The soloist for the occasion was the Macedonian Simon Trpčeski (Skopje, 1979), whom we had already admired in the same Ibermúsica series, also accompanied by Petrenko (with the Oslo Philharmonic on that occasion) six years ago. And Trpčeski generously displayed his many virtues. As we noted then, his instrument is superb, as are his attention to sound, the variety of nuances, and the intensity of his playing. The Macedonian imbues his interpretations with remarkable energy, resulting in a very special vibrato, although at times (the aforementioned dazzling allegro ) he slightly sacrifices the clarity of an articulation that is, in reality, exquisite. But his refined sensitivity allows him to unleash the full range of expression that Prokofiev demands, from the tranquil beginning to the electrifying voltage of the allegro.
Trpčeski displayed an exquisite leggiero touch , also frequently requested by Prokofiev, and great subtlety in his nuances. It is difficult to resist that vibrant energy upon which he builds a sweeping conclusion to the first movement. The central Theme with Variations demonstrated this delicacy in the leggierisimo (Variation I), but also allowed one to appreciate the capacity to offer forcefulness (Variation III) or mystery (Variation IV, with a truly delicatissimo , as Prokofiev demands, and an evanescent ppp at the end) and a suspended mixture of smile and almost mystery in the movement's final section. The final Allegro ma non troppo was another feast of rhythm and color , with a beautiful, more lyrical episode ( Meno mosso ) magnificently drawn by Petrenko. The grotesque atmosphere was superbly presented with the aforementioned four-note figures, and the ending, with its overwhelming trepidation, was received with predictable enthusiasm by the audience. Petrenko accompanied the soloist with remarkable precision and incisiveness, demonstrating a clear and fluid understanding. The orchestra responded with agility, remarkable blend, and rich sound. The woodwind soloists shone particularly brightly, but the entire ensemble delivered an enviable performance.
Trpčeski, always approachable and fluent in Spanish, briefly explained that he would next perform the Pepper Dance, a popular Macedonian dance that forms part of his commitment to promoting the folk music of his country (the Makedonissimo project, in which he participates with other compatriots). The short piece added even more color and rhythm to an afternoon they were already in control of. But this must have seemed like too little of an encore, and in another brief address, he announced another special treat dedicated to Alfonso Aijón (who received a well-deserved standing ovation). And what an encore it was! None other than the tremendous, tense, obsessive, and heart-wrenching Precipitato from Prokofiev's Seventh Sonata , presented with an intensity that leaves you on the edge of your seat.

This 2010 recording can enrapture us with its ideal mix of sensitivity, warmth, balance and generosity, and its sense of give and take. Trpčeski, conductor Vasily Petrenko and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic create rapt atmospheres, with a freshness of response that seems to spruce up the concerto as if new-minted. There's exemplary attention to detail, but also a gorgeous spontaneity; you feel that the performers are having the time of their lives. The RLPO plays with luxuriant richness of tone that manages also to keep its transparency, aided by fine recorded sound. (Avie AV2192)

On September 4, 2025, the Prague Philharmonia Orchestra will open its season in the Dvořák Hall of the Rudolfinum with Simon Trpčeski performing the Saint-Saëns' "Egyptian Concerto" No. 5. In this interview, Trpčeski discusses historical context of the work, his experience with the Czech audiences, his broad repertoire and interpretive approach, MAKEDONISSIMO and his cultural heritage, and his mission as an artist.

The concert series kicked off with a recital on July 13, after which for three evenings (from July 17 to 19) as a soloist with the São Paulo Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of the celebrated maestro Vasily Petrenko, Trpčeski performed Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto No. 1. The Brazilian audience greeted each performance with ovations, and a real curiosity for the Macedonian flags in the audience. Trpčeski responded to the warm reception with encore performances of Villa Lobos, Bužarovski, and excerpts from "Makedonissimo." The concerts were supported by the President of the Macedonian-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce, Luis del Valle.

