Competition Jury
North Macedonia
Katerina Kjetkovikj Fidanovska
Katerina Kjetkovikj Fidanovska was born in Skopje, where she completed her primary and secondary music education. She began her studies at the Music Academy in Zagreb under the renowned professor and pianist Vladimir Krpan. After two years, she continued her education at the Faculty of Music in Skopje in the class of Professor Todor Svetiev, where she also completed her postgraduate studies. Throughout her schooling, Katerina participated in several national and state competitions, winning both first and third prizes. She has attended seminars with distinguished pianist-pedagogues, including Arbo Valdma, Jokut Mihajlovic, and Anton Dikov.
As a performer, Katerina has accompanied many artists and has performed twice as a soloist with the Symphony Orchestra of the Music Academy in Zagreb. Since 1993, she has served as a professor at DMBUC “Ilija Nikolovski – Luj” in Skopje. Katerina has participated in various international school projects and has been involved in organizing international competitions held in Skopje. She has served multiple times as a jury member for state competitions.
In her pedagogical work, Katerina’s students have achieved numerous first and special prizes at international and national competitions. They frequently participate in events and festivals, performing independent recitals and collaborating with the Macedonian Philharmonic. Katerina has accompanied her students to prestigious summer master classes, including those at Istituto Musicale “Angelo Masini” and the Summer Piano School in Grožnjan, Croatia, led by Maestro Simon Trpceski and Professor Katarina Krpan.
Additionally, Katerina has contributed as a reviewer for the latest teaching aid for piano, “PIANISTICA.” In recognition of her achievements in education, she received the annual “Phoenix” award (2020) from the Municipality of Center, as well as an award from the Association of Music and Ballet Teachers of the Republic of North Macedonia for her many years of successful teaching.
Russia/Serbia
Margarita Vujović
Margarita Vujović was born in Daugavpils, Latvia. At the age of five, she began her musical education in piano at a local music school, studying there for twelve years under Professor Aivars Broks. She continued her studies at the A.V. Nezhdanov State Conservatory in Odesa, where she studied piano with Professor V. Ya. Dashkovsky. Margarita’s professional artistic and teaching career has been centered in Serbia.
Since 1995, she has worked at the Music High School “Mihajlo Vukdragović” in Šabac (until 2010) and at the Music High School “Živorad Grbić” in Valjevo (until 1998). Currently, she teaches at the Music High School “Petar Krančević” in Sremska Mitrovica. Margarita has guided many successful students who have won prizes in national and international competitions, including the Gubernatorial International Youth Competition in Vologda, Russia, and the XII Moscow International Festival of Slavonic Music. Her students have performed in prestigious concerts in Serbia and Europe, including Schloss Nymphenburg in Munich and Kolarac Hall in Belgrade.
Margarita has served on juries for various festivals and competitions, including the Festival of Music Schools in Serbia and international competitions such as “Davorin Jenko” in Belgrade and “VIVA LA MUSICA” in Daugavpils, Latvia. She has received multiple national and international awards, including recognition from the Association of Musical and Ballet Pedagogues of Serbia and a diploma from the Provincial Government for outstanding results in competitions. As a dedicated pedagogue, she has helped numerous students reach their academic goals and establish themselves in renowned international piano competitions and public performances both in Serbia and abroad.
Albania
Mirella Tushe Vongli
Mirella Tushe Vongli is a classically trained pianist and experienced piano teacher located in Tirana, Albania. Born on April 22, 1972, in Gjirokastra, she began her piano studies there, completing her elementary, secondary, and high school education. She later attended the Academy of Arts of Albania (1991-1995), graduating with the highest honors under the guidance of Professor Nora Çashku.
In November 1998, Mirella began working as a concert maestro for classical singing and horn courses, while also serving as a piano professor at the “Jordan Misja” Artistic Lyceum in Tirana. During her tenure, she organized various concerts for her students and participated as a concert maestro in numerous horn and singing performances. Many of her students have consistently received top ratings in prestigious competitions, including the “New Pianist” EPTA contest in Tirana and Pristina, the “Frederic Chopin” competition, and the “Pearls of Ohrid” competition in Macedonia, among others.
