JAZZ evening; National Jazz Orchestra & Peter Somuah (N.Macedonia/Ghana)

A Spectacular Evening at Ohrid Summer Festival: National Jazz Orchestra with “Macedonian Dreams”

Conductor: Vladimir Nikolov

The National Jazz Orchestra returns to Ohrid Summer Festival with Macedonian Dreams, a vibrant programme that explores the rich Macedonian folk heritage through the contemporary language of jazz.
Conducted by Vladimir Nikolov, the orchestra presents a compelling musical narrative in which traditional melodies, rhythms, and colours are transformed into sophisticated jazz orchestrations. Rooted in the spirit of Macedonian folklore yet shaped by a modern artistic vision, Macedonian Dreams offers a fresh perspective on cultural memory and musical identity.
The programme marks an important milestone in the orchestra’s artistic journey. For the first time, the ensemble has devoted an entire production to newly commissioned arrangements of traditional Macedonian songs alongside original works inspired by the country’s folkloric legacy. The result is a powerful dialogue between tradition and innovation, local heritage and contemporary expression.

Since its premiere, Macedonian Dreams has attracted international attention. In November 2025, the National Jazz Orchestra embarked on a European tour that brought the programme to audiences in Budapest, Prague, and Vienna, including a performance at the renowned Porgy & Bess Jazz Club. The project continued its international success in May 2026 with a performance at BOZAR – Centre for Fine Arts in Brussels, where it was enthusiastically received by audiences and critics alike.
Established as a national institution in 2024, the National Jazz Orchestra has rapidly become one of the leading large jazz ensembles in Southeast Europe. Bringing together the country’s foremost jazz musicians and distinguished international guests, the orchestra has developed a reputation for artistic excellence, ambitious programming, and innovative cross-cultural projects.
Its guest artists have included some of the most prominent names in contemporary jazz, among them Kurt Elling, Yellowjackets, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Maria Mendes, Donny McCaslin, Alain Pérez, Renato Chicco, Don Menza, Seun Kuti, Ziggy Feigl, Luis Bonilla, Francesco Bearzatti, Mike Holober and many more, contributing to the orchestra’s growing presence on the international stage.

Vladimir Nikolov

Composer, arranger, and conductor Vladimir Nikolov is recognised for his versatile musical language, which moves effortlessly between the worlds of classical music and jazz. His collaborations include projects with the Metropole Orchestra, Konzerthausorchester Berlin, and the BBC Radio Orchestra, as well as artists such as John Clayton, Randy Brecker, Vince Mendoza, Chaka Khan, and Jacob Collier.

His credits include orchestration work for several film and recording projects, among them the Academy Award-winning film The Artist.

Special Guest: Peter Somuah

Joining the orchestra as a special guest is Peter Somuah, the acclaimed Ghanaian trumpeter, composer, and vocalist whose distinctive artistic voice has established him as one of the most exciting emerging figures on the European jazz scene.

Born in Accra and now based in Rotterdam, Somuah draws inspiration from both the jazz tradition and the musical heritage of West Africa. His performances combine lyrical improvisation, rhythmic vitality, and a deeply personal sound world. Winner of the Erasmus Jazz Award and the Edison Jazz Award, he has garnered international recognition through acclaimed recordings including Outer Space, Letter to the Universe, and Highlife, released on the prestigious ACT Music label.

Website: www.jazzorchestra.mk