For the first time the forum will also feature a round table on “Bulgarian folklore – history and modernity” scheduled for 14, November. The participants include composer Vladimir Panchev, Prof. Dr. Elisaveta Vulchinova from New Bulgarian University, Prof. Krassimir Petrov and Svetla Karadjova, daughter of famed folk singer Nadka Karadjova, who is chair of the organizing committee and also chief organizer of the event. She lectures at Kliment Ohridski University, Sofia and performs to this day with the Nightingale quartet, founded by her mother.

“The round table is on 14, November at 4 PM, at the Krasno Selo municipal cultural centre” says Svetla Karadjova. “Alongside the other discussions, Prof. Vulchinova will be presenting the work of Vladimir Panchev who has been living in Austria for many years. Yosif Radionov, Angel Stankov, Albena Naydenova and others will lend colour to the theoretical part of the forum with their performances. The Nightingale quartet will sing a fascinating authentic song that is part of the wedding ritual in Northwestern Bulgaria. The contest itself is on 21 and 22 November in five age groups. The number of participants has been growing steadily with the youngest being the most numerous. This shows that we, music teachers from all over the country, have been going in the right direction. When my mother founded Nightingale I regarded our work together with the quartet as something of a compensation for my childhood, when she was constantly away, touring with the Filip Kutev ensemble. For years we performed on stage together, and now, with a great deal of love, I have been continuing her work.”

Svetla Karadjova added that it was her desire to make this context different from other folklore events. She set herself the task of offering the new talents she discovers an opportunity to unfold their gift. Last year the Bulgarian community in Chicago founded a fund to assist young talents, named after Nadka Karadjova. In 2014 our compatriots offered scholarships to seven of the contest winners, this year the scholarships will be nine. Who will be the lucky winners – that is something we shall find out on 22 November.

English version: Milena Daynova