Slovenian Virtuoso and ASEF Fellow Jakob Kobal Shines on European Stages
From the Ljubljana Conservatory to the Prestigious Berklee
Accordionist, pianist, composer, and arranger Jakob Kobal, an ASEF Fellow from the class of 2022, graduated summa cum laude in December 2025 with a degree in Performance from the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston. Jakob continues to live and create in Boston, and this year he introduced his original concert program to European audiences for the first time with his international ensemble, MediBa Quartet.
Between Music and Science
Jakob’s artistic and academic journey is distinctly interdisciplinary. He graduated in classical accordion from the Conservatory of Music and Ballet Ljubljana and earned a degree in multimedia from the University of Ljubljana, where his bachelor’s thesis focused on developing an original algorithm for recognizing fundamental frequencies in chords.
During his studies at Berklee, he confirmed his exceptional talent by earning several awards, notably the Multi-Keyboard Award (2022) and the Performance Division Piano Award (2024). He also performed as a soloist with the Boston Civic Symphony at the renowned Jordan Hall, performing Osvaldo Golijov’s piece Azul.
MediBa Quartet: Blending the Balkans and the Mediterranean
The quartet was formed during their studies at Berklee and brings together musicians from four countries:
- Maša Vujadinović – Vocals
- Queralt Giralt Soler – Cello
- Andrea Dionisi – Drums
- Jakob Kobal – Accordion
The ensemble weaves Balkan and Mediterranean musical traditions with original arrangements and influences of jazz and classical music. In 2025, they reached the finals of the Paolo Manfrini Competition as part of the I Suoni delle Dolomiti festival. In the summer of 2026, they toured concert stages across Catalonia, Italy, Slovenia, and Montenegro, including performances at the Kazina Jazz Club in Ljubljana and the I Suoni delle Dolomiti festival. The ensemble has also recorded its debut album, which is scheduled for release in early 2027.
Knowledge That Circulates
Jakob remains closely connected with the ASEF community. In July 2024, he delivered a lecture titled The Harmony of the Worlds of Music and Science as part of the ASEF Young Minds series. In June 2025, he enriched the ASEF Gala Reception at the Grand Hotel Union in Ljubljana with a musical performance. Today, he passes on his knowledge to younger generations as a piano instructor in Boston.
“My sincere thanks to the ASEF team and community for supporting my research visit and studies, as well as for all the opportunities to perform at your events,” says Jakob.
We warmly congratulate Jakob on his extraordinary achievements and eagerly anticipate the release of MediBa Quartet’s debut album!
Photo credits: Jakob Kobal’s Archive