The final third part of the two-year project “Profession Folklore Musician”, organized by the Bulgarian Music Association, began with emotional meetings and master classes at NUFI “Filip Kutev” in Kotel and NUFI “Shiroka Laka”. The initiative is aimed at high school students who are studying in the field of folklore music. This initiative aims to inspire and present the professional perspectives in this field.

The events, organized by the project leaders and members of the BMA’s Managing Board Dimitar Hristov and Antoanela Petrova, brought together some of the most prominent names in Bulgarian folklore music. The virtuoso musicians Dimitar Hristov – tambourine, conductor of the Bulgarian National Radio Folk Music Orchestra, graduate of the National Institute of Music and Performing Arts “Filip Kutev” in Kotel, Nedyalko Nedyalkov – kaval, winner of the prestigious “Grammy” award, graduate of the National Institute of Music and Performing Arts “Shiroka Laka” in Shiroka Laka, Hristina Beleva – gadulka, graduate of the National Institute of Music and Performing Arts “Filip Kutev” in Kotel, Petyo Kostadinov – bagpipe, graduate of the National Institute of Music and Performing Arts “Filip Kutev” in Kotel, and Petar Milanov – tambourine and guitarist, graduate of the National Institute of Music and Performing Arts in Shiroka Laka. They shared their personal experience, musical techniques and inspiring stories.

The students and teachers at both schools welcomed the team with exceptional hospitality and enthusiasm. We would like to thank Principal Maria Gradeshlieva, Deputy Principal Petar Arkaliev and the teachers Hristina Koycheva (tambourine), Velichka Todorova (gadulka), Ognyan Hristov (kaval), Krasimir Manev (bagpipe), Stoimen Dobrev (orchestra conductor) and Angel Slavov (choir conductor) at the Philip Kutev National Music and Drama School in Kotel.

At the Shiroka Laka National Music and Drama School, the team was also warmly welcomed by Principal Stoyanka Tenova and teachers Gancho Gavazov (gadulka, choir and orchestra conductor), Stefka Gaydeva (tambourine), Alexander Todorov (kaval), Shtilyon Nedelchev (bagpipe) and Stoyan Petkov (chamber music).

After the successful start of this final phase, the project continues with upcoming meetings in Varna and Pleven, which will bring together more musicians, teachers and young talents in the name of preserving and developing the Bulgarian folklore tradition.