Skopje, 10 September 2026 (MIA) -- The Macedonian Cultural and Information Center in Sofia celebrated the 35th anniversary of the country's independence with a vocal recital by lyric baritone Nikola Zaceski and pianist Bojan Dimitrovski titled "Macedonia is Singing," organizers said in a press release Thursday.

At the recital held Wednesday, "Macedonian songs with their special power and sincere emotion brought the beauty, richness and spiritual depth of the Macedonian musical heritage closer to the audience," organizers said. 

The program included "Hey, Vardar," "If I Go to Bitola," "Macedonian Girl," "Swans" and many other traditional folk songs.

In his speech before the recital, Sofia's Macedonian Cultural and Information Center director Zoran Pejkovski highlighted the significance of culture in preserving national identity. 

"Macedonia tells its story not only through historical events, but also through song, through art and through the creativity of generations that have left an indelible mark on Macedonian culture," Pejkovski said.

According to organizers, "Macedonia is Singing" was a recital during which "people didn't just sing about Macedonia. They sang with Macedonia in their hearts."

They added that the recital "was also a reminder that culture knows no borders."

"When you sing from the heart, when you sing about what you love and where you belong, music becomes the most beautiful bridge between people," they said. mr/