The draft strategy for culture 2026–2030 in North Macedonia has called into question the future of the Tetovo Musical Ensemble, which is mentioned as an institution with limited capacities, while "rationalization" is also warned. The reactions of artists who demand that the closure of this important institution for culture in the country should not be allowed, Gazeta Express reports from Portalb.mk.
International violinist Xhafer Xhaferi expresses concern about the existence of the Musical Ensemble in Tetovo.
"I am deeply convinced that this institution is indispensable for the culture, society and artistic future of our country. From my personal experience in October 2025, even in difficult conditions and with a lack of deserved institutional support, this ensemble has functioned with professionalism, dedication and dignity. This institution has been and remains an open door for local talents. With deep gratitude I say that it opened the doors for me too, as a violinist after 20 years, a product of that country, giving me the opportunity to contribute and return artistically to where my roots are", said Xhaferi.
He called for a careful review of the possibilities and reasons that are being put before the continuity of this institution.
"Such decisions must be made taking into account the general good of our society, which also needs culture, music, art and beautiful things that ennoble the soul and life," said Xhaferi.
Conductor Agona Çupi said she is disappointed by the draft strategy, as she says the Tetovo Musical Ensemble has not yet been given the opportunity to show its potential.
"It is true that culture does not bring in large amounts of income for the state budget (it burdens the budget, as the minister says) and this is not the duty of culture, it never has been. Closing a cultural institution for someone is a simple mathematical calculation, for many others a life of sacrifice and dedication. Tetovo has had and has potential, the question is how much it has actually been given the opportunity and support to show its full potential. As a conductor in many concerts these 3 years, also part of the Board of Directors during the establishment of this Institution, I can say that with this institution many hopes were born that were extinguished", said Çupi.
Oboist and singer from Tetovo, Vullnet Neziri, emphasizes that the Musical Ensemble is among the most beautiful institutions the city can have.
"One of the most beautiful memories from my time as a student was when I would go to see a classical concert in the evening. Skopje, as the capital, is quite rich in cultural life. On one of the nights I remember having the opportunity to choose between five concerts that were held simultaneously: philharmonic, opera, solo concerts in different halls, etc. And now imagine the pleasure that Skopje has, if it were denied to Tetova. I will not go into further details about the socio-economic importance of its existence, but I would ask you to imagine this scene on a Wednesday evening. A concert with works by Beethoven or Albanian composers, in the heart of Tetova, by an orchestra (hopefully, a symphony in the future). Beautiful, isn't it? They want to deny this dream of the citizens of Tetova," said Neziri.
Tetovo conductor, Premtim Etemi, emphasizes that the importance of this institution is multiple, as it represents not only a space for art and performance, but also a concrete opportunity for the development of local culture and the raising of the artistic level.
"An even greater concern is the fact that, according to the strategic plan for culture, this institution risks even being closed, without ever being fully functional. This would not only be a great loss for the artistic community, but also a direct failure of cultural policies. The situation becomes even more worrying when considering the fact that in the same period two other cultural institutions were established, which are now functioning normally and have open jobs. This raises serious questions about equality and institutional treatment, creating the impression of direct discrimination against the Tetovo Musical Ensemble", said Etemi.
He adds that the dysfunction of this institution and the risk of its closure create disappointment and uncertainty in the artistic community.
"Investments in culture should not remain just promises or unfinished projects, but should be concretized in order to have a real and fair impact for everyone," said Etemi.
Why is the Tetovo Ensemble at risk?
In accordance with the Law on Culture, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism has drafted the draft text of the National Strategy for the Development of Culture for the period 2026–2030, together with the Action Plan.
The strategic document includes analyses of the situation in the field of culture for the period 2019–2024.
The Tetovo Ensemble is mentioned in section 2.1.6. “Musical and musical-stage activities”.
The document states that in 2023 the Tetovo Musical Ensemble was founded, which has limited spatial capacity for operation, with two employees.
"For this reason, in the next five-year period, the network of national institutions will be rationalized, through a clear analysis of their role and programmatic scope," the strategy states, among other things.
The Director of the Ensemble raises the dilemma that it may close
The Director of the Tetova Musical Ensemble, Blerim Qamili, told Portalb.mk that the formulation for rationalizing the network of national institutions, in administrative practice, implies possible restructuring, merger or even cessation of the functioning of institutions that are considered unconsolidated.
"So, the real problem is not a direct decision to close, but the fact that the Ensemble has been placed in a category of institutions that may be affected by these measures, as a result of the lack of institutional support and the failure to meet its capacities," said Qamili.
Why have there been no jobs in the Tetova Ensemble for three years?
The Musical Ensemble in Tetovo currently has only two employees, which does not correspond to the real structure and function of the institution.
According to the statute, the Ensemble is intended to include a choir, orchestra and band, and in this sense, the current state does not reflect its true capacity, but only a temporary phase of unfinished development.
The Director of the Tetova Ensemble, Blerim Qamili, says that the hirings have not been carried out due to the lack of institutional approvals and procedures that depend on higher decision-making levels.
"The ensemble has made continuous efforts to open jobs and to make the full structure functional according to the statute, but these processes have not been finalized. This is not about the internal failure of the competition, but about its failure to implement it at the administrative and institutional level," said Qamili.
The Ministry of Culture is silent
The Ministry of Culture does not answer journalistic questions about whether the Tetova Musical Ensemble will be closed and why, and why no employment has been created in this cultural institution so far.
Shortly before the final phase of hiring 19 artists and 3 administrators at the Tetovo Ensemble, the Government of North Macedonia issued a decision to block all employment consents that had been granted prior to the announcement of the parliamentary elections. Since then, no employment has been carried out at this institution, and the procedures have been delayed.
As a result, this institution was left without artists and without administrators, with only two employees. Meanwhile, the annual activities have so far been carried out through the engagement of artists with work contracts.
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