with five women composers (Melinda Wagner, Claire Cope, Sato Matsui, Yunfei Li, and Katrina Penman) from diverse backgrounds to commission and premiere new works for flute. Driven by her passion for showcasing underrepresented voices, Iva is committed to elevating music that reflects unique perspectives and lived experiences, with a special focus on collaborating with women composers.
Dr. Ugrčić’s most recent solo album, Gates of Dream, featuring flute works by contemporary Romanian composer Doina Rotaru, was released in March 2024 through Music & Arts and is available on all streaming platforms. Hailed by The Flute View Magazine as “nothing short of brilliant,” the album underscores Dr. Ugrčić’s steadfast commitment to showcasing works by women composers.
As an entrepreneur, Dr. Ugrčić is the Founder and CEO/Artistic Director of LunART, an international nonprofit organization whose mission is to support, inspire, promote, and celebrate women in the arts. Under her leadership, in 2022 alone, LunART received a Silver Lining Award for outstanding contribution to the art community and a Programming Award from the International Alliance for Women in Music. Since its conception in 2018, thanks to her vision and unwavering passion, the Festival has showcased over 400 performers and elevated the voices of 200 composers through more than 80 events.
Furthermore, Iva is the Owner & Coach at Artistic Wealth Coach, LLC., offering financial and career coaching services to artists and creatives globally.
Dr. Iva Ugrčić's journey is a testament to her unwavering dedication, artistic excellence, and visionary leadership. Her ability to transcend boundaries, embrace diversity, and champion innovation makes her a remarkable figure in the realm of music and culture.
