The United Macedonian Diaspora's Bright Minds Program proudly supports two extraordinary young pianists, Zlatica Lazarova and Julijana Janev, who have earned international acclaim as first prize with honors winners in the International Youth Music Competitions (IYMC) 2025.
Now, these gifted musicians—performing as Duo Piano Janev & Lazarova—have been invited to represent Macedonia at the prestigious IYMC International Prize Winners' Recitals in New York City, taking place August 30–31, 2025, at The DiMenna Center for Classical Music.
Their selection is not only a personal triumph, but a proud moment for all Macedonians—a chance to showcase our culture, talent, and heritage on a global classical music stage.
To make this dream performance a reality, we must raise approximately $6,500 to cover the costs of travel, accommodations, visa applications, and participation fees for the performers, their accompanying parents, and their mentor.
Your generous contribution will help fund:
✈️ Airfare
🏨 Lodging expenses in New York City
🎟️ Participation fees
🛂 U.S. visa applications
Join us in uplifting young Macedonian talent. Your donation is not just a gift—it is an investment in a brighter, more musical, and inspiring future for Macedonia.
Donate today and help Julijana and Zlatica shine on the world stage.
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Welcome to the UMD Bright Minds Macedonia (BMM) program, where we embark on a journey to empower and uplift the promising stars of our homeland.
Our vision is clear: to support brilliant Macedonian students and pave the path for their academic and professional triumphs. It's a vision we're committed to bringing to life by organizing immersive training camps, specialized courses, and enriching workshops that complement their regular school curriculum.
But BMM is more than just a program; it's a concept of opportunities. We've designed it as a thriving hub of mentorship, networking, and professional development that will involve current professionals and university students on the one hand as volunteers and high school and elementary school students in Macedonia on the other hand as beneficiaries.
Initially, the support shall be directed to developing informatics, mathematics, arts, and physics skills. Eventually, the plan is to embrace a broader spectrum of subjects and to promote a general spirit of excellence and dedication to the success of the future generations of young Macedonians.
BMM is not just about education; it's about supporting the ambitions of those shaping Macedonia's future. Join in with your financial support that transcends borders, and your contributions will become the bricks that build the foundation of Macedonian excellence.
Stand with Bright Minds Macedonia, and together, we will script a story of empowerment, inspiration, and success that resonates across generations and brings about a brighter tomorrow for our homeland.
Please consider making a recurring donation to keep the Program growing for long-term success.
Donations to UMD, a 501(c)(3) donor-supported public charity, are tax-exempt. UMD welcomes donations of appreciated stocks, bonds, and mutual funds, which should lower your tax liability and help UMD with all of its great works for the global Macedonian family. UMD can work closely with your financial advisor/broker/banker/financial planner/CPA to facilitate your donation.
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