Ema Popivoda is an acclaimed Macedonian concert pianist and Professor of
Piano at the Music Academy in Shtip, Macedonia. 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 grade. 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. Popivoda’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” and “Baza studio”
in New York, “Symphony Salon” in Tokyo, “Jan Deyl Conservatory Hall” in Prague, “Mirbach Palace” in
Bratislava, “Teatro Marcello” Rome, “Korosy Szalon” in Budapest, “Art Base” in Brussels, “House of the
King Peter” in Belgrade, Soloist with the West Coast Symphony orchestra – Vancouver at Skopje Summer
Festival and soloist with Profundis Orchestra on a concert tour in Italy. In 2023, together with the Japanese
pianist Asami Sate, Popivoda was performing on a concert tour in Japan, including a concert at the one of
the most prestigious concert halls in the world – “Suntory Hall”.
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 to 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 Concerto for piano, orchestra and a DJ, with the world known DJ Derrick May, conducted by
Dzijan Emin. The musical critics in Austria acclaimed her authors concert “Acoutis electronics” for piano
and drums as unique, inspiring and refreshing. Popivoda’s latest project “Supersonic” for piano and
chamber orchestra, where Ema is a soloist and author of the compositions was well received in the Balkan
region and Italy.
During pandemic time in 2021, the piano duo Popivoda & Sate was awarded by the Tokyo Metropolitan
Government for their music video. Their music video was selected among 20.000 participants.
Despite her divided dedication to these multiple passions, it isthrough 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.
