Makris Music Society presents
Our Mission
To preserve, promote, and protect the music and legacy of Andreas Makris through artistic excellence, concert performance, education, scholarship, support for young musical talents, and cultural initiatives.
Our Story
The story of Makris Music Society is rooted in a lifelong commitment to music, artistic excellence, education, and cultural preservation.
Inspired by the legacy of Greek-American composer and violinist Andreas Makris (1930–2005), the organisation continues a mission first developed through the Makris Foundation, established in 2010 to preserve, promote, and protect his music and artistic heritage. Through publishing, archival preservation, educational initiatives, performances, and support for young musicians, the Foundation helped introduce Andreas Makris’s music to new generations of performers and audiences internationally.
Andreas Makris was a distinguished composer whose works were performed by major orchestras and musicians, including the National Symphony Orchestra and conductor Mstislav Rostropovich. His career reflected a unique combination of Mediterranean lyricism, orchestral colour, and international artistic vision. Alongside him, Margaret Makris devoted decades to preserving and advancing this musical legacy through philanthropy, cultural engagement, and support of artistic and educational initiatives.
Over time, the mission naturally evolved into a broader international cultural organisation. Today, Makris Music Society continues this legacy through concerts, educational programmes, mentorship, research, publishing, recordings, artistic collaborations, and preservation of historical musical materials. The Society supports emerging artists, encourages cultural exchange, and promotes meaningful connections between performance, scholarship, and public engagement.
The organisation’s work now extends across multiple artistic and educational fields, including orchestral and operatic projects, historically informed performance, archival initiatives, and international collaborations involving musicians, scholars, ensembles, and cultural institutions.
At its heart, Makris Music Society remains guided by a simple but enduring belief: that music is not only an art form, but also a living bridge between generations, cultures, and communities.
Meet The Team
Margaret L. Makris (1930-2024)
Founder & Patron
Margaret Lubbe Makris devoted her life to the support of music, culture, education, and artistic preservation. Together with her husband, composer Andreas Makris, she helped foster a rich artistic environment that connected performers, educators, institutions, and audiences across generations.
Following the passing of Andreas Makris in 2005, Margaret continued tirelessly to preserve and promote his music and legacy through archival work, philanthropic support, educational initiatives, and public cultural engagement. Her vision led to the establishment of the Makris Foundation in 2010, whose mission was to preserve, promote, and protect the music and legacy of Andreas Makris through performance, education, and support for young musicians. In 2017, this mission was taken over by the Makris Music Society, which has since expanded it work even further.
Her generosity, warmth, and unwavering belief in the transformative power of music continue to inspire the ongoing work of Makris Music Society today.
Predrag Gosta
President & Artistic Director
Predrag Gosta is active internationally as both performer and artistic leader. He is a conductor, harpsichord, baritone, educator and scholar, who conducted productions, concerts, and educational projects across United States, Europe and Asia.
He is the founder and artistic director of several major artistic initiatives, including New Trinity Baroque, the Belgrade Early Music Festival, and the Belgrade Baroque Academy. His work combines performance, education, scholarship, and cultural preservation, with particular focus on historical repertoire and emerging artists.
Predrag Gosta is the principal conductor of the Makris Symphony Orchestra, founded in 2015, and the President of the Jury of the International Makris Conducting Competition. Through Makris Music Society, he continues to develop international artistic, educational, and archival initiatives inspired by the legacy of Andreas and Margaret Makris. More about his work can be found on his website, predraggosta.com
Zorica Pavlovic
CFO
Zorica Pavlovic is an experienced musician and arts administrator with longstanding involvement in nonprofit cultural and educational initiatives. As Chief Financial Officer of Makris Music Society, she oversees organisational administration, financial planning, and operational support for the Society’s artistic and educational activities.
Her work reflects a deep commitment to supporting musicians, preserving cultural heritage, and sustaining long-term artistic initiatives through responsible nonprofit leadership. She is also an accomplished performing musician, who appeared on concert and operatic stages.
Andre Laurent O'Neil
Secretary
Andre O’Neil is a musician and cultural advocate whose work spans performance, education, and community engagement. As Secretary of Makris Music Society, he supports the organisation’s mission through administrative leadership and participation in artistic and educational initiatives.
His commitment to collaboration and public cultural engagement reflects the Society’s broader vision of connecting communities through music and artistic exchange. At the same time he maintains an active performing career as a virtuoso baroque and modern cellist as well as a collaborative pianist.
Damjana Njegic
Artistic Administrator
Damjana Njegić has contributed to the artistic and organisational activities of Makris Music Society through project coordination, artistic administration, and support of educational and cultural initiatives. Her work has included assistance with concerts, productions, festivals, and international collaborations.
Nemanja Stanojevic
Executive Assistant
Nemanja Stanojević has supported the administrative and operational activities of Makris Music Society across a variety of artistic and educational projects. His contributions have included organisational coordination, production assistance, and logistical support for performances and cultural initiatives.
Our Programs and Initiatives
