Bulgaria marks the Day of the National Enlighteners

published on 11/1/15 8:00 AM

Photo: BGNES

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The Day of the National Enlighteners is dedicated to the bright personalities of the Bulgarian history. It was established over a century ago. The holiday is marked on November 1. On the same day the Eastern Orthodoxy honors under the Julian Calendar Saint Ivan of Rila, who is regarded as the patron of the Bulgarian people. His name is mentioned in a series of hymns dedicated to the Day of the National Enlighteners. The first piece in Bulgaria's history created especially for that holiday is named O, Awakeners. The music and the lyrics were written by renowned Bulgarian composer Dobri Hristov. It is to the rendition of the Bulgarian Svetoslav Obretenov Phylharmonic Choir and the Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Georgi Robev.

Over three decades ago conductor Georgi Robev revived some of the oldest choir pieces dedicated to Bulgarian Enlighteners. Unfortunately, the names of some authors are still unknown, but these songs continue to sound on that great day. All recordings included in this article were made with the Bulgarian Svetoslav Obretenov Phylharmonic Choir and the Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra.

The audio file contains the following songs:

1 O, Awakeners

2 Today is a Glorious Day, dedicated to Saints Cyril and Methodius

3 This holiday is a gift to us!

4 Today is a festive day!

5- The Day of the National Enlighteners

English version: Kostadin Atanasov

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