A version of Michael Jackson’s Smooth Criminal, uploaded to YouTube in January 2011, transformed the career of cellist Luka Šulić. By securing over 7 million views in a few weeks, the performance catalyzed a global trajectory that shifted his professional focus from traditional orchestral chamber music to mainstream international touring and recording.
Early Training and Education
Born in Maribor in 1987 to parents Alja and Božo, Šulić entered a musical environment early. His father, a cellist, provided initial instruction, while his mother supported his daily practice. At age fifteen, he became one of the youngest students admitted to the Music Academy in Zagreb, where he studied under Professor Valter Dešpalj. He graduated at eighteen before continuing advanced studies in Vienna with Professor Reinhard Latzko. His formal education concluded in 2011 with a master’s degree from the Royal Academy of Music in London, earned under the guidance of Mats Lidstrom.
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Before his rise to mainstream prominence, Šulić established a profile through international music competitions. His honors include first prize at the European Broadcasting Union New Talent Competition in 2006 and the Royal Academy of Music Patron’s Award at Wigmore Hall in 2011. In 2009, he achieved first prize for the Schumann Cello Concerto and a special prize for his performance of Lutosławski's Sacher Variations at the VII Witold Lutosławski International Cello Competition in Warsaw. He holds the Ribbon of an Order of Danica Hrvatska with the face of Marko Marulić for his contributions to Croatian culture.
The 2CELLOS Partnership
In collaboration with Stjepan Hauser, Šulić formed the duo 2CELLOS. The partnership secured a contract with Sony Masterworks and led to an invitation to perform on an Elton John worldwide tour. The pair made notable media appearances, including performances on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and The Ellen DeGeneres Show. In 2012, they were featured as special guests on the television series Glee. Between 2011 and 2018, the duo released five albums covering diverse genres ranging from rock to classical and cinematic themes.
Independent Projects and Touring
Following the conclusion of the 2019 2CELLOS tour, Šulić transitioned to solo projects. He recorded a cello arrangement of The Four Seasons in Rome with the Archi dell’Accademia di Santa Cecilia, conducted by Luigi Piovano. The album reached number eight on the Official Charts Specialist Classical chart in November 2019. Between 2019 and 2022, he toured Europe and Asia alongside Bulgarian pianist Evgeny Genchev. His discography includes Life, released in 2024 under Lukacello d.o.o.
Fast facts
- Born: 1987, Maribor
- Citizenship: Slovenia and Croatia
- Education: Music Academy, Zagreb; Royal Academy of Music, London
- Musical Partnership: 2CELLOS
- Notable Recording: The Four Seasons (2019)
- Marriage: Tamara Zagoranski, 2017
Questions readers ask
What is Luka Šulić's primary instrument?
He is a cellist.
Is Luka Šulić still active?
Yes, he continues to perform and record as an academic musician and soloist.
Achievements
- Instruments: cello
- Genres: classical music and instrumental rock
