"In the Mirror of Water" is the working title of the short story "Bozhura" by the great master of short story Yordan Yovkov. This is also the name of the premiere performance of the Representative Folklore Ensemble "Shevitsa" which is to be held on April 23 in Hall 1 of the National Palace of Culture on the occassion of the ensemble‘s 10^th anniversary. Virtuoso musician Theodosii Spassov is to make a special guest appearance.

The tragic story of the dark-eyed gypsy Bozhura and the red-haired and lovely Ganila - both in love with reveller Vasilcho, is recreated by choreographer Petar Angelov who plays the lead male character. The music is by composer Dr. Petyo Krastev.  All costumes are authentic and are collected from different parts of the country, explains Petar Angelov.

Petar is the founder of the Folklore Ensemble“Shevitsa”, its artistic director and, as he likes to joke with the 140-member ensemble, its "patriarch". Indeed, patriarch is an appropriate word to describe the family atmosphere in this huge folklore ensemble.

"I bring people together in this team. We don't need singers or dancers - we make them. We gather good-hearted people, people with great souls... to serve as an example", Petar Angelov told radio host Carmen Manoukian from the BNR’s Horizont channel. "That’s why things work out for us. Those who come in the dance hall feel that and they stay because of that family environment", Petar Angelov went on to say.

The expression "behind every successful man, there is a strong woman" applies in full to Petar Angelov and his wife Alina. Alina Malevska-Angelova stands shoulder to shoulder with her husband in the adventure called "Shevitsa". She sings in the ensemble's choir and is a like-minded partner. Their two children Carla and Dalia also sing and dance.

Renowned Bulgarian musician Theodosii Spassov was also impressed by the family atmosphere after his first rehearsal with the female choristers of “Shevitsa”.

"It was a very nice experience. I haven't seen such a numerous women's folk choir in a long time. The sound becomes so rich when many singers sing together. The choir’s conductor Mrs. Chakarova is a graduate of the Academy of Music, Dance and Fine Arts – Plovdiv. I also studied there. The other thing that impressed me is that they are like a family", says Theodosii Spassov.

Petar owns a pizza workshop in central Sofia. Alina Malevska-Angelova is an assistant director at the the Victor Hugo French High School n Sofia. Last year Alina became a laureate of the Order of Academic Palms, a French decoration which recognizes those who have rendered eminent service to French education and have contributed actively to the prestige of French culture. Napoleon first created the palmes académiques as an honorary title to recognize members of the University in 1808. 

The Folklore Ensemble "Shevitsa" uses the funds raised during its performances to develop charitable activity through its foundation "Shevitsa". They have a number of causes, including the restoration of a rock monastery near the village of Karlukovo (Northwestern Bulgaria), the restoration of the monastery "St. Theodore Tyrone" in the village of Zemeritsa, setting up scholarships for gifted children from music schools in Kotel and Shiroka Laka, etc.

The artists will not have any break after the premiere of "In the Mirror of Water". The ensemble's choir is to make a recording for the forthcoming first CD. The dancers, on the other hand, are going on a two-week tour in Lima, Peru, to participate at one of the biggest international festivals.

Editing by: Elizabeth Radkova

English version: Kostadin Atanasov