Ambassadors of Bulgarian culture- this is how we call the Bulgarian musicians who gained worldwide recognition. Bulgarian conductor Michael Deltchev who has lived and worked in Denmark for decades is undoubtedly one of them. A few days ago, he joined the diplomatic guild in a very direct sense and was appointed as Honorary Consul of Bulgaria in Denmark. His headquarters will be in the town of Ebeltoft and his consular district covers the Midtjylland region (Central Jutland). The most compact group of Bulgarians in this region is located in the university town of Aarhus, where Bulgarians study under different programmes. Mr. Deltchev learned about the decision of the Bulgarian cabinet and his appointment from the media.
“I knew that the Bulgarian Embassy in Denmark has long been committed to this proposal, but the procedure is long and requires serious checks from both countries. I lead many music formations in Denmark. It is difficult at the moment, because we cannot work. Denmark banned gatherings of more than 10 people. Choirs, orchestras, theatres… and the work of all cultural institutions was temporarily suspended. The quarantine will be lifted on May 10. The primary schools were allowed to reopen in the middle of April. We hope that the universities will soon resume their usual activities as well. I also work with the Swedish folk choir Perunika singing Bulgarian folk music. Sweden has another philosophy with regard to the coronavirus epidemic. Life has hardly changed there, except for some agreements for physical distancing, etc. Mycolleagues and some choir members are constantly sending me photos of people walking in the streets and sitting in restaurants.”
Michael Deltchev leads a number of ensembles in Denmark, including Sedjanka female folklore choir which marked its 25th anniversary last year.
The ladies from the Danish female choir singing modern arrangements of Bulgarian folk songs have participated at various folklore fairs, festivals and concerts in Bulgaria. Conductor Michael Deltchev also works with oratory choir consisting of 42 singers and a chamber vocal ensemble.
They are planning to hold concerts and make studio recordings in June and July. Michael Deltchev and Perunika folk choir will give lectures and hold concerts mainly with Bulgarian folklore songs across the whole Sweden, but everything depends on how quickly they will get back to the normal life. As for his work as a consul, the Bulgarian conductor says the following:
“We are yet to outline the forthcoming tasks, but it is still early to do that in such situation. I hope that we will have the clear picture in the summer and later in the autumn and of course everything will be coordinated with the activities of the Bulgarian embassy. Our main task is to promote our country through joint initiatives and activities. I would like to hear Bulgarian music from all genres. I think that the Bulgarian music is interesting both in its classical and folklore aspect. Unfortunately, the work of our composers in the field of symphonic and chamber music is not well known, but I hope that this will change.”
English version: Kostadin Atanasov
Photos: courtesy of Michael Deltchev
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