20/12/2025 — Philharmonic Hall, Skopje
Zarina Prvasevda [mk], Cenk Erdoğan [tr], Ahmet Alan [tr], Andrea Mirchevska [mk], Toni Arslan [mk]
Zarina Prvasevda Took Us on a Velvet Musical Journey Through Time, Across the Folklore of the Balkans
Source: Umno.mk
On Saturday, December 20, vocal artist and interpreter of traditional music Zarina Prvasevda held her New Year’s concert titled “Kadifeno” (“Velvet”). The packed Philharmonic Hall resonated with a repertoire that included Macedonian traditional songs, as well as songs from the Albanian, Turkish, and Vlach traditions — all part of the cultural heritage of our region.
Guest performers at the concert included percussionist Ahmet Alan and guitarist Cenk Erdoğan, who returned for an encore after several minutes of applause from the audience.
“I was very happy at the concert, especially because of the communication that was established between our cultures and traditions. I really liked the music we performed, as well as the stories behind each composition, particularly because Zarina was kind enough to share the story behind every song. That allowed me to immerse myself even more in the interpretation of each piece, choosing chords depending on whether it was a love song or one with a tragic ending. The entire atmosphere — the hall and the stage design — made me feel at home, as if we were sitting with friends and playing from the heart. I would love to come again; I truly look forward to that idea,” said Cenk Erdoğan, the fretless guitar virtuoso from Turkey, a Grammy-winning artist and one of the guest musicians at the concert.
“Performing with world-class artists such as Cenk, Ahmet, Andrea, and Toni was an exceptional honor and pleasure. The concert opened the possibility of viewing traditional music from a different perspective and presenting a contemporary approach to folk musical heritage to the audience. I am especially happy that through this event the audience had the opportunity to connect with the world and experience a musical journey filled with new energy and sensitivity. The atmosphere was truly magical, and the large attendance along with the many heartfelt messages I received after the concert confirm that this idea was recognized and embraced. I am sincerely grateful to everyone whose dedication and support contributed to the successful realization of this concert,” said Zarina.
The concert also featured Professor and musician Toni Arslan, the Macedonian violin virtuoso, as well as the young and promising double bassist Andrea Mirchevska.
“Kadifeno” was a concert that initiated a dialogue between traditional music, modern sound, and international musical excellence.
This project marks the premiere of Zarina Prvasevda’s new musical opus, where intimate and deeply emotional expression intertwines with Macedonian and Oriental traditions, taking on a contemporary sonic form through improvisation and modern sensibility.
This concert represents only the beginning of Zarina’s concert cycle, which will continue throughout the coming year, with plans for recording and releasing a new album, as well as a new concert project.
