Mihailo Trandafilovski Three Dances for mixed ensemble (fl, cl, tpt, perc, pf, 2 vn, vc) duration: 10 minutes Three Dances Each of these three pieces has a different character but at the same time they all play a part in the development of the whole composition. With each dance, the overall speed becomes faster, the material more complex and the general character more intense. Asymmetrical and changing meter is used extensively throughout the work and this might be connected to influences from Macedonian folk music rhythms, but I had no conscious intention to emphasize a strong link with my Macedonian roots - perhaps the connection is mainly unconscious... I think one of the reasons why I find writing with these rhythms exciting is the exploration of a different sense of pulse. Mihailo Trandafilovski was born in 1974 in Skopje, Macedonia. His musical education started at the age of 6 and he began to play the violin one year later. After attending the Music Academy in Skopje he won a music scholarship to study at Michigan State University (MSU), USA. He graduated in 1998 with a major in violin performance. While at MSU he started taking composition lessons and related classes, and with time composing became his primary musical activity. In 2000 he was awarded a scholarship (supported by the Baring Foundation) for postgraduate studies in composition at the Royal College of Music. He completed an MMus degree in 2001, and has recently begun a DMus (composition) at the RCM, supported in part by the Thornton Foundation. He has been the recipient of various awards and scholarships. In September 2001 his music was chosen to be promoted as part of the RCM's Composers@futures scheme. Mihailo's compositional interests lie with both instrumental and computer music. Some of his electronic music pieces can be found on CD Riot: A Compositional Device (Alliance of MSU Composers, 1998) and CD Tribute to Mizar (Avalon Production, Macedonia, 2001). In the instrumental music field he has written for solo instruments, chamber groups and larger ensembles. To date, his music has been performed in the UK, America and Japan. Back to shortlist.