bio
Ema Potevska Popivoda is an acclaimed Macedonian concert pianist and an associate professor of piano in her native country. Born in a musical family (her mother is also a musician), Popivoda’s talent shone through from a young age and it was quite clear that this charismatic young lady was destined to become a musician. During her bachelor degree, Ms. Popivoda had the privilege to study under renowned experts such as Stela Slejanska, Aquiles Delle Vigne, Boris Romanov, William Howard and Arbo Valdma to name but a few. In 2013, she completed her doctorate studies in piano performance with the highest score in her class. Internationally active, this young pianist has participated in the “Mozarteum Summer Academy” in Salzburg, Austria and “Dartington Academy” in Devon – UK. She also holds an IGSCE studies certificate from the University of Cambridge and has acquired a Teacher Accreditation for the British music program. Ms.Potevska’s concert career has been very eclectic to date. Her distinctive performance style, combined with her unusual repertoire, often mixing modern composers from her homeland with the work of the Romantics and Classics, Ema is a true cultural ambassador for Macedonia, promoting the distinct music style of the region.
Her career highlights include a solo recitals at “Devonia church” in London, “MC Gallery” New York, “Symphony Salon” in Tokyo, “Mirbach Palace” in Bratislava, “Teatro Marcello” Rome, “Korosy Szalon” in Budapest, “Art Base” in Brussels, “House of the King Petar” in Belgrade and Soloist with the West Coast Symphony orchestra – Vancouver at Skopje Summer Festival.
She is also an ardent and committed chamber musician who performs frequently at the most prestigious festivals and cultural events with a wide range of musical collaborators, including oboists Jaroslaw Wyrzikovsky and Vladimir Lazarevski, guitarist Petrit Ceku, clarinetists Branko Pavlovski and Georgious Kazikos, violinist Vladimir Krstev, pianists Tatjana Dzorleva and Asami Sate. Ema is a part of the ensemble ConTempora that actively works in promoting the contemporary music with the special attention on the music by Macedonian authors.
Alongside with her career as a classical pianist, she has simultaneously participated in an experimental project of fusion music. In 2015, Potevska was a soloist with Orchestra regional de Cannes, in Nice, France performing a Concert for piano orchestra and a DJ, with the world known DJ Derrick May, conducted by Dzijan Emin. Her newest project “Acoustic electronics” where world famous electronic hits are adopted for piano and drums was acclaimed by the musical critics in Austria, Croatia and Montenegro as unique, inspiring and refreshing.
Despite her divided dedication to these multiple passions, it is through Popivoda’s thoughtful and tenderly expressive music-making that she most deeply touches the emotions of audiences. Fortunately, they have been able to enjoy her concerts worldwide, thanks to the extensive tours she undertakes as a soloist and recitalist.
Ema has also represented Macedonia as a member of the world leadership network “Global bridges” as a young cultural leader. She has been honored in her homeland as a leader in the area of culture and arts by the President of the Republic of Macedonia HE Gorgje Ivanov
