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.