On May 15 composer Marek Dyakov will be presenting a selection of his works at the National Children’s Palace in Sofia. The event is part of an initiative called “Master class for enlighteners” launched by the National Informal Education Network. Having been created in 2013, the network brings together people and organizations endeavouring to assert what is known as information learning and education, as an integral part of the national system of education. It is coordinated by the Sofia University Centre for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation in Informal Education. The idea is to give support to people and projects presenting the achievements of the national spirit.

Here is more about the concert from Marek Dyakov:

“The “Master class for enlighteners” is organized together with the National Children’s Palace in Sofia. The invitation I was extended to present works of mine there is a great honour. I have included a selection of works based on folklore because that is precisely the aim of the initiative – to give artistes who have kept Bulgarian tradition alive an opportunity to present their works to the public. The participants include ensembles and performers I have worked with for many years – the children from the National Children’s Palace’s Budniche dance ensemble, the Bulgarani dance ensemble, singer Ivelina Dimova from the Dobroudja region. As a composer I have worked with different groups. I am conductor of Gotse Delchev – the oldest folklore ensemble in the country which will mark its 70^th anniversary at the end of May.”

Marek Dyakov’s career has always been entirely dedicated to music and folklore art. Born in Southwestern Bulgaria, he grew up in the beautiful town of Silistra on the Danube. He started out as a dancer with the Dobroudja ensemble in Dobrich. Gradually his skills as accordion player grew. Marek Dyakov is founder of the accordion playing club at the National Children’s Palace where he lectures to this day. In the course of five years he worked with Bulgarian communities abroad. In that time he set up a choir in Moldova – Rodolyubets – which has won numerous choir competitions and festivals in this country and across Europe.

English version: Milena Daynova