- country:Bulgaria
- region:Balkan
- style(s):Folk, World
- label:Kvz Music Ltd.
- type:Large Ensemble
- gender:female
- instrumentation:vocal, a cappella
- artist posted by:Kvz Music Ltd.
Line up
- Nadezhda Ivanova (conductor)
Links
Cosmic Voices from Bulgaria is a professional female folk choir founded in the spring of 1994 by producer Emil Minev (1949-2012).
From its creation to this day this musical project shines among the brightest representatives of Bulgarian art on the world culture stage. The choir has become a tradition, kept by generations of authors and artists; a tradition that bonds the Bulgarian folklore and its characteristic sound with the endless variety of existing musical styles and trends. After the passing of producer Minev, the project’s development has been continued by his daughter Elena Mineva-Pierlot, as well as by delegated producer Stoyan Jelev.
The choir’s singers master in the stylistic diversity and sonority of folk singing from all ends of Bulgaria. These are some of the best soloists and performers in the country. The special attention and care delegated both to the talented voices’ selection and to the work process build the quality of the artistic product and shape its specific sound.
Cosmic Voices from Bulgaria’s repertoire represents a musical palette of bright Bulgarian folklore songs emblematic to choir artistry, composed by acclaimed artists and young arrangers, authentic and adapted Bulgarian folklore, orthodox chanting, contemporary pieces, as well as theatre and film music.
Cosmic Voices from Bulgaria possesses a rich artistic history. The choir has participated in numerous musical festivals and film productions:
- Apollonia Festival of Arts - Sozopol, Bulgaria
- Split Jazz Festival – Split, Croatia;
- World Folklore Festival – Beijing, China;
- “Voice Mania” Festival – Vienna, Austria;
- 22nd International Festival “Gaude Mater” – Chesnokova, Poland;
- Film by Dimitar Sharkov, produced by BNT;
- Film by Uliyana Mateva, produced by BNT;
- Film by English composer Howard Goodall, dedicated to choir art around the world, aired on the UK Channel 4.
The choir has performed at international cultural forums in France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Belgium, Israel, Japan, India, etc.
During the years, Cosmic Voices from Bulgaria has built on its experience and confidence thanks to collaborations with many outstanding artists and composers. Among them are: Vanya Moneva (the choir’s first director), Krassimir Kyurkchiyski, Prof. Alexander Tekeliev, Acad. Nikolai Kaufman, Prof. Stefan Dragostinov, Christian Kolonovich, Ikuko Kawai, Theodosii Spassov, Nadka Karadjova, Stoyana Lalova, Pavlina Gorcheva, Boyka Prisadova, Yanka Taneva, Lilyana Galevka, Tzvetanka Varimezova, opera singers Vesselina Katzarova and Ina Kancheva.
The first album of the Cosmic Voices – “The Choice”, came out in 1994. It marked the beginning of the many more recordings:
- “Jewish Songs” - 1996;
- “Sweet Separation” – 1998, inspired by text of Bengali philosopher Caitanya Mahaprabhu, music by Darko Stanojkovski;
- “Malka Moma” – 2001, music by Theodossii Spassov;
- “Orthodox Chant” – 2001;
- “Sweet Separation” – 2006;
- “Bulgarian Soul”(feat. opera singer Vesselina Katzarova) – 2002, won Album of the Year award of BNR’s Allegro Vivace;
- “The European Anthems” – 2005;
- “Bulgarian Choral Folk Songs vol. 1” – 2006;
- “Bulgarian Choral Folk Songs vol. 2” – 2006;
- "Slavonic Orthodox Chant (live)" -2012;
- Recordings for animated movie with music by Japanese composer Yoko Kano;
- Recordings for film music by English composer Dominic Collins;
- Recording of soundtrack for the movie“Nomad” – composer Carlo Siliotto.
Cosmic Voices from Bulgaria’s music is available at the leading online shops.
Today, the choir of Cosmic Voices from Bulgaria, under the direction of Nadejda Ivanova, embodies the vigor of the eternally young Bulgarian folk song. Inspired by the infinite diversity of Bulgarian culture and drawing on the powerful energy that accompanies every new beginning, their performances become an emotional journey, an expression of the spirit and a recreation of the innermost feelings and thoughts of our predecessors. The richness and mellifluence of the sound bring exceptional pleasure and quickly become an unforgettable experience. The love for both art and folklore, the high professionalism and amazing dedication of the performers succeed in preserving and promoting the Bulgarian folklore, which is an infinite and immeasurable world cultural heritage. Cosmic Voices from Bulgaria are internationally managed by KVZ Music Ltd.