Palm Beach Symphony to feature acclaimed pianist Simon Trpčeski

Palm Beach Symphony hosts internationally renowned pianist Simon Trpčeski [Photo by CM Artists New York]

Palm Beach Symphony will present an afternoon of 20th-century Russian compositions featuring internationally renowned pianist Simon Trpčeski on Sunday, April 19, at 3 p.m. at Dreyfoos Hall in the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts.

Under the baton of music director Gerard Schwarz, the program will open with Igor Stravinsky's Scherzo Fantastique, Op. 3, followed by Sergei Prokofiev's Piano Concerto No. 3 in C Major, Op. 26, with Trpčeski as soloist. The concert concludes with Dmitry Shostakovich's Symphony No. 5 in D Minor, Op. 47.

Macedonian pianist Trpčeski (pronounced terp-CHESS-kee) has built an international career since his debut as a BBC New-Generation Artist two decades ago. He has performed with more than 100 orchestras across four continents and appeared on the world's most prestigious stages.

"I've been working with Simon since he was a child, and I'm amazed at what an incredible artist he has become," said Maestro Schwarz. "The Prokofiev concerto is a masterpiece, and it will be an absolute joy to revisit it with Simon."

Born in 1979, Trpčeski studied with Boris Romanov at the School of Music at the University of St. Cyril and St. Methodius in Skopje. His discography includes award-winning recordings of Rachmaninoff's complete works for piano and orchestra, Prokofiev's piano concertos, and works by Poulenc, Debussy and Ravel. His 2022 solo album "Variations," featuring works by Brahms, Beethoven and Mozart, received CD of the Month honors in Germany's Fono Forum and an Editor's Choice designation from Gramophone in the United Kingdom.

Beyond performing, Trpčeski remains committed to his homeland. His chamber music project Makedonissimo blends Macedonian folk music with virtuosic, jazz-influenced arrangements. He regularly works with young musicians through KulturOp, Macedonia's leading cultural and arts organization. In 2009, he received the Presidential Order of Merit for Macedonia, and in 2011 became the first recipient of the title "National Artist of Macedonia."

Following the concert, Trpčeski will lead a piano masterclass on Monday, April 20, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Palm Beach Opera, 425 24th St. in West Palm Beach. During the session, student musicians will perform prepared pieces and receive individual coaching on technique, style, interpretation and musicality.

The concert opens with Stravinsky's Scherzo Fantastique, Op. 3. "He uses an alto flute, a G flute, in a gorgeous middle section of the piece," Maestro Schwarz noted of the composer's instrumentation.

Shostakovich's Symphony No. 5 closes the program. The work proved pivotal in the composer's complicated relationship with Soviet leader Joseph Stalin.

"The fifth symphony was the turning point for Shostakovich because it became so successful internationally that it made it impossible for anyone to destroy him," Maestro Schwarz explained. "It starts in what we call a minor key, which is generally more dour or serious. The end of the fourth movement is triumphant in a major key. Our job as performers is to look at those notes on the page and make them come alive."

At 2 p.m., the West Boca Raton High School Jazz Combo will perform in the Kravis Center lobby.

Assistant Conductor Harris Han will host Symphony Sessions: Lunch & Learn on Thursday, April 16, at the Symphony's conference room in the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties building, 700 S. Dixie Highway. The informal session includes a three-course gourmet lunch by SandyJames Fine Food & Productions and wines from Private Cask Imports. Individual tickets are $125 and may be purchased at PalmBeachSymphony.org.

Han, winner of the 2025 Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra Conducting Fellowship, serves as Assistant Conductor of Palm Beach Symphony and Frost Symphony Orchestra. He graduated in May 2025 from the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami with a Master of Music in Orchestra Conducting and is a recipient of the 2025 Career Assistance Award from The Solti Foundation U.S.

The 2025-2026 Masterworks Concert Series concludes May 17 with pianist Emanuel Ax.

Tickets range from $27.50 to $104.50 and may be purchased at PalmBeachSymphony.org, by phone at 561-281-0145, or at the Palm Beach Symphony Box Office, 700 South Dixie Highway, Suite 100, West Palm Beach, weekdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Founded in 1974, Palm Beach Symphony is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to engaging, educating and entertaining the greater Palm Beach community through live orchestral music. For more information, visit www.palmbeachsymphony.org.