A Week Ago, the Sofia Boys’ Choir Returned from a Successful Tour in Japan
A week ago, the Sofia Boys’ Choir, conducted by Prof. Dr. Adriana Blagoeva and choir pianist Zornitsa Getova, returned from a successful concert tour in Japan (May 28 – June 15). The concerts were organized by the Japan–Bulgaria Association, a Japanese organization for cultural cooperation with our country, along with local committees in Osaka, Hyogo, Nara, Kannami, Mito, Sano, Hamura, Tokorozawa, Fukushima, and Tokyo.
The choir earned the honor of representing Bulgarian musical culture in Japan after a two-stage selection process among 11 ensembles. The idea originated from the Vice President of the Republic of Bulgaria, Mrs. Margarita Popova, following the 2012 “Orpheus in Italy” International Arts Festival held under her patronage in Lido di Jesolo, Venice. It was supported by the Embassy of Japan in Sofia and by the director of Japan–Bulgaria, Mrs. Akiko Igaya. The prize for the winner of the competition was precisely this concert tour in the distant country, where the Sofia Boys’ Choir, under Prof. Blagoeva’s baton, performed examples of medieval Eastern Orthodox music.
Interview with Prof. Blagoeva:
– Prof. Blagoeva, can you share more details about the choir’s tour in Japan?
– The concerts were held in large, prestigious concert halls, most of which had around 1,000 seats. We also gave shorter performances, such as at the Todai-ji Daibutsu-mae temple in Nara, where the choir sang two Bulgarian and two Japanese songs at the base of the Great Buddha statue. We also participated in a morning Mass at a Catholic church in Takanawa, a district of Tokyo, and performed after a ceremony at the Tokiwa Jinja Shinto shrine. In Tokyo, we also sang in the large Catholic cathedral St. Mary’s, where representatives from various diplomatic missions were invited. Between the two parts of the concert—featuring Bulgarian and international music—there was a trombone performance by one of our choristers, Georgi Angelov, an 8th-grade student at the National School of Music in Sofia.
– How many choristers took part in the Japan tour?
– We traveled with our so-called concert ensemble—34 singers from both the boys’ and youth formations. Yasen Zerdev, a former chorister and now a well-known performer, was the soloist. Our youngest participant was 9 years old, and the oldest was 37. Interestingly, most of the concerts featured joint performances with local Japanese choirs. They would sing a few songs before us, followed by our concert program, and at the end, we’d perform one or two Japanese songs and one Bulgarian piece together. It beautifully highlighted the exchange of our cultural traditions.
– There has long been interest in Bulgarian choirs in Japan. Was that still evident?
– Yes, absolutely. In fact, the organizers later shared that the interest was completely justified, which is a high compliment for us. The Executive Director of the Japan–Bulgaria Association, Mrs. Akiko Igaya, mentioned that over 8,000 people attended our concerts. The Bulgarian Ambassador to Japan, Mr. Georgi Vasilev, attended three of them. Moreover, on June 14, a reception was held at our Embassy where the Ambassador awarded certificates to distinguished Japanese contributors to the tour. It was a warm and memorable finale to this major event for all of us.
– Do the Japanese still primarily associate Bulgaria with yogurt?
– Yes, that’s still the first thing that comes to mind. However, Bulgarian musical culture is now a close second, and I’m glad that our choir helped reinforce that image.
– Years ago, it was difficult for a child to join the Sofia Boys’ Choir. Is the selection process still strict?
– (Laughs.) We’re open to everyone who wants to sing in our choir, though we have a minimum age requirement—children must at least be in first grade. Otherwise, anyone who loves singing is welcome.
– Do you observe any differences in children today compared to those 20–30 years ago?
– Our boys aren’t significantly different from other Bulgarian children. Yes, their interests and activities have changed over the years, but what remains constant is their love of singing and their drive to perform. Times change, children evolve, and many factors influence their interests—but the desire to sing and love for music persist and continue to bring them to us.
– Do they struggle to part with their phones and tablets during rehearsals?
– During rehearsals—yes (laughs). Outside of that, they’re very attached to their devices. But I believe this is just a phase we’re clearly seeing now. Hopefully, alongside their love of technology, interest in meaningful things—like art, music, and cultural exchange—will remain just as strong.
– Many experts note that powerful singing voices like those from decades ago are becoming rare. Could this be linked to children’s physical development today?
– Voices are changing, just like the children themselves, and in my opinion, the main reason is accelerated physical development. Yes, I notice changes in their voices, especially in elementary school-aged children. There are still many beautiful voices, of course, but overall, there’s a reduction in vocal range and less vibrant vocal emission.
– Is there a connection between voice and diet, considering how children commonly eat today?
– I’m not sure diet is the main factor, but lifestyle, environment, and vocal hygiene definitely play a role. One major reason is that in early school grades, children don’t sing as much as they used to. Singing is no longer seen as a natural part of their daily life—they listen to music more than they participate in making it.
– Does singing in a choir make children better people?
– Absolutely! The very fact that they are part of a social unit, performing together and forming friendships, offers them something unique compared to school life. Singing in a choir always has a positive impact on a child’s overall development.
– Do you have any advice for today’s parents?
– (Pauses to think.) Just pay attention to whether your child enjoys singing—and if they do, don’t stop them from pursuing music.
– And how can they help children understand what “good” music is?
– That’s a very difficult question. Developing a sense of aesthetic appreciation and understanding beauty in music is a complex process with no simple formula. Typically, children involved in music develop a lasting sense of taste and a good understanding of what is beautiful, worthwhile, and worth listening to—and what is not.
– Is it vacation time now, or do you still have upcoming commitments?
– In early July, we’ll take part in an international choral festival in Çanakkale, Turkey. I hope it will be a successful end to our concert season.
Author: Violeta Tsvetkova
Source: Trud Newspaper
Photo: Archive of the Sofia Boys’ Choir – Vasilka Balevska