In 2014, Mirella was recognized as one of the most successful teachers at the 19th National Festival “New Pianist.” With nearly 20 years of teaching experience, she maintains a diverse roster of students ranging from five-year-olds to professional pianists studying both in Albania and abroad. Her students receive comprehensive music education, focusing on technical proficiency, music theory, sight-reading skills, and thorough preparation for competitions and concerts. Above all, Mirella instills artistry, devotion, and passion in her students’ piano playing.
North Macedonia
Aleksandra Kocevska
Aleksandra Kocevska is a mezzo-soprano who began her musical education at DMBUC “Ilija Nikolovski Luj” in Skopje, under the guidance of Professor Biljana Jovanovska-Jakimovska. She graduated from FMU-Skopje in the class of Professor Blagojce Nikolovski. During her studies, she participated in numerous solo singing competitions, both in Macedonia and abroad, receiving high honors.
Upon graduation, she was invited to establish the solo singing class at DMUC “Sergei Mihailov” in Shtip, following the recommendation of her singing professor. In 2002, she earned her master’s degree in the same field and continued her teaching career at DMBUC “Ilija Nikolovski-Luj” in Skopje in 2006. As a solo singing instructor, Aleksandra has achieved remarkable success with her students, who have won many first places and laureate positions in national and international competitions. Some of her students now study and work in Austria, Bulgaria, and France, while others hold positions in the National Opera and Ballet in Skopje or teach singing.
Aleksandra is frequently invited as a jury member for national and international competitions. In 2011, she received recognition for her years of successful work in art and pedagogy from the Association of Music and Ballet Teachers of the Republic of Macedonia. She resumed performing in 2015, collaborating with pianist Gligor Gelebeshev and presenting concerts throughout the region. Her performances have taken her to notable venues, including concerts organized by various embassies and cultural festivals.
Serbia
Anastasija Holc
Anastasija Holc was born on July 31, 1990, in Belgrade, Serbia. She completed her degrees in both piano and singing in Serbia and Russia, specializing in chamber music. Currently, she is pursuing a PhD in opera singing at the Academy of Music in Novi Sad under Professor PhD Milica Stojadinović. Additionally, Anastasija holds an honorary PhD from the Academy of Music “Esperance” in France and has a bachelor’s degree in law from the University College in Belgrade.
Anastasija began playing the piano at the age of four. Her first international prize was awarded at the piano competition for young pianists ‘Arthur Rubinstein’ in Paris, followed by numerous national and international accolades, including Grand Prix titles in several competitions across Italy. In 2009 and 2010, she performed with the string orchestra ‘Pro Classic’ from Belgrade and, in 2011, was recognized as one of the most talented young artists at the Musical Talents Review in Sremski Karlovci, receiving the “Dositeja” award.
Anastasija has participated in numerous festivals and has performed in various renowned theaters across Europe and Asia, collaborating with notable orchestras and conductors. She is currently the youngest professor at Slobomir University in Bijeljina, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and serves on the jury for many national and international competitions. Anastasija is also actively involved in artistic management and music education organizations.
North Macedonia
Maja Mitrovska
Maja Mitrovska was born in Bitola, where she graduated from the Secondary Music School under the instruction of Professor Pece Mitrevski. She furthered her studies at the National Academy of Music in Sofia, Bulgaria, specializing in opera singing with Professor Ivanka Ninova. Maja has also worked with renowned vocal instructors in Vienna and participated in master classes in Rome.
Maja made her debut in Sofia as Papagena in “The Magic Flute,” followed by performances across Bulgaria in leading roles in operas such as “L’elisir d’amore” by G. Donizetti and “The Barber of Seville” by G. Rossini. She has performed on stages of the National Music Theater “Stefan Makedonski,” as well as in various philharmonic concerts.
Since 2010, Maja has served as a professor of solo singing at the State Music School in Bitola, where she has played a pivotal role in organizing numerous concerts, master classes, and competitions. Her students have received numerous national and international awards, achieving significant success in competitions in Italy, Spain, and Macedonia. Maja has also been active in pedagogical training and seminars, focusing on enhancing music education, and has participated in various projects aimed at promoting music and culture.