In today’s music feature, we offer you several performances of one of Bulgaria’s best folklore ensembles – the professional ensemble Trakia comprising a choir, an orchestra and a dance group.
This year this renowned Bulgarian ensemble marks 35 years since its first stage appearance. Currently, it has a rich concert activity, including some 120 concerts annually both in Bulgaria and abroad.
We offer you first Trakia Ensemble performing the famous Bulgarian folk song “Sednalo e Djore” or “Djore was sitting”.
The song you just heard is often played on the air of Radio Bulgaria. Few people, however, know that its choral arrangement has been made by conductor Stefan Mutafchiev – one of the founders and directors of Trakia Ensemble, also a composer and a renowned vocal teacher having worked with many folk choirs in Bulgaria. Unfortunately, he passed away at a fairly early age. Choreographer Daniela Djeneva is now engaged in continuing his achievements. Under her directorship, Trakia ensemble has been enjoying a successful and dynamic concert activity in Bulgaria and abroad.
The ensemble has recently returned from Dimitrovgrad, Serbia, where its program was devoted to the 12th anniversary since the opening of the Bulgarian Cultural Information Centre. Directors of prestigious media such as the Bulgarian Telegraph Agency, Focus News Agency, diplomats, and local citizens attended the magnificent concert.
The ensemble is preparing for a number of important concerts: at the international festival for professional ensembles in Budapest, Hungary, in June, and at the 2010 World EXPO in Shanghai. In autumn, it will represent Bulgaria in the festive events in Istanbul – one of the 2010 European Capitals of Culture.
On February 24, this year, Bulgarian music lovers had the pleasure of experiencing the artistry of Trakia Ensemble in a concert held in Sofia-based National Palace of Culture. Here is what Daniela Djeneva, Trakia Ensemble director, told a Radio Bulgaria reporter only hours before the show:
“This is not an anniversary concert. We have called this snow “Cheesefare Sunday – the day of forgiveness” because it takes place very close to this Christian feast. We have included in the program a dance from the Gabrovo region entitled “Uralii” created especially for the Sunday of Forgiveness, also wedding dances, Sofia chain dances, Thracian and Pirin Mountain dances – a versatile program featuring music from all corners of Bulgaria in a festive concert marking the start of the Great Lent”, choreographer Daniela Djeneva says.
We offer you next Trakia Ensemble performing the traditional Bulgarian song “Hubava moma” or “Beautiful Maiden”:
You have just heard the song “Beautiful Maiden” performed by Bulgaria’s renowned Trakia Folklore Ensemble.
Although deeply rooted in folklore traditions, the ensemble also experiments with musical and dance formats and authors new folklore works. At the end of today’s TOM on Radio Bulgaria, we offer you one of its own works entitled Festive Suite.
Don’t forget to be with us next time for more recordings and news on prominent Bulgarian musicians.
