ABOUT
Antonio Ilioski
About Antonio Ilioski
Antonio Ilioski, born in 2003 in Skopje, Republic of Macedonia, is a rising star in the world of classical music—particularly in the realm of cello performance. He began his musical journey at the age of 8, studying cello at the Primary Music School DMBUC “Ilija Nikolovski Luj” under the guidance of Professor Marija-Kocharova Uzunova. Antonio’s passion and dedication to the instrument have driven him to pursue advanced musical education at the National Musical Academy “Pancho Vladigerov”, where he currently studies with Professor Atanas Krastev.Early Career and Achievements
Antonio has achieved numerous accolades throughout his career, positioning himself as one of
the most promising young cellists of his generation. Some of his most notable awards and
recognitions include:
- “Artist of the Year” Award – A prestigious recognition of his exceptional talent and contributions to music.
- Winner of the Chopin Competition – A remarkable achievement showcasing his technical mastery and interpretative depth.
His ability to convey deep emotions through music has made him a sought-after performer,
and his career has taken him across Europe, where he has performed in various concerts,
festivals, and masterclasses.
Performances & Masterclasses
Antonio Ilioski has participated in masterclasses with some of the most renowned cellists in the world,
continuously refining his technique and artistic expression.
Some of his major performances and educational experiences include:
- Masterclass with Andrei Ionita – Celebrated Romanian cellist known for his extraordinary musicality.
- Concert in Bucharest, Romania – Performed for an enthusiastic audience.
- Concert in Rome, Italy – Further expanding his international presence.
- West Balkan Tour – Performed in multiple cities, gaining recognition for his expressive playing.
- Masterclasses with Valentin Radutiu, Razvan Suma, and Michal Dmochowsky – Renowned cello professors with global recognition.
- Recitals in Skopje and Sofia – Performed alongside pianist Yana Lolova, with whom he formed a regular piano-cello duo. They have scheduled tours and concerts across the Balkans and Europe.
- Masterclass with Raphael Wallfisch – One of the most legendary and recognizable names in the world of cello.
- Masterclass with Ștefan Cazacu – Known for his unique energy and captivating presence.
- Masterclass with Krzysztof Karpeta – A cellist who expands the spectrum of ideas and expression for cellists.
Antonio regularly performs as a soloist and chamber musician alongside pianist Yana Lolova.
Musical Style & Influences
Antonio Ilioski is an artist who combines technical virtuosity with exceptional musical expressiveness. His repertoire is diverse, encompassing Baroque, Classicism, Romanticism, and contemporary compositions.
Some of his favorite composers include Elgar, Chopin, Debussy, Brahms, Beethoven, and Dvořák, whose works he often performs with great passion.
Antonio draws inspiration from some of the greatest cellists in history, including:
- Pablo Casals – Known for his unique interpretation of Bach’s cello suites.
- Mstislav Rostropovich – His charisma and expressiveness left a lasting impact on classical music.
- Mischa Maisky – Celebrated for his emotional depth and technical perfection.
Antonio successfully blends these influences with his own artistic identity, creating an authentic and recognizable musical style.
Future Plans & Ambitions
Antonio Ilioski continues to work actively on his musical career, with numerous planned performances and projects ahead.
In the coming years, he aims to perform on even larger international stages and collaborate with leading orchestras and conductors.
His ultimate ambition is to become one of the most recognizable names in the world of cello, continuing to develop his artistic expression and inspire the next generation of musicians.
With his dedication, talent, and passion for music, Antonio Ilioski is undoubtedly one of the most promising cellists from the Balkans and beyond.
