Author: Tatjana Srceva-Pavlovska

It is truly unbelievable how music can transcend language and touch the depths of our hearts and souls. This quote by Alphonse de Lamartine, that I remembered from last year’s concert, about music being the literature of the heart because it commences where speech ends, in fact, perfectly captured the essence of this year’s gala charity concert as well: that music is the “manna of our sentiments”, stepping in where words fall short. But in addition to this, I somehow felt something even more palpable and tangible during this year’s event that reminded me of another great name, of the man of music who was considered a true genius, not just for his imagination, but for his general musicianship, the American musician and bandleader, Frank Zappa. On one occasion, Zappa said that when it comes to music, especially music in performance, it has a sort of a sculpture-format. “The air in the performance is sculpted into something.” That freezing December night, during the MAAA's annual gala charity concert, the vocalized melodies in the air were transformed, got sculpted into some glorious fountain by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, out of which the most heartwarming distinct and isolatable sounds were pouring out, outflowing and splashing the notes like the water on the travertine surface of Triton's body.

This year’s gala charity concert at the Macedonian Philharmonic, held on December 26th 2023, entitled “Sonic dialogue: Skopje via Washington” was something quite extraordinary, an out-of-this-world experience for all the senses; it was an ethno-jazz concert which by remixing the famous holiday classic melodies and carols conveyed the holiday spirit to the fullest. The atmosphere was not only Christmasy, but it was also warm, festive, friendly and joyful; for a couple of hours, we gathered and celebrated the long-standing friendship with the United States of America and the US embassy in our country.

The concert evening was officially opened by Mr. Ognen Janeski, with his captivating presence, showmanship and mesmerizing voice. Mr. Janeski set the tone for the evening, leaving not just a lasting impression and huge impact on the audience, but also announcing the next two speakers and the forthcoming enchanting experience.

MAAA’s newly elected President, Mrs. Zorica Trajkova Strezovska addressed the audience, thus adding a touch of officiality to the event. Mrs. Trajkova Strezovska provided insights into MAAA's ongoing plans and projects, showcasing the Association's commitment to being one of the most active American alumni associations globally. “Our association is the leading network of more than 500 alumni dedicated to harmonizing the dialogue between our two countries, by engaging actively in project activities focused on promoting bilateral cooperation in the areas of education, culture and arts and supporting knowledge transfer initiatives among the citizens and organizations in both countries”, said our new President.

Mrs. Augusta Philbin, Deputy Public Affairs Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Skopje, addressed the audience as well, extending a warm welcome to the guests, adding how welcomed and happy she felt in our country, underlying that she’s been learning the language and the local traditions with great enjoyment. In her speech, Mrs. Philbin, in perfect Macedonian, further emphasized the importance of collaboration between our two friendly countries and the value of partnerships with American alumni networks worldwide.

The transition from the official part to the musical journey led by talented musicians seemed like a seamless and magical experience. The artistic imagery I’d use to “sculpt” the audience's emotional and dreamlike journey is that while singing and dancing we felt some sort of transformative, floating sensation, as if we were "sailing away” in Bernini’s Fountain della Barcaccia", gliding through space and time exploring the wonders of the universe and existence through music.

The extraordinary performance of the ethno-jazz band “Ljubojna”, one of Macedonia’s cult brands, and their amazing vocal Vera Miloševska-Josifovska, with the velvety richness and lyricism in her voice, allowed the audience to get involved in an ethereal, multicultural, and rich musical experience. The evening resonated with a mixture of music, emotion, brass fantasy, applause and laughter, creating a perfectly harmonious blend of a variety of cultures through music and friendship. The careful selection of the music program, featuring perennial and returning notes with unforgettable lyrics, undoubtedly added to the emotional depth of the whole event, which was further enhanced by the amazing young vocalist Jasna Dimitrovska, who along with Ljubojna band, performed several solo and duet compositions.

The cherry on the top of the cake, were in fact a whole ‘bunch of cherries’; the cutest, loveliest special guest stars of the evening, the members of primary school Kuzman Josifovski-Pitu’s children’s choir who appeared at the very end of the show to sing “Feliz Navidad” along with the audience, which was already ecstatic, singing and dancing and clapping all along. All the performers were sent backstage with loud cheers, standing ovations and tears of joy!

It is heartwarming to write about the successful fusion of American and Macedonian music and lyrics in an ethno-jazz arrangement for a good cause – our annual fundraising concert. Such events not only entertain but also contribute to a noble meaning, creating a positive impact on our society. The inclusion of established Macedonian artists and their unmatched voices add even further to the authenticity and local flavor to the performance. The finale with Christmas carols, invoking images of snowy landscapes and the jingling of bells, was a delightful touch that brought a festive and heartwarming conclusion to the concert, but not to the evening.

The celebration continued deep into the night, with laughter, mingling, and the finest selection of wines from Tikveš Winery, with their latest addition “Luda Mara”; the wine we drank that night, named after the legendary river which flows through the Tikveš region, famous for its unpredictable force, invigorated us even more, adding a perfect finishing touch to what seemed like a truly memorable event. Such gatherings not only showcase the power of music but also the ability of people to come together for a good cause, creating moments that linger in the hearts and minds of those who attended for years to come.

In the end, events like these not only showcase the beauty of music but also highlight the power it holds to bring people together, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose. It is wonderful to see MAAA and its members creating memorable nights that go beyond entertainment, leaving a lasting impact on the hearts of everyone present or involved.

MAAA and its commitment to philanthropy, assisting those in need, and charity work are inspiring, thus the idea of an annual New Year’s charity gala concert adds another layer of significance. Music has the ability to uplift and bring people together and is a powerful force that can truly make a difference in the world by connecting people. It is heartening to see organizations like MAAA, which functions like one big family, using the universal language of music to create positive impacts and strengthen bonds between nations while raising awareness and funds for charitable causes as the most wonderful way to foster unity and support within the community.

Until next year, dear MAAA family, Feliz Navidad, próspero año y Felicidad!