Vlatko Stefanovski 50th Anniversary Concert in Skopje

Vlatko Stefanovski
Macedonian Philharmonic Hall
Skopje, Macedonia
May 10, 2025

There are moments in a music lover's life when time stands still, when decades of sound, emotion, and history converge into a single, unforgettable evening. That's what happened on May 10 at the Macedonian Philharmonic Hall in Skopje, as Vlatko Stefanovski marked 50 years of music with a second, sold-out, three-hour concert that felt more like a celebration of shared memory than a mere performance.

This wasn't just the end of a tour—it was the culmination of a jubilee that began in 2024, with concerts held in stunning venues like the ancient Roman amphitheatre in Ohrid, Macedonia, the Sava Centar in Robbie Belgrade, Serbia, and Zagreb Croatia's Lisinski Hall. Each of those shows was special in its own right, but Skopje, his hometown, held a different kind of emotional weight. And it showed.

Vlatko Stefanovski is one of the most beloved and respected musicians to come out of the Balkans. He first rose to fame in the late '70s as the guitarist and founding member of Leb i Sol, a groundbreaking band that blended traditional Macedonian music with rock, jazz and fusion. With his unmistakable tone and impeccable technique, Stefanovski quickly became known for his ability to make the electric guitar sing in ways that felt both rooted in the past and entirely new. Over the decades, he has built a rich and diverse solo career, exploring everything from acoustic traditions to blues, rock, ethno-jazz and film scores. Whether playing a gentle folk melody or delivering a fiery solo, his music carries a sense of place, memory and emotion that continues to resonate deeply with audiences across generations.

From the first quiet, almost unrecognizable intro to the traditional "Aber Dojde Donke"—a beloved classic from the Leb i Sol era—the atmosphere in the venue shifted. That familiar melody, carried by Stefanovski's unmistakable guitar tone, emerged slowly, like a memory being summoned. When the thunderous traditional drums kicked in, led by his son, drummer Jan, the crowd felt the full weight of both legacy and freshness. There was a reverent hush, a collective breath held in anticipation. What followed was a performance that moved with grace and power through a carefully curated setlist—one that paid tribute to Stefanovski's roots, embraced his ongoing journey, and offered glimpses of the road ahead.

The opening songs were all instrumentals "Si Zaljubiv Edno Mome" showcased the band's range, morphing into a jazz-rock groove that gave space for brilliant solos—Damir Imeri on keys, Ivan Kukić on bass and Jan Stefanovski on drums, all equally confident and compelling. The quartet locked into a rhythm that was both loose and precise, a groove that lifted the hall into another plane. The same thing happened on "Vlatkovo Oro," another virtuosic whirlwind. There were tender, familiar moments—the haunting beauty of "Kandilce" accompanied by the vocal trio, and the emotional depth of "Vera, Ljubov, Nadež." These were followed by "Ja Nisam Tvoj" and "Talasna dužina," classic ballads from the early days of Leb i Sol.

As is tradition during special celebrations like this one, guest musicians were invited to join the stage. For the occasion, Stefanovski welcomed master clarinetist Goran Bojchevski, a longtime collaborator with whom he has shared the stage many times before. Bojchevski has built a remarkable career in Slovenia, moving with ease between classical and world music, while also being remembered at home for his role in the jazz-rock quartet Kabadayas. Their first piece together was "7/8," a lively jazz-rock number marked by its swirling rhythm, where the guitar and clarinet danced in dialogue, trading solos, complementing each other's lines, and sharing a deep musical understanding forged over years of collaboration.

One of the standout moments was giving way to Jan Stefanovski's interactive solo—working the bass drum and clapping patterns in 7/8 while keeping the crowd engaged and smiling. This was not just a technical display, but a groove-based conversation that connected with everyone in the hall.

