Kaval player Nedyalko Nedyalkov performs with multinational orchestra at refugee camp in Calais, France

published on 4/19/16 12:34 PM

Nedyalkov in the "Calais Jungle"

Photo: courtesy of Nedyalko Nedyalkov

Renowned Bulgarian kaval player Nedyalko Nedyalkov took part in the concert programme presented in the biggest refugee camp in Europe near Calais, France. The idea belongs to Jordi Savall, Spanish conductor, viola da gamba player and composer who gained world renown with his interest in medieval, Renaissance and Baroque music.

Somewhere, perf. by Nedyalko Nedyalkov

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Savall has a Grammy to his name for one of his projects in this sphere. Savall is conductor of the multinational orchestra Nedyalko Nedyalkov performs with, alongside musicians from Greece, Israel, Syria and other countries. The orchestra repertoire features traditional music from Bulgaria, Spain, Morocco, Turkey, Syria, Lebanon. Days before going to the “Calais jungle” as the encampment is called, the musicians got together for one of their customary concerts in Europe - this time in Bruges, Belgium. At Calais the orchestra performed their programme twice - at the refugee camp and at the concert hall in the town.

“There are 3,500 - 5,000 refugees, coming from different countries living in the “Calais jungle,” Nedyalko says. “We first went round the camp which is divided up into different sectors. We met and talked to people. Then we played under a canopy - the place the refugees have their meals. Of course, music transforms the atmosphere completely, but I can't stop thinking about these people - such a sad story.”

Each one of the soloists performed pieces from their own national culture. Nedyalko Nedyalkov played two of his own folk-based compositions which he has not even recorded yet.