THROUGH THE FLAMES: THE STORY OF DUNJA
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THE TRIUMPH OF DUNJA
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THE TRIUMPH OF DUNJA
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DunjaWho is Dunja? A singer, songwriter and pianist since age six Dunja’s caught the eye of John Patrick Shanley when he heard her recording of “Through the Flames.” Shanley, an Academy Award-winning Screenwriter (winner Best Original Screenplay, Moonstruck; nominated Best Adapted Screenplay, Doubt) has stated that Dunja is “a brooding contemplative musical goddess.” Their friendship led to a collaboration on a song entitled “Shadow River,” which is dedicated to children with cancer for Ronald McDonald House Charities, where Dunja often volunteers.
Born in Yugoslavia, Dunja’s childhood years became defined by the Yugoslav Wars. Her unique talent in music won her many competitions and she was named a musical prodigy by her community. In 1999, Dunja’s life changed when she received an invitation to perform her compositions in New York City and awarded a one-way-ticket. Leaving the pain and suffering of her war-torn state behind Dunja fled to New York City and brought with her, her dream of making music. Arriving alone she began to write about her intense journey in her song titled “Last Bridge Out Of Town.” “I remember there was only one bridge left standing by the time I left home, all the other bridges were completely destroyed. I sat in a bus full of women and children and I remember hearing the bomb siren alerts going off,” recalls Dunja.
Whenever possible, due to working various jobs to support herself, Dunja spent time and meager resources writing and recording her music. After 10 years, “Through the Flames” was released and was one of Dunja’s greatest highlight and accomplishments. Dunja currently resides in New York City and continues to write and play her music as an independent artist. “Dunja is not only a beautiful person inside and out but her excellent musicianship and writing abound. It is a joy to hear her perform” says Charlie Feldman, Vice President of BMI Publishing. To listen to Dunja's music, please visit www.dunjamusic.com. To purchase, click here.
Born in Yugoslavia, Dunja’s childhood years became defined by the Yugoslav Wars. Her unique talent in music won her many competitions and she was named a musical prodigy by her community. In 1999, Dunja’s life changed when she received an invitation to perform her compositions in New York City and awarded a one-way-ticket. Leaving the pain and suffering of her war-torn state behind Dunja fled to New York City and brought with her, her dream of making music. Arriving alone she began to write about her intense journey in her song titled “Last Bridge Out Of Town.” “I remember there was only one bridge left standing by the time I left home, all the other bridges were completely destroyed. I sat in a bus full of women and children and I remember hearing the bomb siren alerts going off,” recalls Dunja.
Whenever possible, due to working various jobs to support herself, Dunja spent time and meager resources writing and recording her music. After 10 years, “Through the Flames” was released and was one of Dunja’s greatest highlight and accomplishments. Dunja currently resides in New York City and continues to write and play her music as an independent artist. “Dunja is not only a beautiful person inside and out but her excellent musicianship and writing abound. It is a joy to hear her perform” says Charlie Feldman, Vice President of BMI Publishing. To listen to Dunja's music, please visit www.dunjamusic.com. To purchase, click here.
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James Edstrom