LUKA ŠULIĆ ANNOUNCES NEW ALBUM “ROAD TO JOY”, OUT 18 DECEMBER, WITH WORLD PREMIERE CONCERT IN LJUBLJANA ON 21 DECEMBER
“From life to joy, and from joy to life”
The internationally acclaimed cellist will release his second album of original music on 18 December 2026. Just three days later, he will give its first-ever live performance in the magnificent Gallus Hall at Cankarjev dom in Ljubljana. Tickets go on sale on Thursday, 15 October, at 12 noon.
Internationally acclaimed cellist Luka Šulić is embarking on a new chapter in his musical career. His second album of original compositions, “ROAD TO JOY”, arrives on 18 December 2026, followed by its world premiere concert at Cankarjev dom in Ljubljana on 21 December. The Slovenian capital will be the first to hear the new music live, as Šulić continues to develop his distinctive voice as a composer.
“ROAD TO JOY” builds on the musical and thematic foundations of his debut album, “LIFE”. While “LIFE” explored the many facets of human experience, the new album turns to the pursuit of happiness and the experiences, choices and challenges that shape it. Each album stands on its own, yet together they trace Šulić’s evolving approach to composition and his growing commitment to writing original music.
“Road to Joy is an album about my own search for joy. It was inspired by my journey as a family man, musician and composer, and as someone who has always chosen the more challenging path in life. I believe that is how we discover lasting joy. Throughout the album, I explore some of my inner struggles and personal challenges.” – Luka Šulić
As co-founder of the globally successful duo 2CELLOS, Šulić helped introduce the cello to new audiences through performances on some of the world’s biggest stages. In recent years, he has increasingly forged his own artistic path. Already celebrated as a performer and virtuoso, he is now making his mark as a composer, bringing together classical traditions, contemporary influences, cinematic textures and expressive melodies.
“Road to Joy” features ten original pieces, all composed and arranged by Šulić. Together, they tell a musical story that moves from uncertainty and melancholy towards hope, determination and joy.
“But Road to Joy is not just my story. It is an invitation to look within, embrace our own journeys through life and discover the many paths that can lead us to true joy.” – Luka Šulić
The cello remains at the heart of the music, its expressive range giving voice to the album’s unfolding story. Distinctive melodies, rich textures and dynamic contrasts run throughout, blending classical craftsmanship with contemporary influences and cinematic arrangements. Above all, the music speaks with emotional depth and immediacy.
Joining Šulić on the recording are the members of Acies Quartett — violinists Benjamin Ziervogel and Raphael Kasprian, violist Jozef Bisak and cellist Thomas Wiesflecker — and pianist Simon Kravos. These musicians also perform with him on stage, bringing a shared musical understanding to both the recording and its live interpretation.
The combination of solo cello, string quartet and piano creates a rich and varied sound, moving from intimate chamber passages to sweeping, dramatic climaxes.
The album was produced by Krešimir Seletković and Luka Šulić, with Filip Vidović at Matterhorn Music handling recording, mixing and mastering.
With “ROAD TO JOY”, Šulić expands his original repertoire and further establishes an artistic identity that reaches beyond his reputation as a virtuoso cellist. The album marks a significant step forward in his development as a composer.
Ljubljana will have a special place in the album’s launch. On 21 December, just three days after its release, Šulić will take to the stage at Gallus Hall in Cankarjev dom with Acies Quartett and Simon Kravos for the first-ever live performance of the new music. The concert will mark the world premiere of “ROAD TO JOY” on stage and open a new chapter in his live performances.
From “LIFE” to “ROAD TO JOY”, Šulić’s musical journey moves from reflections on life to the search for happiness. The next chapter begins on 18 December — and comes to life on stage in Ljubljana three days later.
