Skopje, 16 November 2025 (MIA) - The Thessaloniki Music School Choir held yesterday a concert dubbed “Wandering Echoes”. During its first performance in the country, the choir performed a wide range of pieces from traditional Greek music to modern melodies.

Greek Ambassador Sophia Philippidou speaking before the concert said the idea for the event was initiated this past March during a trip to the country by the Thessaloniki State Symphony Orchestra for a performance.

“In a way, this is a resumption of that event. We’re glad that children from the Music School are here, which kicks off a larger collaboration with music schools in your country. The main cooperation is established with the music school in Skopje and the music school in Kochani, who are our guests of honor today,” said Philippidou.

Antonis Konstantinidis, music education advisor in eastern Thessaloniki, said it is a concert that “transcend borders of music and sends messages of cooperation and friendship.”

Alexandra Mavridou, the principal of the Thessaloniki Music School, said they wholeheartedly accepted the offer of the Greek embassy to organize the event in Skopje.

“The meeting we had today with the principal of the music school in Kochani and the students in Kochani has sent major messages for all music schools in Greece for cooperation, friendship and mutual respect. A lot of people have been saying that this cooperation is in fact a kind of cultural diplomacy. I believe music and art give culture to diplomacy,” said Mavridou. 

The principal of the Kochani Music School Marija Lazarova stated that students from Kochani this weekend, at an invitation by the Greek ambassador, were part of “a wonderful journey and musical experience.”

“The concert is yet to start, but we are all amazed from the reception in the embassy and the attention we got this weekend. The children are excited and I hope together we will leave with an experience motivated to be more successful,” said Lazarova saying she hoped the cooperation with the Music School in Thessaloniki will continue.

Ana Stamoglou of the Thessaloniki Music School Choir said it was a pleasure to be in Skopje and perform at the Philharmonic. This way, she said, we can make real friendships and establish cooperation.

Student Bjanka Dimov before the concert said pupils from the elementary music school in Kochani together with children who had lost loved ones in the deadly nightclub fire in Kochani are in Skopje over the weekend to attend the concert, organized by the Greek choir.

“We’re very happy we’d been invited and I hope in the future we will continue to cooperate. Eleven children from Kochani are here, five from the music school and six who had lost their loved ones. I hope we will continue to make friends in the future,” said Dimov.

The Thessaloniki Music School Choir received a standing ovation for its brilliant performance in Skopje. The concert, which was sold out, was attended by many public figures, including EU Ambassador Michalis Rokas. 

Photo: MIA