Two exceptional Macedonian pianists, Anastasija Grgovska and Shkelzen Baftiari, will be the soloists in the “Pulse of Freedom” concert scheduled for Thursday at 8 p.m. The event will also feature the distinguished Dutch conductor, Conrad van Alphen.

The program includes Dmitri Shostakovich’s “Festive Overture,” Francis Poulenc’s Concerto for Two Pianos and Orchestra in D minor, and Edward Elgar’s “Enigma Variations.” Maestro Conrad van Alphen will lead the orchestra.

Van Alphen, known for his inspiring conducting style, serves as the artistic director and chief conductor of the Rotterdam Symphony Orchestra. He has significantly elevated the orchestra’s international profile over the past 16 years. His past role includes chief conductor of the “Safonov” State Symphony Orchestra in Russia, where he was recognized for his cultural contributions.

Anastasija Grgovska, who began her musical journey in Kumanovo, boasts numerous awards and recognitions from national and international competitions. She has performed extensively as a soloist and with chamber ensembles at prestigious festivals, including “Ohrid Summer” and “Skopje Summer.” Grgovska also holds a master’s degree from the Russian Academy of Music “Gnesin” in Moscow.

Shkelzen Baftiari, a graduate of the Faculty of Music Arts in Skopje, has garnered international acclaim with awards from competitions in Paris, Rome, and other European cities. He has performed as a soloist with various orchestras, including the London City Philharmonic and the Macedonian Philharmonic, and has collaborated with renowned conductors and instrumentalists. Baftiari also holds postgraduate studies cum laude, in the class of the world-famous pianist Simon Trpceski.