Rome, 25 May 2025 (MIA) – Pianist Simon Trpcheski, who held a concert Saturday evening at Horti Sallustiani in Rome during the "Macedonia in Honour of St. Cyril" event, said it is extremely important that Macedonia makes an effort every year to participate, celebrate the educators, and pay deep respect to one of the essential things - literacy.

“It’s a great privilege for me. This marks my third appearance at this event. The last time I participated was quite some time ago, back when President Boris Trajkovski was in office. I am honoured to be invited again by the state and the Ministry of Culture to represent Macedonia at such a significant manifestation," Trpcheski said.

As reported by the MIA correspondent from Rome, he added that the Slavic educators spread an exceptionally important noble mission, just as, he said, "music does."

“We are a country where literacy essentially started. From that perspective, the responsibility is significant. Each year, the state makes an effort, and this year I was invited to perform, including presenting a part of ‘Makedonissimo.’ I particularly appreciate this because of what the ‘Makedonissimo’ project stands for,” Trpcheski said.

Regarding the impressive Horti Sallustiani building, where the concert took place and which was attended by the Macedonian state-church delegation led by President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, representatives of the diplomatic corps, the Macedonian community, and a large number of Italian citizens, Trpcheski said that such a venue was an additional source of inspiration.

"Rome is a wonderful city, and I am very pleased that this year, for the first time, I have the opportunity to perform at Horti Sallustiani, a building dating back to the first century BC, a sacred place, very inspiring and intimate, which truly helps us musicians a lot. There is always something special and unique when the space allows us to broaden our views and visions for musical interpretation, and from that perspective, I believe this intimacy, this kind of venue, inspires me further,” Trpcheski added.

“That intimate part was completely filled, and the audience reacted very genuinely. I was very happy to see members of the diplomatic corps, and it is a privilege that both the President and the Minister of Culture were there. As we say, it is fitting to pay tribute to the educators who left a deep mark, but it also carries extra responsibility for how we should move forward. Let this be a model for the future,” noted virtuoso Simon Trpcheski from Rome.

Photo: President’s Office