Skopje Jazz Festival begins 45th edition in Macedonia

The 45th Skopje Jazz Festival begins on October 15 at the National Opera and Ballet in Skopje, Macedonia. Running through October 18, this edition features a record number of performers from 13 different countries.

The festival focuses on contemporary, experimental, and investigative jazz rather than strictly traditional styles. Most performances are exclusive to Skopje during this period. The program includes 11 concerts, with eight on the main stage and three midnight sessions held on a specially prepared Small Stage within the same venue.

The opening night features Slovenian percussionist and composer Zlatko Kaučič with the project ‘Bravery of the Brave’, followed by Leonhard Skorupa with the New Quispel Octet, and a midnight performance by Italian-American duo Pasquale Mira and Hamid Drake. Other scheduled highlights include the ‘Punkt International’ program featuring artists from Norway and Iceland.