Interview with Prof. Dr. Adriana Blagoeva, Classic FM Radio
For the past three decades, the voices of the Sofia Boys’ Choir have been a cherished part of every Christmas. Over the last 30 years, this ensemble—now celebrating a 50-year history—has consistently drawn audiences to commemorate the Nativity and to relive those “popular Christmas songs that always bring a festive and uplifting mood,” as the choir’s conductor, Prof. Dr. Adriana Blagoeva, notes.
The tradition continues this year with the 30th Annual Christmas Concert, scheduled for 25 December 2018 at 6:00 p.m. in Bulgaria Hall. “This is one of the most important concerts of our season,” Blagoeva remarks, while also calling it a “small jubilee celebration,” as it coincides with the choir’s 50th anniversary.
“Our first concert was not originally intended to establish a Christmas tradition—it emerged a little later,” Blagoeva recalls. “The inaugural concert, realized together with the Sofia Chamber Women’s Orchestra under the direction of Rositsa Batalova, was just an idea at the time. Only later did we realize that this could develop into a wonderful tradition for the future.”
For many years, the concerts have been held in Bulgaria Hall, often presented jointly with the Men’s Choir “Kaval” under Maestro Mihail Milkov. “Creating this tradition was never our primary goal—it evolved naturally from our concert activity,” Blagoeva explains.
Another tradition—the Bulgarian caroling tradition—has long been a cornerstone of the choir’s repertoire. This is underscored by the release of the choir’s second Christmas album, titled It’s Christmas!, featuring studio recordings made at the National Music Academy “Prof. Pancho Vladigerov.” The album captures a significant portion of the choir’s unique Christmas repertoire, drawing not only from Bulgaria but also from various musical traditions around the world. It includes characteristic Bulgarian “narichaniya” (traditional festive chants), and the participation of distinguished musicians contributes to the warmth and joy of the season: Atanas Atanasov – organ; Zornitsa Getova – piano; Gergana Ivanova – flute; Valentin Metodiev – oboe; Yavor Dobrev – clarinet; Nikolay Vyazigin – bassoon; Krasimir Kostadinov – French horn; Kiril Petrov – percussion; Quarto Quartet; tenor Nikolay Motsov; and narrator Zheko Bogoslovov. Blagoeva emphasizes that “anyone who loves the musical spirit of Christmas will be fully satisfied” with this new release.
What can audiences expect at the 25 December concert?
Two young musicians have been invited as special guests: soprano Stefanie Krasteva, who will perform as a soloist with the choir, and accordionist Vladan Ivanchev, who will present a contemporary composition for accordion by a Russian composer. “What is important in our Christmas concerts is that we invite performers representing different instruments—it is not always about accompanying the choir,” Blagoeva explains. She particularly highlights Ivanchev’s contribution, noting that “the accordion is not a traditional instrument in concert practice, but it offers many fascinating possibilities.”
The concert program will draw from the choir’s extensive repertoire: Bulgarian caroling traditions, children’s songs for winter and Christmas, Church Slavonic music, premieres of new compositions, and beloved popular Christmas songs. Arrangements by Atanas Atanasov enrich the portion of the program performed alongside a chamber ensemble from the Sofia Philharmonic—“to present once again a beautiful musical bouquet for our audience,” as the conductor remarks.
Listen to the full conversation between Yura Troshanova and Prof. Adriana Blagoeva [here].
Prof. Dr. Adriana Blagoeva on the 30th Christmas Concert of the Sofia Boys’ Choir
“This year, our Christmas concert has a special character – a small jubilee celebration of our Christmas tradition, which has already existed for 30 years. In the program, we have included everything that has been part of our Christmas concerts over the years: the Bulgarian koledarski (caroling) tradition, children’s songs for winter and Christmas, Church Slavonic music, world premieres, as well as beloved popular Christmas songs. Traditionally, the concert will conclude with Franz Gruber’s Silent Night,” says the conductor.
Among the premieres this year is Ave Maria by the Canadian composer and singer Charline Cloze, who will attend the concert in person to hear her composition performed.
Who are the special guest performers in this year’s program?
Special attention is given to two young musicians – soprano Stefanie Krasteva as a soloist with the choir, and accordionist Vladan Ivanchev. Ivanchev will perform part of a contemporary piece written for accordion by a Russian composer, demonstrating the instrument’s possibilities beyond its traditional folkloric context and presenting it as a medium for classical music interpretation.
What role will the chamber ensemble of the Sofia Philharmonic play?
The chamber ensemble of the Sofia Philharmonic will accompany some of the works according to arrangements by Prof. Atanas Atanasov. “For us, it is important to present a rich and diverse program that combines tradition and modernity and brings joy and warmth to our audience,” Prof. Blagoeva emphasizes.
How did the choir’s Christmas tradition begin?
Prof. Blagoeva recounts: “Our first concert was the realization of an idea together with the Sofia Chamber Women’s Orchestra and was not intended as the start of a tradition. But after its success, we decided to make it an annual event. Since then, the concerts have been held on December 25th – initially in the morning, and in recent years, in the evening. Thus, a lasting tradition gradually took shape.”
What is the significance of the caroling tradition in your repertoire and new album?
Prof. Blagoeva highlights the caroling tradition included in the new studio album Christmas is Here!: “The Caroling Suite includes a short series of authentic caroling songs with minimal compositional intervention – arranged by the first generation of Bulgarian composers Petar Boyadzhiev, Alexander Krastev, and Dobri Hristov. These songs represent the verbal diversity of the Bulgarian Christmas tradition – blessings for family, children, animals, fertility, and health.”
The album also includes foreign Christmas compositions with instrumental accompaniment: Quarto Quartet, Atanas Atanasov (organ), Zornitsa Getova (piano), Gergana Ivanova (flute), Valentin Metodiev (oboe), Yavor Dobrev (clarinet), Nikolay Vyazigin (bassoon), Krasimir Kostadinov (French horn), Kiril Petrov (percussion), tenor Nikolay Motsov as a soloist, and the narrator Zheko Bogoslovov.
“Through this album and our concerts, we aim to convey the feeling of homey warmth and festive joy that is the essence of Christmas. Musical tradition, combined with professional performance, creates a fully immersive and inspiring atmosphere for the audience,” concludes Prof. Blagoeva.
