Yildiz Ibrahimova, the Big Band of the Bulgarian National Radio and its conductor Antony Donchev gave a concert to their numerous fans on March 13. The program was entitled Orient Express, owing to the presence of the Turkish trio Tanini and the original music presented at Bulgaria Hall in Sofia. The famous jazz singer who has been living in Turkey in the recent years, is often back to her motherland with new ideas and projects. In the meantime, her cooperation with the Bulgarian National Radio Big Band has a long history.

The concert featured various pieces, some with the participation of the Tanini trio. Before the concert Yidiz Ibrahimova said:

„I decided to invite musicians willing to play unusual instruments little known in Bulgaria. I wanted to achieve a mix of ethno, Turkish classical music and jazz. The musicians are some of the best in Turkey. The three of them have broad interests in different genres. Tahir Aydoğdu plays the qanun, a string instrument characteristic of Turkish classical music. Bilgin Canaz is the master of ney, a wind instrument with a mystical sound. In the past it was used in religious practices and has recently been employed by various formations for contemporary music. Hakan Ali Toker is a pianist with classical schooling in Turkey and later in USA where he specialized in classical music and jazz.”

“In 2015”, Yildiz Ibrahimova goes on to say, “I am looking forward to other appearances in Bulgaria. Last year I started a project with the Philharmonic Orchestra of Razgrad and the trio of Ivo Papazov. We gave concerts in several towns. This year we continue by touring Varna, Plovdiv and Sofia. I have received an invitation from the International Bansko Jazz Festival where I am taking part with the Big Band of Turkey's Air Force. Last week I had a concert with that superb band. After Bansko I am going to join the Nisville Festival in Nis. I believe it will be curious for both Bulgarian and Serbian audiences to listen to our program.”

English Daniela Konstantinova