The Budva audience welcomed the concert with enthusiasm and expressed great respect for the performers, which resulted in the performance of two encores, with standing ovations and strong emotions that rounded off an exceptional musical evening. Trpčeski said after the concert that a natural and spontaneous audience is always a gift for an artist. "This is not a classical project, it should be spontaneous. As you saw, I'm also in a role narrator and that is the point of the "MAKEDONISSIMO" project - to really embrace people through music," said Trpčeski and added that he was grateful to the Grad Teatar festival. "Thank you for inviting us, for giving us this honor to open the music program of this year's festival. We hope that our collaboration will continue."
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Renowned Macedonian pianist Simon Trpčeski will perform at Bratislava's Reduta on June 12 and 13, accompanied by the Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra led by conductor Daniel Raiskin. In an interview with MusicPress.sk, Simon discusses his heritage and relationship with Macedonian music, his experiences from a recent concert in Chile, the importance of cultural diplomacy, and what attracted him to Slovak culture, in which he sees many influences and historical impact.

President Gordana Siljanovska Davkova attended a concert by pianist Simon Trpceski in Rome last night at the event called Macedonia in Honor of Saint Cyril. She said such events are a reminder of the power of cultural diplomacy. The president stated, "I am speechless. First of all, the atmosphere at Horti Salustiani is wonderful, not to mention Simon Trpčeski and his band. Of course, in addition to Tchaikovsky and Grieg, they also performed Makedonissimo. I think all the excellencies present from the embassies, the representatives of our diaspora, not only in Italy, but also from other countries, were speechless," said President Siljanovska Davkova.

The Thessaloniki State Orchestra appeared on Saturday, May 17, 2025 for the first time in its history in the city of Skopje. The concert featured the celebrated Macedonian pianist, Simon Trpčeski. It was a gathering that promoted friendship and cooperation between two cultures. The concert was enthusiastically received, as the audience in Skopje filled the Macedonian Philharmonic Hall, and at the end expressed their enthusiasm with a standing ovation. The President of the Macedonia, Gordana Silianovska, was in attendance and she warmly congratulated the performers after the concert, while also making a statement that the event "enthusiastically captivated the audience and demonstrated the enormous power of art as cultural diplomacy."

Thessaloniki State Orchestra (SSO) performed in Skopje, Macedonia for the first time in its 66-year history. The concert featured Macedonian pianist Simon Trpčeski and Greek conductor Vladimir Symeonidis. Among the hundreds of spectators was the President of Macedonia, Gordana Siljanovska, who stated that she was moved by the concert and its message. "I deeply believe in the power of cultural diplomacy. I am sure that sometimes - or rather always - this form of diplomacy is more effective than traditional diplomacy. So I think that perhaps, little by little, through music, we will realize how similar we are and that there are indeed no obstacles that cannot be overcome," said Ms. Siljanovska upon arriving, while also invoking Nietzsche's phrase: "Without music, this world would be a mistake." Trpčeski emphasized, "Music crosses borders and creates friendships. There is no other force that can do this. People have choices... We can choose to be happy, to cooperate, and to bridge our differences. And that makes me very happy." He performed Ravel Piano Concerto in G to an appreciative audience.

The Thessaloniki State Symphony Orchestra performed for the first time in its 66 years of existence last night at the Macedonian Philharmonic, with conductor Vladimiros Simeonidis, in front of distinguished guests - among them President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova and Foreign Minister Timcho Mucunski. Simon Trpčeski played the elegant and precise Ravel Piano Concerto in G major. It was an important and inspiring collaboration between the Macedonian and Greek artistic cultures.

Macedonian pianist Simon Trpceski last appeared here in 2013, performing at the Singapore International Piano Festival and with the Singapore Symphony Orchestra. His most recent solo recital, presented by Altenburg Arts, showed that time has not dimmed the memory of an artist who has very personal ideas about music, married with a transcendental technique that invites superlatives. Trpceski has the ability to persuade, winning the listener over with beauty of tone and no little force of personality.
There were five encores in total, by Prokofiev (Scherzo Humoristique, Op. 12 No. 9), Rodion Shchedrin (Humoresque), a Macedonian folksong (Don’t Sell Y our Estate, Koljo) and lovely duets by Debussy and Brahms with two of Singapore’s young talents Maxim Oswald-Lim and Theodore Penn Hur. It was simply charming.

Macedonian pianist Simon Trpčeski is now a regular guest at Slovenian concert halls. That is why it is easier to draw a complete picture of his musical personality, which is broad. The concert was relatively short, but it was extended with the pianist's encores. The program primarily focused on romantic miniatures, but the pianist's post-concert presentation at the piano turned into a modern, watercolors of modernity. The latter can be considered the pianist's basic stance. Trpčeski seems primarily a poet of the piano.