Pianist Simon Trpčeski is one of the world’s most sought-after performers, but this time he will exchange the classical repertoire for the music of his native Macedonia. In the project Makedonissimo, he combines Balkan rhythms, captivating melodies and jazz harmonies in arrangements by Macedonian composer Pande Šahov. The result is a colorful and energetic musical mosaic that has been winning the hearts of audiences around the world since its inception in 2017.

Pande Shahov
Six “Braids” of Macedonian Folk Melodies, seamlessly blending intricate jazz-influenced riffs and harmonies

Simon Trpčeski – piano
Hidan Mamudov – clarinet, saxophone, kaval
Aleksandar Krapovski – violin
Alexander Somov – cello
Vlatko Nushev – percussion

Simon Trpčeski is today regarded as one of the most remarkable and in-demand pianists worldwide. In the field of classical music, he has earned a reputation as a charismatic and technically brilliant performer who is unafraid to cross genre boundaries. In his chamber project Makedonissimo, Trpčeski steps away from the worlds of Beethoven, Chopin, or Brahms and ventures into the rich folk traditions of his native Macedonia. He invites listeners on a thrilling journey filled with electrifying Balkan rhythms and the captivating melodies of Macedonian folk music, woven with intricate, jazz-influenced riffs and harmonies.

Inspired by Trpčeski’s passion for his homeland’s traditions, Macedonian composer Pande Shahov created a six-part cycle titled Pletenki (“Braids”). In these imaginative new arrangements, Shahov crafts a sonic world where impressionistic colors blend with jazz harmonies and the spirit of Macedonian folk. Since its premiere in 2017, Makedonissimo, performed by Trpčeski and a quartet of leading Macedonian musicians, has been winning acclaim and delighting audiences around the world.