The Macedonian National Jazz Orchestra - a symbol of fine jazz music and high-level artistic performance. This fiery big band unites top-of-the-line jazz musicians from Macedonia and internationally renowned guest artists. Established as a national institution in 2024, it has quickly become a central force in the country’s cultural life.
Guest artist features include vocalists Kurt Elling and Maria Mendes, whose performances have contributed to the orchestra’s growing international profile. The upcoming season will present collaborations with Donny McCaslin, Kurt Rosenwinkel, and Yellowjackets. Previous projects have involved artists such as Don Menza, Luis Bonilla, Adedeji, Francesco Bearzatti, Darko Rundek, Rambo Amadeus and many more.
With innovative programming, sold-out performances, and strong audience engagement, it has built a reputation as a national jazz brand.
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Maria Mendes
An exceptional talent and one of the most authentic international jazz vocalists today. This renowned Portuguese singer and composer is acclaimed for blending jazz with traditional Fado music. A four-time Grammy and Latin Grammy-nominated artist with four critically acclaimed albums, she has captivated audiences worldwide.
From her native Portugal to her adopted home in the Netherlands, Mendes has travelled a rich world of musical expression. Hailed by DownBeat magazine as “a jazz singer of the highest order”, Mendes has received praise from icons such as Quincy Jones and Hermeto Pascoal. She has performed at prestigious venues and festivals, including the Blue Note Jazz Club in New York City, Montreux, and the North Sea Jazz Festival.
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Vladimir NIkolov
An internationally acclaimed conductor/composer/arranger who has worked with orchestras/artists of the highest level, such as: Metropole Orchestra, Konzerthausorchester Berlin, Brussels Philharmonic, Heritage Orchestra, BBC Concert Orchestra, John Clayton, Randy Brecker, Vince Mendoza, Chaka Khan, Jules Buckley, Jacob Collier and many more.
More: vladimirnikolov.com