1. Famous, young and attractive, a rising hope of traditional Macedonian music. Who is Vasilija Petrova? Where are her roots, and how and when did she begin her musical journey?
First of all, thank you for the kind words. And who is Vasilia? Vasilia is a young woman full of positive energy, with a voice that loves and feels the soul of Macedonian folk music.
It all started completely naturally – I would sing at home and at school performances, and later I wanted to take private singing lessons. Over time, I began performing at festivals and competitions, winning awards and dedicating myself more and more, leading up to today. I inherited my musical talent from my mother, who has a beautiful voice and was the first to recognize my musicality. I remember a little toy elephant I had as a child that played a melody, which I would repeat exactly, and it was the first sign that I had musical talent..
We often laugh and remember how my mother forbade anyone who couldn’t sing correctly from singing to me when guests came over or when we were out somewhere—only she was allowed. I believe that, too, played an important role in my development.
Although I was born in Kyustendil, my heart leads me to Macedonia. It is something deep and sincere… a root is a root, and the Kočani root is very strong. That connection gives me strength and inspiration, and with every song I convey the soul of Macedonia, while the music itself says it all.
2. Your voice is often described as a voice that “melts hearts.” What does that emotional connection with the audience mean to you?
- I sing with all my heart, and I know the audience feels it. Truly, that is my greatest reward, and I am grateful for my voice, always striving to be true to myself!
3. Which performance or moment so far has left the deepest emotional impact on you, and why?
I carry thousands of emotions and memories from every performance, but I would mention my participation in the music show ‘New and Young,’ organized by Zlatko Miladinovski and InTV. That was a period when I began to step forward more boldly and confidently, with greater belief in myself and a clear awareness that I was on the right path.
4. What do you feel when you perform for Macedonians in the diaspora, who seek a connection to their homeland through music?
- I am grateful, first of all, that I often have the opportunity to be with our people in the diaspora. I sing, and sometimes tears fill my eyes—both from joy and from sorrow… They seek their homeland through music, and I, through song, bring the soul of Macedonia to them
5. What motivates you to keep going, even when the path is difficult?
- If I said it was easy, I would be lying. There is no easy path, but when something is truly loved from the heart, anything can be achieved. My greatest source of inspiration is my family, and God gives me strength and guidance.
6. What are you currently working on, and what can the audience expect from you in the near future?
- God willing, in March you will be able to hear and see one of my new songs! I am working on several pieces—some traditional folk songs that I would like to bring to life, and some new compositions, enhanced with more contemporary elements, yet still in the spirit of Macedonian folklore. Creating music is a team effort, and nothing moves as quickly as I would like. All the pieces need to fit together to achieve a good final product.
7. Finally, what would you recommend to us as a Macedonian portal in America?
- It is truly wonderful that there is a new Macedonian portal in America, connecting our community and promoting our culture! I wish you great success, good health, and continued activity, and may you keep bringing light and inspiration to all Macedonians around the world!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k8aZcR9oZyw&list=RDk8aZcR9oZyw&start_radio=1