Two Masters, One Stage: Vlatko Stefanovski and Miroslav Tadić Weave Magic
Stefanovski & Tadić Reimagine Tradition at the Philharmonic Hall in Macedonia
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There's a unique magic that unfolds whenever guitarists Vlatko Stefanovski and Miroslav Tadić share the stage. One is a fiery rock guitarist, and the other is a classically trained maestro. Their contrasting styles seem to defy expectations. Yet, they create something truly special, united by their love of music, mutual respect, and a deep well of Macedonian folk tradition.
This year marked the 20th anniversary of their second studio album, 'Treta Majka,' which was reissued on vinyl. To commemorate this milestone, they held two consecutive concerts (June 1st and 2nd) at the Macedonian Philharmonic, again showcasing their mastery and unwavering dedication to Macedonian folk music. I had the pleasure of attending the second concert.
Stefanovski, with a touch of humor, acknowledged the audience's potential anticipation. "Don't expect a repeat of yesterday's show," he declared. "Every night brings something new. It's a fresh adventure, a challenge, and a unique experience." He then introduced Tadić, highlighting their three-decade friendship and his constant admiration for his fellow guitarist.
“Yesterday was something entirely different, and today will be something entirely different because no day is a repeat of the previous one. It's always a new adventure, always a new challenge, and always a new experience.”
The concert kicked off with a selection of songs from "Treta Majka," including "Sanoc Sedam Treno," "Eleno Kjerko," "Moe Sokol Pie," "Prosheta se Jovka Kumanovka," "Oj Ovcharche," “Ej Ti Momče Ohrigjanče,” "Ne Si Go Prodavaj Koljo Chiflikot," and "Makedonsko Devojche." Owners of an immeasurable musicality, Stefanovski and Tadic embarked on impeccable narrations of well-known traditional gems in a clear demonstration of their interactive dexterity.
Witnessing what they achieve with just two acoustic guitars is truly remarkable. In their hands, the instruments become an extension of themselves, transforming familiar melodies into captivating narratives. Like all great duos, they make a sound much greater than the sum of their parts. Both are undeniably gifted players, complementing each other with their rock, folk, blues, flamenco, and jazz backgrounds. But their music transcends these labels, creating a timeless sound that is truly breathtaking.
While the core of their repertoire is rooted in Macedonian folk tradition, the magic lies in how they breathe new life into these well-known songs. Stefanovski approaches these one-on-one musical encounters as opportunities for exploration, venturing into uncharted territories where contemporary styles converge. A master of his craft, he effortlessly switches between delicate, intricate phrases and bursts of stunning improvisation. Tadić proves to be the perfect counterpart, adding layers of intricate harmonies and rhythmic flourishes that elevate the songs.
It's difficult to pick out individual highlights of the show. Although most of the songs came from "Treta Majka," they also treated the audience to a few selections from "Krushevo." However, for me, the highlight was "Bog da Ubiet Debrani," a song that premiered at their 2019 concert at the Roman Theatre in Heraclea, Bitola. The song features a hauntingly beautiful melody that stays with you long after it fades. This time, it had the same powerful effect, leaving the audience visibly moved.
The concert concluded with a heartfelt rendition of the classic "Jovano, Jovanke," a staple in Stefanovski's setlist. Played with remarkable tenderness, they transformed the song into a breathtaking ballad. With this song, they delivered another example of their remarkable synergy. The song felt tailor-made for their combined artistry, showcasing their ability to transform a familiar piece into something entirely new.
For the encore, they delivered a powerful performance of "Kalajdzisko Oro," a piece showcasing the essence of Macedonian melodies—simple yet intricately layered melodies played in the unique 13/8 time signature. The audience responded with a well-deserved standing ovation, which they graciously acknowledged.
In the end, Stefanovski and Tadić delivered a night of pure musical exploration and captivating immersion. There were no flashy visuals or elaborate theatrics; the focus remained solely on the music itself, as the music alone was the reason that people were there. This was all about serving the songs and playing in the moment.
All Photographs: Vangel Tanurovski