Piano Accordion Educator
Mishel Trajkovski is a renowned Macedonian accordion virtuoso known for blending traditional folk music with jazz and Balkan swing. Mishel’s musical journey reflects a deep-rooted respect for tradition combined with a creative spirit that continuously pushes boundaries. From local competitions to international stages, his artistry shines across studio recordings, festival performances, and acclaimed collaborations.
Early Life & Education
• Born: July 1, 1994, in Skopje, North Macedonia .
• Started music at age 7, taking up accordion studies.
By age 13, he won first prize in the prestigious State Ethno Accordion Competition, repeating the feat in 2008 .
• Continued musical training at a music high school, learning tambourine and drums in addition to the accordion .
• Earned a degree in ethno-musicology from the Faculty of Music Arts in Skopje .
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Early Achievements
• In 2013, named the first Macedonian “Zajdi, zajdi” talent—selected from over 5,000 entrants .
• Joined the youth orchestra of the National Ensemble Tanec in the same year .
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Debut Album & Musical Style
• Released his debut album “Ора и соништа” (Dances and Dreams) on December 20, 2015, at age 20—becoming one of Macedonia’s youngest credited composers .
• The track “Tarantino Jazz” from this album coined his signature fusion style, merging tango, jazz, and Balkan swing .
• Subsequent original tracks—Tarantino Jazz, Soprano Ethno Jazz, Havana, Gypsy Reggae—have been covered by top Balkan ensembles .
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Collaborations & Performances
• Been part of Macedonian folk orchestra at Folk Fest Valandovo festival in 2017 and beyond .
• Collaborated with celebrated artists such as Ilija Ampevski‑Ampe, Naum Petreski, Ferus Mustafov, Dzambo Agushev, Elena Velevska, Suzana Gavazova, and Efto Pupinovski .
• Featured on Ferus Mustafov’s album and performed on televised shows in Belgrade .
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International Work & Projects
• Co-founded the band Macedonian All Stars with Dzambo Agushev. The group—featuring top Macedonian musicians—performed two major concerts in France in 2019 .
• Partnered with Ilija Ampevski-Ampe in 2019 to co-compose two instrumental albums .
• Since 2020, has toured and recorded extensively with vocalist Naum Petreski alongside violinist Hilmi Baki .
• From 2016 to 2019, appeared annually at the popular TV music festival “Zlatna bubamara na popularnosta” .
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Studio Credits & Continuing Work
• Contributed to over 139 studio recordings of songs and traditional dances .
• Continues to compose and perform, having plans for two new albums in 2022 .
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Musical Identity
• Trained in folk traditions, he stands out for innovative blends of Macedonian folk with jazz variations.
• Primary instruments: accordion, tambourine, percussion; also a skilled composer and arranger.
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Discography Highlights
• Ора и соништа (2015) – debut album featuring Tarantino Jazz
• Numerous singles: Soprano Ethno Jazz, Havana, collaborations with ensemble acts
• Featured with Macedonian All Stars, Naum Petreski, Dzambo Agushev & Ilija Ampevski