Of course, no Vlatko Stefanovski concert would be complete without the staples: "Ne Si Go Prodavaj Koljo Čiflikot," the ever-intense "Kalajdžisko Oro," and a rousing "Gypsy Song." Each was performed with a freshness that belied the decades they've been played. Among the many highlights was the heartfelt appearance of Serbian pop-rock legend Momčilo Bajagić—Bajaga (pronounced Bayaga), who also joined Stefanovski for his 40th anniversary concert at Skopje's Universal Hall. This time, their reunion felt even more personal, like a continuation of a conversation they've been having for decades—one built on friendship, shared stages, and mutual respect.

The two performed several songs together, including the emotionally rich "Tishina" "Ti Se Ljubiš" and the crowd favorite "442 Do Beograda." Their chemistry was effortless. They traded smiles and solos with the comfort of old friends who still genuinely enjoy playing together. The arrival of Bajaga added an unmistakable spark to the night—equal parts nostalgia and celebration.

At one point, Bajaga paused to reflect on the first time he saw Stefanovski perform, when Bajaga was just 15 and Stefanovski 18. It was 1978, and Leb i Sol were the opening act for Bijelo Dugme's legendary concert at Hajdučka Česma in Belgrade, played in front of nearly 100,000 people. "We were high school kids," Bajaga recalled, visibly moved. "When we heard them, we lost our minds. I bought my first guitar because of Vlatko—I thought the magic was in the instrument. Later, I understood it was in the hands."

When the band played "Mamurni Ljudi," it felt like we were all in the same room back in the '80s. A deeply touching moment came during the iconic "Jovano, Jovanke," a song that Stefanovski has long used as a springboard for extended soloing and melodic exploration. In this performance, he expanded the piece to accommodate expressive solos from the band, culminating in a sparse, heartfelt and timeless duet version of "Jovano Jovanke" between Stefanovski and Bojčevski.

As the concert neared its end, the crowd was still with him—from "Čukni vo Drvo" to "Bistra Voda," then "Skopje" and the nostalgic "Uči Me Majko." The ovations came naturally, as did the encores. The concert was far from a nostalgic look back. It was alive, moving, and often playful. At one point, during the fan favorite "Skopje," Vlatko danced a traditional oro (the circle dance) onstage alongside the backing vocalists while the audience danced in the aisles. It felt like a community ritual. A reminder that music, in this part of the world, isn't just performed, it's lived.

The final song, The Beatles' "While My Guitar Gently Weeps," from his London Sessions album recorded at Abbey Road (Croatia Records, 2024), was a graceful and powerful sendoff—not just to the evening, but to five decades of artistic devotion. It felt like a full-circle moment. The Beatles' were among the first songs he ever learned to play, and this performance served as a heartfelt homage to two of his guitar heroes: George Harrison and Eric Clapton. Quietly emotional and beautifully played, it was a reminder that for all his innovation, Vlatko Stefanovski has always stayed rooted in the music that first lit the spark.

With a career as branched and storied as his, Stefanovski has the rare luxury of being able to cherry-pick from a vast catalogue. The setlist was thoughtful and emotionally resonant, but as someone who's followed his journey closely, I couldn't help but wish for a few deeper cuts—those lesser-known gems that reveal different sides of his artistry. Still, it's hard to fault an artist for choosing the songs that have most deeply connected with audiences over time. On this night, connection was the point—and he achieved that in abundance.

This concert felt like more than just a performance—it was a love letter to the fans, the collaborators, the cities, and the music that shaped Vlatko Stefanovski's journey. And true to his nature, he shared the stage generously, not only with his brilliant bandmates but also with the crowd, thanking his family in the audience and pointing out a loyal fan who came all the way from Norway. Vlatko Stefanovski and Leb i Sol have long been an institution, not only in Macedonia but across the Balkan region. But this concert reminded us that behind that status is a man still driven by curiosity, generosity and fire. After 50 years, his music still breathes, still surprises and still speaks. As the final notes hung in the air and the lights shifted to a soft glow, there was a sense that something had come full circle—not in the sense of an ending, but more like a pause, a breath taken before continuing the journey.

Vlatko Stefanovski didn't just celebrate 50 years of his career. He shared an evening of generosity, connection and musical storytelling that reminded everyone in the room why his music still matters—and why it always will.

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