Skopje, 27 March 2026 (MIA) — A tribute concert will be held at the Philharmonic in honor of Milan Zavkov (1962 – 2023), one of the most influential Macedonian folk composers. 

The concert, titled "Milan’s Dance," will showcase traditional melodies rearranged for a modern chamber orchestra, organizers said in a press release.

It will feature Zavkov's best known songs and dances, updated with new arrangements by Damir Imeri and Darko Ilievski.

Zavkov was a renowned accordionist and a longtime collaborator of the national folk ensemble Tanec. He died leaving behind over 150 original works.

Zavkov’s family said the concert fulfills the composer’s dream of fusing Macedonian folk music with modern orchestral sounds.

"Milan dedicated his life to Macedonian folk music," the family said. "He believed that folk music should be nurtured and developed. He wanted to create a bridge between our traditional melodies and contemporary art."

A chamber orchestra created for the event will feature pianist Dino Imeri and flutist Katarina Bronja as soloists. They will perform alongside vocalists Naum Petreski, Suzana Spasovska, Zuica Lazova, Goran Kukikj and Lenche Kukikj.

Organizers said the concert aims to show that Zavkov’s musical legacy remains a "living, contemporary and artistically relevant" part of Macedonian culture. mr/