The centenary of the birth of Dafo Trendafilov /17.01.1919 - 4.12.2010/ is one of the occasions to express our gratitude for the trail he left. His music instantly touches the soul and takes you to the beauties of the Rhodope Mountains. Dafo Trendafilov's melodies are examples of the original bagpipe style that has been transferred from generation to generation for centuries. Trendafilov is a recognized doyen of the "old school" of the Rhodope “kaba” (low-tone) bagpipe, typical of this region. In his lifetime he became the initiator of holidays related to the favorite instrument.

Born in the village of Gela, Dafo Trendafilov started playing the bagpipe at the age of 14, being a shepherd in the meadows. True happiness for the young musician meant having his own bagpipe, made by great craftsman Todor Shishkov from the village of Solishta. Trendafilov played this bagpipe for the rest of his life. He used to be honorable guest at local gatherings and weddings. Dafo Trendafilov was also the first teacher of the first class of boys in the Shiroka Laka National School of Folk Arts. This turned out to be an extraordinary chance for young talents to learn the subtleties of playing the ancient instrument. Dafo Trendafilov spent 20 years teaching and is co-founder of the folklore ensemble, headed by Manol Radichev in his native village. The famous musician had performed at a number of concerts and was an honorary chairman of the jury of the Ilinden bagpipe competition in Gela. Dafo Trendafilov is a recognized master in the making of bagpipes, many of which are owned by foreigners who are enthusiastic about Bulgarian folklore.

His daughter Stefka Ivanova shared with Radio Bulgaria some remarkable memories:

“Yes, he was a wonderful person for us, and for the others he was a broad-minded person. There is a photo that best shows this - he has his arms stretched, holding the bagpipe with one. He never refused to play, whether in front of 2 or 20 people. Once, two or three families came to our home and when he started playing, the people stood up and started singing as if they were listening to the anthem. Special groups used to come from Pamporovo to see him. He loved his bagpipe very much. He crossed half of Europe with it. During his absence, our mother replaced him in the agricultural work and all the family used to help. In our home, after dinner we were used to play ‘horo’ in the yard. Once, friendly families came to Gela. We decided to go to Karlak (the other name of Mount Orpheus, the second highest in the Rhodope Mountains). Urban people reached the middle of the road while my husband and dad, who was at the age of 70, were already at the top. There, on the horizon, we saw two figures, and heard the sound of the bagpipe in the distance. Then my dad told me, ‘I wanted to play where I started.’ Indeed, as a child he first started playing music in the mountain. He was a remarkable man…”

For the upcoming bagpipe gathering and competition, which is traditionally held in the summer in Gela, a solemn celebration of the 100th anniversary of the famous musician's birthday has been planned. His close friends hope that by that time the biographical book about Dafo Trendafilov, with author being his daughter Velichka Stamenova, who collected family memories and photos of the legendary folk musician, would be published.

English: Alexander Markov