Experience one of the most distinctive new voices on the European jazz scene as vibraphonist Miro Herak and pianist Daniel Bulatkin bring their acclaimed project Elysium to Bohemian National Hall. Blending contemporary jazz with Slavic and Romani folk influences, impressionistic textures, Balkan rhythms, and bold improvisation, the ensemble creates music that is both cinematic and deeply rooted in Central European tradition.
Dutch vibraphonist of Czechoslovak descent Miro Herak joins forces with leading Czech pianist Daniel Bulatkin in Elysium, a project that has been attracting growing attention across Europe and beyond. Their shared Central European roots shape a musical language influenced by Slavic and Romani folk traditions, impressionist classical music, Balkan rhythms, and contemporary jazz.
Original compositions by Bulatkin and Herak combine intricate rhythms, expansive soundscapes, and strong melodic writing with a pronounced narrative quality. Drawing inspiration from old folk tales as well as contemporary events, the music moves freely between lyrical passages and explosive improvisation. The distinctive sound of the vibraphone, subtle electronics, and extended techniques on the double bass give Elysium a rich and immediately recognizable character.
The project was selected to represent Czech jazz during the Year of Czech Music 2024, performing at festivals and venues around the world, including Tbilisi, Amersfoort, Jerusalem, and the prestigious Jarasum Jazz Festival in South Korea. Their composition “The Simple Things,” featuring saxophonist Seamus Blake, received the OSA Award for Best Czech Jazz Composition of 2024.
In 2025, the ensemble continued its international momentum with extensive touring across Europe and Asia, including appearances at the JZ Festival in Shanghai, Taichung Jazz Festival, Jazz Po Polsku Festival in Warsaw, and PizzaExpress Jazz Club in London. The group is currently working on its long-awaited debut album.
“Herak is a magician on his instrument, and Bulatkin gets the most improbable sounds from the grand piano.”
— Jazzism, Netherlands
Line-up
Miro Herak – vibraphone
Daniel Bulatkin – piano, keyboards, sampler
Ben Tiberio – double bass
Ari Hoenig – drums
About the Artists
Miro Herak is a vibraphonist, composer, and faculty member at the Royal Conservatoire in The Hague. Following several years with the Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra, he moved to the Netherlands and established himself as a versatile performer across jazz and contemporary music. His projects include the award-winning AsGuests, Atlantic Road Trip, KuVenda, and The Hague Ethospheric Orchestra, and he has collaborated with artists including Norma Winstone, Alex Sipiagin, Eric Vloeimans, and Anton Goudsmit. He has performed at venues and festivals including Carnegie Hall, Bimhuis, and the North Sea Jazz Festival.
Daniel Bulatkin is one of the leading voices of contemporary Czech jazz. As both a bandleader and sideman, he has performed in more than 25 countries and collaborated with musicians including Ulf Wakenius, David Friedman, Justin Faulkner, Ofri Nehemya, Gary Husband, Tineke Postma, and Tony Lakatos. He has co-led four critically acclaimed recordings and, since 2025, has been a member of RADIOACTIVE, the European touring band led by saxophonist Dayna Stephens.
