The “Slavey” female folk quartet (meaning “nightingale” in Bulgarian) was created in 1991 by Bulgarian folk singer Nadka Karadzhova. Along with her, part of the quartet initially were her daughter Svetla, Stoyana Lalova and Liliana Galevska. They are all soloists of the world-famous Philip Kutev National Folklore Ensemble.

Here is what Svetla Karadzhova told Radio Bulgaria:

"When I was a little girl my mother was always touring with the Philip Kutev ensemble and I often missed her. Her concert tours lasted for 2-3 months. When she came home she used to tell me about the countries she visited and the concert halls in which she performed. Perhaps creating the Slavey quartet was a kind of compensation for all the time we were separated. Thanks to our French impresario Emmanuel Martelly we had concerts all over the world. We were constantly together and managed to catch up on time we missed together.”

Here is what Liliana Galevska told us:

"The Slavey Quartet is my life. Great Nadka Karadzhova created it 25 years ago and we have been together to this very day. Unfortunately, she left this world too early. She was a good friend of mine and I miss her a lot. We created good professional discipline in the quartet and maybe that's why we managed to keep it alive. I am glad that there are young people who like our performances and want to follow in our footsteps."

The repertoire of the folk quartet includes works by some of the best Bulgarian composers like Philip Kutev, Kosta Kolev, Krasimir Kyurkchiyski and others. One of their famous songs is "Neno, le.”

Perfect polyphonic performances combined with great artistry, musical precision, warmth and love are characteristic of the Slavey Quartet.

The quartet has had the opportunity to work with the best folk musician. Some of their most loved songs were recorded together with the Folk Music Orchestra of the Bulgarian National Radio.

These days in addition to Svetla Karadzhova and Liliana Galevska, two young folk talents are also part of the quartet - Christina Karamfilova and Vanya Vakari.

Together they continue to spread the beauty of Bulgarian folklore throughout the world. They have an innovative approach towards folk music and keep working with some of the most talented professionals. Their latest recordings were done together with one of the biggest Bulgarian wedding bands "Kanarite." Two of their joint compositions are dedicated to the founder of the Slavey quartet, Nadka Karadzhova - one of the brightest performers of folklore songs from the Pazardzhik region.

English: Alexander Markov