SYNTHESIS – THIRTY YEARS OF REIMAGINING TRADITION

North Macedonia

On 25 September 2024, Synthesis celebrated its 30th anniversary with a major gala concert in the Grand Hall of the Macedonian Philharmonic in Skopje. The performance, subsequently released as a live digital album, marked three decades of artistic innovation by one of the Balkans’ most respected world music ensembles.

Founded in 1995, Synthesis was never conceived as a traditional folk group. Its founding mission was to create a living synthesis between Macedonia’s rich musical heritage and contemporary musical expression. Rather than preserving tradition as a museum piece, the ensemble reinterprets it for modern audiences while remaining faithful to its emotional depth, complexity and authenticity.

Over the past thirty years Synthesis has performed throughout Europe, North America, Asia and Australia, earning acclaim from audiences regardless of language, culture or musical background. International highlights include breakthrough appearances in Hungary and Slovenia, acclaimed tours of Japan, France, Spain, Germany, Vietnam, Canada and the United States, performances before audiences of thousands, collaborations with the Macedonian Philharmonic, and appearances alongside the late Macedonian icon Toše Proeski.

The ensemble’s distinctive sound combines kaval, gaida, zurla, tambura, tapan and tarabuka with piano, keyboards, bass and rich multi-layered vocal harmonies. The result is music that simultaneously evokes ancient ritual, contemporary composition and world music innovation.

Synthesis has released nine albums across its thirty-year history, culminating in the 2024 live anniversary recording from the Macedonian Philharmonic.

For audiences throughout Australia and New Zealand, Synthesis offers more than a concert. It offers an encounter with one of Europe’s oldest and richest musical traditions, transformed into a contemporary artistic experience that transcends linguistic, cultural and geographical boundaries.

The ensemble is currently developing new material and new arrangements for international presentation, continuing its long-standing exploration of how traditional Macedonian music can engage in dialogue with the wider musical cultures of the world.

• Touring Party: 9 performers plus 1 sound engineer
• Country: North Macedonia
• Website: https://synthesis.com.mk