The Sonic Icons of Stefan Dragostinov

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Stefan Dragostinov writes in various genres - orchestral, chamber, instrumental and choral music, pop songs, ballet, theater and film music. He produces the recordings of his albums combined in the series "The Key to the Mystery" and "The Sonic Icons of Bulgaria". He is also the conductor of the Dragostinfolk ensemble founded by him that makes the recordings.

Prof. Dragostinov was a student of some of the most renowned Bulgarian composers with whom he started taking lessons in theory and composition at 12 years of age. He graduated from the National Music School in Sofia, studied for two years at the National Music Academy but graduated from the Conservatory of St. Petersburg (Leningrad at the time).

© Photo: ubc-bg.com
"Some time ago, when I was asked this question, I started with my professors Pancho Vladigerov, Asen Karastoyanov, and Alexander Raichev", Dragostinov said in the interview he gave for Radio Bulgaria. "I was back to those wonderful years in Leningrad with Professor Boris Arapov. Today, already a little older, I want to tell about my first teachers whom I remember with joy. It is very important who holds your hand when you learn how to walk, and I was fortunate to come across "good people" in my first steps. Sonia Jeleva introduced me to the world of music. She showed me not only the white and black keys of the piano, but also all extremely interesting colors of music. She taught me my first lessons in harmony and polyphony. Later she took me to our great teacher Lydia Kuteva. Then my memories of Yanka Tsvetanova, my first teacher in school, intertwine with the picture of Sofia’s district Lozenets, where I spent my childhood. Low houses, green plots, plenty of sunshine - it was nice and clean. Mrs. Tsvetanova often said to my father: "Big things are in store for this boy if he takes the right road." She meant that I loved to play with the neighborhood pranksters. I was kicking the ball, chasing birds, and playing marbles. At the same time I loved playing the piano. That was my childhood."

In the period 1974 – 1994, Stefan Dragostinov worked in the Philip Kutev National Folklore Ensemble. Here are some of his recollections from that period in his life:

"The ensemble was a big step in my life, metaphorically speaking. It is hard for me to speak from hindsight because my memories are quite contradictory. I approached the work of the founder with the idea to continue it. Philip Kutev for me is a "trademark", a preserved strand of tradition. Before I took the lead of the ensemble as its artistic director, I worked as its chief conductor. I’ve always felt tremendous respect for folklore and for what has been done before us. The time with the ensemble brought me many good creative moments. Especially during that unforgettable tour in Japan in 1991, where we recorded the first CDs of the group. According to official figures, over 2 million copies were sold. Following the changes in the political system in this country in 1989, changes occurred also in the cultural situation. The ways of management were transformed. I parted with the ensemble and created Dragostinfolk - a formation which continues today."

About two years ago, Dragostinfolk represented Bulgaria at one of the largest choral competitions in the world where it took the second prize.

"We participated in the competition of the BBC in London "Let the Peoples Sing” which is a "benchmark" for all choirs in the world. We were delighted to find ourselves in this place. This happened with the exclusive support of the management of the Bulgarian National Radio. The second place was somewhat disappointing for us, but we had moments of indescribable happiness on the stage. It is known that at some of the competitions held before an audience, applause is prohibited. I still remember the listeners in the hall in Croatia, Estonia and other countries. In order not to break the rules, they applauded us by touching their hands quickly and without making a sound. This is something you can never forget!”

In recent years, Professor Dragostinov has been actively engaged in teaching at New Bulgarian University and the National Music School in Sofia. He tells us more about his students, their attitude towards contemporary music, and their achievements in the field of composition.

"The system that New Bulgarian University uses appeals to me strongly. The students have their duties, but the teacher is the one who has to motivate their efforts and interest. This gives birth to a great friendship and the fruit of those relationships of which the ancient Greeks spoke. In a sense, teacher and student are aligned in importance. Three of my students brought the NBU and Bulgaria 11 major awards. I also teach chamber music ensembles in the Lyubomir Pipkov National School of Music. And recently I had the idea to set up Dragostinfolk Junior composed of the most talented young singers from the school and NBU. I rely entirely on their own feeling for the music we perform."

English version: Rossitsa Petcova

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The Sonic Icons of Stefan Dragostinov

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